The Who’s Tommy is now showing at The Denver Center for the Performing Arts. The Who’s Tommy is a live musical based off of The Who’s iconic 1969 rock concept album. Tommy takes the audience through the years of change experienced by one boy.
Disclosure: Denver Center for the Performing Arts provided us with media tickets in exchange for our honest review, no other compensation has been provided. All opinions are my own.
Date Night To See – The Who’s Tommy
From the time we saw an advertisement for The Who’s Tommy at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Jeremy has be been counting down the days for our chance to see it. I am not sure if I have mentioned what a music buff Jeremy is before but it is true. Music is what gets him through his days. He loves exploring new music but especially loves listening to the classics. The Who being one of those classics that he loves and has already introduced the kids too.
When I told Jeremy that we would have the opportunity to see Tommy for a date night he was so excited. He remembers watching the movie and listening to the Tommy album growing up. We were excited to head to the DCPA and enjoy a kid free night at the theater.
About The Who’s Tommy
Based on The Who’s iconic 1969 rock concept album, Tommy is an exhilarating musical about the challenges of self-discovery and the resilience of the human spirit. When young Tommy retreats into a world of darkness and silence after a deeply traumatic incident, he must navigate a harsh and unforgiving world with no hope of recovery. But when he discovers a newfound talent for pinball, he’s swept up in the fame and fortune of his success. Tommy and his family give new voice to The Who’s classic stadium rock as they navigate the troubles and joys of being alive.
The Who are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, and together with La Jolla Playhouse’s then-Artistic Director Des McAnuff, they wrote the Tony Award-winning Tommy. Director Sam Buntrock has been nominated for Tony, Olivier and Drama Desk awards for his innovative work in theatre, film and animation. His edgy style was last seen on our stage when he directed Frankensteinin 2016, and he will reunite with Frankenstein Scenic Designer Jason Sherwood for this musical.
Producing Partners: Kristin and Jim Bender, Ruth Krebs and Peter Mannetti
General Information about The Who’s Tommy
Run Time: Approximately one hour and 35 minutes with no intermission.
Ticket Price: Starting at $30. Prices vary by date and availability.
Age Recommendation: 14+ for adult content, including language, violence, and sexual content
Advisory: Strobe lights and haze used throughout; live simulated gunshots occur in the musical numbers “Twenty-One” and the Underture; limited out-of-date terminology included that may be offensive to some guests.
Our Thoughts on Tommy
Oh my gosh, this show was simply amazing. From the second it started to the moment it ended we both felt like we were at a concert. I have so many things I want to talk about. First of all, this was my first experience of Tommy so I was not familiar of what the story was all about. Even though I went into this performance with little knowledge about Tommy I was able to follow right along with the events. We were blessed with amazing seats so there were times that I really felt like we were sitting in the home with Tommy.
The set, these set designers deserve a prize. My goodness. From the moving parts, to do the coordination of all of the props and the building of a two story home at the back of the stage! AMAZING!! While I was really enjoying the show itself I have to be honest, I was also watching the amazing set and how it was all working for the musical. What a great experience.
It was not a surprise that the music was so great in this performance either – it is about The Who after all! Like I said, we felt like were were at a concert during this 90 minute performance and the musical artists did not stop. Incredible! Plus the actors had the perfect voices. They really showed their talent and passion.
Through out the show I felt connected to Tommy and wanted to help him. It was very interesting to see the “old” ways of helping a person dealing with trauma. Eye opening. While the theme of Tommy is quite deep, I did not feel depressed or sad through out it. Instead I felt like Tommy broke through. When the curtain fell, I let out a deep breath, it was like I had been holding my breath the whole time. Breathtaking performance.
Jeremy and I would recommend this show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts for anyone that loves a great musical, has a passion for The Who or anyone needing to see a great story. We had a great date night and really enjoyed the fun Tommy photo opportunity and even played some pinball on some vintage pinball machines out in the lobby of the theater! So creative!
***There were moments that the musical was very loud. For those that are sound sensitive be advised.
ABOUT DENVER CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS:
There are eight theatres within the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Each has a unique personality to match the diverse plays, musicals and shows that happen inside. Explore our stages and find your seat — before the lights go down. They are best known for the touring Broadway shows and Tony-winning theatre. The whole complex is simply amazing, theater and art surrounds you.
The complex has ample parking and some great options for making your trip to the theater perfect. There are restaurants, bars, and coffee cafes in walking distance. We opted for the Limelight Supper Club for dinner before our show. I always jump at the chance to eat here because their Mac and Cheese is so good!! Seriously, I dream about that Mac and Cheese.
STAY SOCIAL WITH THE DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS:
The sets and lighting look amazing for this show! I never saw the movie and I’m not too familiar with the album but I love both musical theatre and rock music so I’d love this I think. Looks like you had an awesome night out with your husband 🙂
The stage and set look really awesome! I saw the movie Tommy when I was a kid – probably way too young! My father was great (not great) about letting me watch inappropriate things. Anyway back then it was a very bizarre movie indeed! I would love to see it now as an adult. I am sure it would make far more sense lol
Aw Jeremy looks so excited in your pic! Looks like you both had a great time. I am not familiar with The Who and Tommy, lol, but I still think I would enjoy this show, it looks like a lot of fun. And YUM Mac N Cheese sounds amazing right now.
I know The WHO and they were popular during their prime. Glad you and your family enjoyed the show. Sounds like a fantastic show! I’ve never heard of this show before, but I won’ t say no to going if I get invited to see it 😉
Shelley Kingsays
I would love a date night out. I hate to admit I’ve never heard of this. I think I am missing out. Now I’m going to have to figure it a way to see it. 🙂
lisalisasays
Oh, this would be great for my oldest daughter to see she loves anything pertaining to performing arts! I have never heard of Who’s Tommy before and this show looks very interesting and very colorful! Knowing me since I love music so much I’m sure I too would like to check it out!
I would love to go and see this play if it ever comes to Toronto. I really like the back-story and the way the scenes are displayed in your pictures. I am amazed by the colours and designs of the sets.
shelly petersonsays
I had not heard of the Who’s Tommy live musical. This sounds like a wonderful date night idea.
Dana Rodriguezsays
This looks like it would be a lot of fun to go see. I wish they had this where we live.
Jennifer Pickettsays
I remember seeing the movie when it first came out. I didn’t know they had made it into a play. It would be great to see it live. I’ll have to keep an eye out for it here in WA.
This sounds like an awesome night out.
The sets and lighting look amazing for this show! I never saw the movie and I’m not too familiar with the album but I love both musical theatre and rock music so I’d love this I think. Looks like you had an awesome night out with your husband 🙂
The stage and set look really awesome! I saw the movie Tommy when I was a kid – probably way too young! My father was great (not great) about letting me watch inappropriate things. Anyway back then it was a very bizarre movie indeed! I would love to see it now as an adult. I am sure it would make far more sense lol
Aw Jeremy looks so excited in your pic! Looks like you both had a great time. I am not familiar with The Who and Tommy, lol, but I still think I would enjoy this show, it looks like a lot of fun. And YUM Mac N Cheese sounds amazing right now.
I know The WHO and they were popular during their prime. Glad you and your family enjoyed the show. Sounds like a fantastic show! I’ve never heard of this show before, but I won’ t say no to going if I get invited to see it 😉
I would love a date night out. I hate to admit I’ve never heard of this. I think I am missing out. Now I’m going to have to figure it a way to see it. 🙂
Oh, this would be great for my oldest daughter to see she loves anything pertaining to performing arts! I have never heard of Who’s Tommy before and this show looks very interesting and very colorful! Knowing me since I love music so much I’m sure I too would like to check it out!
I would love to go and see this play if it ever comes to Toronto. I really like the back-story and the way the scenes are displayed in your pictures. I am amazed by the colours and designs of the sets.
I had not heard of the Who’s Tommy live musical. This sounds like a wonderful date night idea.
This looks like it would be a lot of fun to go see. I wish they had this where we live.
I remember seeing the movie when it first came out. I didn’t know they had made it into a play. It would be great to see it live. I’ll have to keep an eye out for it here in WA.
It’s one we really want to see (obviously). Thanks for the review!
I can’t wait to see this one!