The national tour of The Who's Tommy opens at the Pantages Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 28. The run marks the first time a major touring production of the rock opera has played Los Angeles since December 2001, as first reported by LAmag.
The show continues through Nov. 15, with performances most evenings and weekend matinees. It runs 100 minutes with no intermission.
Collin Matthew Flanagan, a recent Elon University graduate making his national tour debut, plays the title role. Flanagan grew up in New Jersey listening to The Who in the backseat of his dad's car. He told LAmag the experience has been "very kismet and a very crazy, wild dream come true."
On opening night in Cleveland, Flanagan spotted his father crying during the standing ovation. Few things bring his dad to tears, he said.
Two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff directs the production. McAnuff also directed the original 1993 Broadway staging and the 2024 revival. Pete Townshend created the rock opera in 1969 with The Who, and the score features "Pinball Wizard," "See Me, Feel Me," "Sensation" and "I'm Free."
The story follows Tommy Walker, a boy who witnesses his father shoot a rival and retreats inward. He discovers a talent for pinball that launches him to fame.
Flanagan told LAmag that performing the show eight times a week has been a learning experience. He described Tommy as "nonstop" and said McAnuff's direction helped him keep each performance fresh.
The last time a major Tommy tour hit LA, it played the now-defunct Shubert Theatre in Century City, according to LAmag. Tickets are available through Broadway in Hollywood. The show is recommended for ages 16 and up and includes loud music, strobe effects and theatrical haze.
After Los Angeles, the cast heads to San Jose and continues across the country through June.
