'The Who's Tommy' to close on Broadway
The Tony Award-nominated production at the Nederlander Theatre is the first revival of The Who's landmark 1993 rock opera, adapted from the band's 1969 album.
See it, hear it, feel it — but only for a few more weeks. The Who's Tommy has set its Broadway closing date, playing its final performance on July 21 at the Nederlander Theatre. The show will have played 152 performances at the time of closing.
The Tommy musical, which premiered on Broadway in 1993, is adapted from British rock band The Who's landmark rock opera album from 1969. Both tell the story of a young boy who loses his senses after a traumatic event. Along his path to healing, he discovers his extraordinary talent for pinball and becomes a local celebrity. Famous songs from Tommy include "Pinball Wizard," "I'm Free," and "We're Not Gonna Take It."
The show's original production earned five Tony Awards, and the 2024 revival, which began performances in March, was nominated for the Tony for Best Musical Revival. Des McAnuff, who co-created The Who's Tommy with The Who's Pete Townshend, directed both productions.
"Rock musicals don’t come to Broadway often. It’s rare when they truly rock – and The Who's Tommy does," New York Theatre Guide's review reads.
The cast of The Who's Tommy includes Ali Louis Bourzgui as Tommy, Alison Luff as Mrs. Walker, Adam Jacobs as Captain Walker, John Ambrosino as Uncle Ernie, Bobby Conte as Cousin Kevin, and Christina Sajous as The Acid Queen.
Photo credit: The Who's Tommy on Broadway. (Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
Frequently asked questions
What is The Who's TOMMY on Broadway about?
The five-time Tony Award-winning rock sensation returns to Broadway. Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff's musical, inspired by the landmark album by The Who, tells the story of a catatonic boy-turned-pinball wizard with iconic songs like "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I'm Free."
Where is The Who's TOMMY on Broadway playing?
The Who's TOMMY on Broadway is playing at Nederlander Theatre. The theatre is located at 208 West 41st Street (between 7th and 8th Avenue), New York, 10036.
How long is The Who's TOMMY on Broadway?
The running time of The Who's TOMMY on Broadway is 2hr 10min. Incl. 15min intermission.
How do you book tickets for The Who's TOMMY on Broadway?
Book tickets for The Who's TOMMY on Broadway on New York Theatre Guide.
What's the age requirement for The Who's TOMMY on Broadway?
The recommended age for The Who's TOMMY on Broadway is Ages 10+. Children under 4 years old will not be admitted..
Who wrote The Who's Tommy?
Pete Townshend (book, music, and lyrics) and Des McAnuff (book) wrote The Who's Tommy. Townshend is the co-founder, lead songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist for The Who, and McAnuff is a 10-time Tony Award winner who also directs Tommy.
Who directed The Who's Tommy?
Des McAnuff directs the Broadway revival of The Who's Tommy after winning a Tony Award for directing the original 1993 production. He also co-wrote the script with Pete Townshend.
What are the songs in The Who's Tommy?
The songs in The Who's Tommy include "Pinball Wizard," "See Me, Feel Me," "We're Not Gonna Take It," "The Acid Queen," and "I'm Free." Most of the musical's songs are pulled from the 1969 album of the same name by The Who.
Is The Who's Tommy musical the same as the album?
Yes, The Who's Tommy musical is largely the same as the album. The story of Tommy, told through the songs, is the same, and all the most famous songs from the album are in the show. However, Pete Townshend rewrote and reordered some of the songs for the stage show.
Is The Who's Tommy appropriate for kids?
The Who's Tommy is recommended for audiences 16 and older due to themes of bullying, war, and physical, sexual, and substance abuse. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
Is The Who's Tommy a true story?
No, The Who's Tommy is a completely fictional story. Real-life spiritual leader Meher Baba inspired Pete Townshend to write the songs, but none of the characters and events in the story of Tommy are real.
When was The Who's Tommy released?
The Who's Tommy album came out in 1969, and the film version followed in 1975. The Who's Tommy musical premiered on Broadway in 1993, and the current revival debuted in Chicago in 2023 before coming to Broadway in 2024.
Is The Who's Tommy good?
Yes — The Who's Tommy features time-honored songs by a globally bestselling band and a celebrated director who won a Tony for staging the show's premiere, and critical acclaim from the show's pre-Broadway run in Chicago. All these elements make Tommy one of the most talked-about revivals of the season.
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