Eatontown Resident to Play Title Role In The Who's Tommy

Eatontown resident Jonathan Jacob will be playing the title 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.

Jonathan is a well-known actor and member of the Eatontown community. Originally hailing from Brick, NJ, Jonathan splits his time between working and performing in New Jersey and Manhattan. He is represented by Marianne Leone at Terrific Talent Agency in New York City. When not performing, Jonathan passes on his passion through teaching dance and gymnastics, and is a popular server at multiple McLoone’s restaurant locations. A familiar friend to the Phoenix family and Count Basie stage, this is Jonathan’s eighth Phoenix production, and his first lead. He most recently wowed audiences as a dancer in April’s production of The Little Mermaid.

In Tommy, Jonathan plays the title role of a child who sees a horrible event and effectively goes deaf, dumb, and blind, only finding solace and redemption from becoming a master of pinball. “It’s so different to be in a title role and hear the ensemble backing me up and dancing around me”, Jonathan happily exclaims. “I’m so excited for them, for us, and to tell this story from hearing me as a narrator and being deaf, dumb, and blind, to becoming free and being able to forgive.”

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