Freehold Resident to Play Lead Role In The Who's Tommy

Freehold resident Randy Cooper will be playing a lead role in Phoenix Productions’ upcoming July revival of Tommy, by the Who. This show will take place at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank for a two-weekend run beginning July 15th.

Randy is a well-known actor and member of the Stonehurst community, having lived in Freehold for 25 years. A familiar friend to the Phoenix family and Count Basie stage, Randy played Pilate in last season’s highly-acclaimed Jesus Christ Superstar. Randy also appeared in the first Off-Broadway production of Tommy (held at Phoenix), where he played Captain Walker. “It was the 90s, we were having a heck of a lot of fun -- it was a rocking show”. Phoenix’s upcoming production of Tommy proves to hold the same potential, though Randy returns in a different role.

In Tommy, Randy plays Uncle Ernie, one of the family members that takes advantage of poor Tommy when he’s deaf, dumb and blind..“It’s weird and it's creepy, I had to go places in my mind that are places you probably shouldn't go, but that’s acting, it’s about creating a character.” Randy accomplishes the difficult feat of making Ernie likeable and appealing to an audience in his charismatic approach to the role. “The way the character is played is half loyal brother and family member, and half circus clown, carnival barker, slick salesman. I think Ernie is likeable in a weird kind of way because people don't know his dark evil side, and that’s the part you want to play on the surface, that happy go lucky ‘everybody’s friend, everybody's buddy’ kind of a character.”

Based on the iconic 1969 rock concept album by The Who, Tommy tells an exhilarating tale of hope, healing, and the human spirit. The story of the pinball-playing, deaf, dumb, and blind boy who triumphs over his adversities. Featuring the music of one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, Tommy has inspired, amazed, and puzzled audiences for nearly 50 years. Winning five Tony Awards and six Drama Desk awards, this show is a high – energy, one-of-a-kind theatrical event.

Performances will be on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm, with its run concluding on July 24th. Tickets are available at the Count Basie Theatre Box Office and can be purchased in person at 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, N.J, by phone at 732-842-9000, or online at www.countbasietheatre.org .

Phoenix Productions is a non-profit community theatre organization that has produced more than a hundred full-scale revivals of Broadway musicals since 1988. For more information on Phoenix Productions or upcoming shoes, please visit www.phoenixredbank.com