© THE HARTFORD COURANT
April 4, 1999


"TOMMY": Heavy on Full-tilt Rock
by Ben Johnson

The Bushnell's production of "The Who's Tommy: Broadway in Concert" is a musical
tour de force with a strong cast and enough plot to keep the show on its feet.
The production is more about the in-your-face rock music of Pete Townshend than
the pinball wizard himself, providing good entertainment that's not too heavy on plot.

The set, which consists of a platform and a movie screen, is simple and provides
little eye candy.

All of the music from the original album is performed by a live band at the back
of the stage. The music of the Who, which is good, old-school rock, will definitely
appeal to teenagers and baby boomers alike. Acoustic and electric guitars, bass,
drums, a keyboard and a french horn create a foot-tapping experience.

Highlights include "Pinball Wizard" and a sonically explosive finale. Michael
Seelbach, starring as Tommy, demonstrates his range as a vocalist in his melancholy
singing of "See Me, Feel Me" and hard-edge execution of "Sensation."

Other standouts are Michael Gruber, who is convincing as the manipulative Cousin
Kevin, and Virginia Woodruff, who delivers a soulful performance of "Acid Queen."
Kevin M. Raponey, who plays the timid young Tommy well, looks so much like Seelbach,
it is eerie.

Costumes and lighting are also done well and suit the sometimes dark, sometimes
upbeat nature of the show nicely.

The Bushnell's production of "Tommy" is a show that takes emphasis off the plot and
relies on flash, movement and music. If you're up for some rock music and an
entertaining show, go check it out.

"The Who's Tommy: Broadway in Concert" concludes its run today with shows at 2 and
7:30 p.m. Information: (860) 987-5900.


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