Listening to you, I get the music: Forestburgh Playhouse nails ‘Tommy’

JONATHAN CHARLES FOX
Posted 8/21/12

“See me, feel me, touch me, heal me.” Those words, penned by Pete Townshend for inclusion in The Who’s iconic rock opera titled “Tommy” have stood the test of time and become part of the …

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Listening to you, I get the music: Forestburgh Playhouse nails ‘Tommy’

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“See me, feel me, touch me, heal me.” Those words, penned by Pete Townshend for inclusion in The Who’s iconic rock opera titled “Tommy” have stood the test of time and become part of the lexicon of the ‘60s generation. In the years that followed, Townshend’s lyrics have moved millions as the studio album, first released in 1969, morphed into an extensive tour, which included a live version of the double-album, a Seattle Opera production in 1971, an orchestral version by Lou Reizner in 1972, a film in 1975 and a Broadway musical in 1992. The original album has sold more than 20 million copies and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. I’m not sure that Forestburgh Playhouse producer Franklin Trapp has fully capitalized on the fact that The Who performed “See Me, Feel Me,” followed by a refrain of “Listening to You,” just a few miles from where his cast is now performing the musical, down the road a piece at a little Music Festival called Woodstock, but they did; and once again, those words and that music is filling the air nightly in Sullivan County.

In his ongoing quest to produce shows that have never been seen before in Forestburgh, Trapp knew that he was taking a chance this season. But this incredibly successful production has proven that risk-taking is worthwhile. When I saw the show last Thursday, I was mesmerized—not only by the genius of the original work, but also by the sights, the sounds and the glittering cast that brings the story of a “deaf, dumb, and blind kid” to life every night, exposing a new generation to a brilliant example of what the Playhouse is capable of producing on a small stage, in a charming barn theatre, in the middle of a forest.

According to Wikipedia, “‘Tommy’ has never had a definitive plot,” but I beg to differ. While the story may be difficult to decipher for those experiencing an un-inspired production, such is not the case at the Forestburgh Playhouse, and the cast, led by Meghann Dreyfuss (Mrs. Walker) Leland Burnett (Captain Walker) Kevin Loreque (Uncle Ernie), Dan Maldonado (Cousin Kevin) and Nia Coleman (The Acid Queen) are all, in a word, incandescent. These performers have voices that rise above the ordinary, and under the masterful musical direction of Nicholas Place, soar into the stratosphere where the air is rarified. Since the score of “Tommy” is so special, it needs special care, and Dave Sanford’s sound design is flawless, allowing the actor/singers to shine under the inspired lighting design created by Aaron Porter, as they strut their stuff on a stunning stage designed by Tim Golebiewski.

The director/choreographer has not missed one beat, nor one step, in her attention to detail, and partnered with costume designer Ashleigh Poteat and the entire design team, has managed to create absolutely gorgeous moments throughout the entire show. While there must have been intense pressure to do justice to The Who, Townshend and the incredible score, another “miracle in the forest” has taken place as five (count ‘em!) people, including conductor Nicholas Place, fill the theatre nightly with precision and detail, allowing the performers, including a remarkably on-point ensemble, to glow. The supporting players are fantastic and the choral work superlative, with a special shout-out to Steven Telsey (who plays multiple roles), whose voice stands out above the crowd—no mean feat.

For those who remember Tina Turner for her cameo as the film version’s Acid Queen: your impression will change when you see and hear Coleman’s rendition. Youngsters Alicia Scalli and Morgan Frey (as the four- and 10-year-old Tommy, respectively) are pitch-perfect. And then there’s the “Pinball Wizard” himself: Jarrad Biron Greene (Tommy). The all-important title role demands perfection, and much of the success of the production sits squarely on the shoulders of whoever plays the role, but Greene is beyond up to the challenge and his performance, much of which is silent, is simply amazing. Upon seeing the show, the audience understands why the little boy is struck dumb, but by the time he is able to speak, I was already in love with him. Greene’s glorious voice soars to the rafters with great nuance, incredible emotion and extraordinary clarity.

I know I’ve overlooked some performers, but with more than 20 on stage, and 30-plus musical numbers, there is simply not enough space on the page to wax rhapsodic about them all. Suffice it to say that The Who’s “Tommy,” now live on stage at The Forestburgh Playhouse, is a triumph, and I was all but struck dumb myself by its sheer perfection. If you want to see it and feel it for yourself; there is still time to take the “amazing journey” that is this glorious production. For more information on the theatre and this magnificent theatrical experience, visit www.FBPlayhouse.org or call 845/794-1194.

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