Tommy

Tommy
Equinox Theatre
Bug Theatre
Denver, CO
January 7 - February 4, 2017

Tommy is an ambitious project for an intimate theater to take on. Equinox Theater was created a memorable show. The story is somewhat choppy which is due to it's concept album roots. The atmosphere felt like a rock concert. The music was loud, but concert decibels, Although at times soloists were difficult to hear.

The cast was young, but talented. They made quick transitions form scene to scene. And there were enough people to made the scenes feel full of people. Mrs. Walker was a standout and Uncle Ernie gave you the creeps from the very beginning. His "Holiday Camp" number was enough to make you want to take a shower. Casting a female actor as Cousin Kevin didn't really work. The performance was fine, but the gender change created confusion where there shouldn't have been any.

The set was simple – a large backdrop made to look like a war themed pinball machine. It had limited use – it created a small playing space above the heads of the other actors. The scoreboard served as a calendar with cast members changing the year as the show went on. The lights on the machine was a fun touch during the scenes where Tommy played pinball.

The costumes stood out throughout the first act. The small ensemble changed outfits often and with breathtaking speed. The impressive changes did not carry through to Act Two, however. The ensemble wore the same clothing throughout. Even when they portrayed members of the media they only added hats. The war uniforms were believable enough and with each scene the costumes reflected the time period.

Particularly effective was the use of color throughout. The ensemble wore bright and vibrant colors. In contrast, Tommy wore drab browns and greys through his catatonic state. And when he emerges and reclaims his life, he wore a snazzy silver suit – a  reminder of the silver ball he clung to in his childhood.

The story is ultimately one of love and redemption. Tommy's transitions and ultimate forgiveness was powerful. Despite the very dark themes throughout, the light at the end made the journey worthwhile.