Review: 'The Who's Tommy' at Seven Angels

Waterbury, CT - “WOW!”

This is the word that Seven Angels’ photographer Gary Rosengrant suggested I use for my review of THE WHO’s TOMMY that opened officially at the Waterbury theater on Saturday evening. The adjective perfectly describes my reaction to the opening night performance, but the stellar production most certainly requires a more in-depth critique.

THE WHO’S TOMMY features a book by Des McAnuff and Pete Townsend and is based upon the iconic 1969 rock concept album. The memorable rock music and lyrics that were written by Mr. Townsend, with additional music and lyrics by John Entwistle and Keith Moon, drives this story of hope, healing and the human spirit. This five-time Tony Award-winning musical was translated to the stage by theatrical wizard, Des McAnuff.

The tale of the pinball-playing deaf, dumb and blind boy who triumphs over his many adversities continues to inspire audiences as the 50th anniversary of the albums’ release date will be marked in May. The sung-through rock opera is a one-of-a-kind theatrical event that is a challenge to launch for any venue. The Seven Angels production meets the technical and musical challenges, and the performance exhilarated the opening night audience, although patrons had to hold their applause until intermission and the final curtain call to show their appreciation to the cast and musicians.

The Seven Angels production is directed and choreographed by Janine Molinari, who directed JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and ROCK AND ROLL REDEMPTION at 7A. Ms. Molinari, the artistic director of Dance Molinari NYC/LA/CHI, created amazing stage pictures for every scene, assisted mightily by the lighting design of Doug Harry, and designed exciting choreography to match. Kudos to all of the dancers for not only keeping up but shining in every move. Associate director was the fabulous James Donohue and Boe Wank served as assistant choreographer.

Click for more photos of THE WHO'S TOMMY at Seven Angels.

Brent Crawford Mauldin, who holds an MM in music direction from Arizona State University, is finishing his second season at Seven Angels as music director. He both conducted and played keyboard with the outstanding six-piece orchestra. His associate conductors include Mark Ceppetelli (on keyboard two,) Dan Pardo, and TJ Thompson. The talented musicians sounded amazing and many patrons remained at their seats to cheer for them after the final note.

Matt Martin worked overtime as resident sound designer and the climbable set was designed by Daniel Husvar. The period costumes designed by Ethan Henry brought us to the era of the album. Fine graphics and pictures showed the progression of time and there was the requisite full-length mirror.

And the cast that came together for only 14 days to prepare the show….Led by Equity member Garrison Carpenter as the oldest Tommy, the cast is composed of stars. Mr. Carpenter holds a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Florida State University and his voice took the audience on an “Amazing Journey” throughout his performance, sometimes while climbing the scenery at the sides of the stage.

Equity member Keisha Gilles, a Hartt School grad who appeared on Broadway in BOOK OF MORMON as well as its national tour, displayed another amazing voice in her role as The Gypsy/Acid Queen. And how she rocked a sparkly costume that created a shiny effect around her as she performed.

Jillian Jarrett, another Equity member, who appeared as Paulette in the tour of LEGALLY BLONDE, returned to 7A to play Mrs. Walker. She embodied Tommy’s mother with her fine acting and lovely singing voice. Equity’s Ryan Bauer-Walsh, who earned his BFA at Hartt, took on the demanding role of Captain Walker. Adam Ross Glickman, an Equity member, joined the cast at the last minute to play the creepy Uncle Ernie and pulled it off.

RJ Vercellone, who I have seen in MAKE BELIEVE and A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Hartford Stage, made his cute as a button 7A debut in the role of the four-year-old Tommy. Brendan Reilly Harris (THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, OLIVER at Goodspeed, CHRISTMAS CAROL at Hartford Stage, MARY POPPINS, NEWSIES, THE WHO’S TOMMY at the Warner) added to his credits in the role of ten-year-old Tommy. Both young actors that are Equity Membership Candidates performed very well in every way.

Equity member Richie Barrella stepped out of the ensemble to play a hawker and Will K. Carey played a medical specialist in his 7A debut. Jackson Mattek, a NYC-based actor and musician, did very well as the creepy Cousin Kevin and Rachel Oremland made her 7A debut in the role of the lovely Sally Simpson. Ensemble member Brittany Mulcahy (BEEHIVE, SEUSSICAL and THE BIKINIS at 7A) is the Sally understudy.

Members of the memorable ensemble included Ryan Borgo, Hartt School graduate Eileen Cannon, Dean Cestari (MAMMA MIA at ACT of CT,) Bobby Earl Henry, Tony LeLonde, Peter Reid Lambert, Diane L. Magas (LEGALLY BLONDE at 7A,) Robert Melendez (JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, TRAV’LIN at 7A,) Patti Paganucci (BEEHIVE and LEGALLY BLONDE,) Kevin L. Scarlett (JCS,) Madeline Tommins, and Justin Torres (Cousin Kevin in TOMMY with Landmark Community Theatre.)

TOMMY is part of a community collaborative with Actor’s Equity Association (AEA,) the union of professional actors. As a professional AEA theatre, Seven Angels is the only theatre in the region that can audition, cast and give opportunity for local CT actors to enroll in the Equity Membership program and participate in a professional Equity production working with New York directors, choreographers, music directors and designers. - Artistic Director Semina De Laurentis

The opening night post-show reception allowed patrons to congratulate the cast members and featured delicious Chinese Chicken Salad and berry shortcake with whipped cream by caterer Ralph Cantito.

This production of one of my favorites is a must-see. It is truly a “Sensation.” Don’t miss it. THE WHO’S TOMMY runs at Seven Angels Theatre through May 19, 2019 at 2:00 pm.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.