(Scenic design by Cliff Simon for ZACH's production of Tommy)Sunday August 24, 2014 The Who’s Tommy was performed for the last time, ending ZACH’s 2013-2014 season on a very high note. I had thought about seeing the show, but I wasn’t sure if things would fall into place, but it all worked out. I figured since this was the last show the singers would belt out those songs with more verve then before.
Leonela Hernandez and Paul Sanchez. Leonela is part of ZACH's pre professionals was on hand to get patrons to buy raffle tickets. She recently appeared in the production of Much Ado About Nothing as Leonata and Paul Sanchez played Wicked Uncle Ernie in Tommy.)Normally I sit in the top section, but I was right smack in the center. If I had been allowed to photograph this show. This would have been the perfect seat. It also allowed me to see the show from a different perspective. I was able to actually see the images in the pop up book as Diego Rodriguez, who plays the young Tommy turns the pages.
(Diego Rodriguez who played young Tommy, for me he just brought something to the role different from the other actor who played young Tommy when I saw the show the first time. Diego and his family were such a delight.)
This was my fourth time seeing the production. And it was even more entertaining than the other times. Tommy is a visual experience. Being a visual artist myself I really appreciated all that was going on.
(Edward Burkley, Matthew Redden and Joshua Denning take a moment from mingling, to pose. Joshua stepped in to the role of the Lover when Scott Swanson was injured. Joshua did a great job.)I’ve gotten to know some of the cast members, some better than others because they’ve performed in other shows and those that stopped and exchanged a few words. I do however understand being focused on what you have to do in a performance so you just want to be in that zone.
(Christa Oliver, part of the Ensemble, poses with Rick who has seen Tommy numerous times.)I also know that performers feed off of the audience and if the energy is right the actor can feel it and they give that little extra something when they can. There appeared to be those subtle pauses to allow the audience to applaud after each song.
(A few members of the Ensemble Christopher Montalvo, Felicia Fitzpatrick, Lauren Beausoleil, and Connor Donnelly.)Paul Sanchez, Edward Burkley and Susanne Abbott rocked the crowd with their numbers. They left you wanting more.
Matthew Redden and Meredith McCall have a great chemistry together as Tommy’s parents. They both have great voices and had appeared together in White Christmas.
Timothy Ellis Riley is great as Cousin Kevin, who tortures little Tommy.
(Timothy Ellis Riley chats with a patron about the last performance.)Michael Valentine played Tommy and was really great. Each time I saw it, he just kept getting better and better.
( Michael is pictured with his grandmother and his father.)Having never seen any production or even the film, I had nothing to base it on so I really enjoyed it.
(Patrons go old school and test their pinball skillz. The machines were free. They were supplied by Pinballz)
(Gabriel Jaochico, did double duty, he played the white rabbit and he was also DJ Wicket pritor to each show.)
( Justin Waller a member of the Ensemble and Shanna Annetta who had appeared in The Gospel at Colonus.)
(Robert Corkill reacts to a someone from the side while PR guy, Jim Reynolds stays up to date with the latest tweets.)
(Kelly, Felicia and Lauren take a moment from mingling to strike a pose.)
(Christopher from the Ensemble.)