Artsopolis: All Arts. Online. Anytime.

• Official web site

The Who's Tommy

City Lights Theater Company

July 16-August 30, 2009

Avg. Event Rating (4.3 Stars): Add Review/Comment

City Lights presents this landmark rock opera in honor of the 40th anniversary of the original album's release. Young Tommy is striken deaf, dumb, and blind, and is deemed “incurable” by the medical sciences. Subsequently the victim of neglect and abuse, Tommy finds solace and triumph in his one true ability: playing pinball. When at last his mother “miraculously” cures him, Tommy becomes a cult icon, famous for his pinball skills and his “miraculous” recovery. But is the price of fame too high? 

• At-a-Glance
• Member Reviews
• What's Nearby

• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $15-$35

  Buy tickets

• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  July 16-August 30, 2009

  Times:
  Thurs-Sat: 8pm
  Sun: 2pm or 7pm

• Venue Info

  City Lights Theater

  529 S. 2nd Street San Jose, CA 95112

  Full map and directions

• Accessibility Info

  • Wheelchair Access

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

• Member Reviews

  Add review/comment

  • Event Name: The Who's Tommy
    "TOMMY ROCKS CITY LIGHTS!"
    Review posted by: Michelle Ianiro from Walnut Creek, CA, Aug 20, 2009
    

    I had a wonderful time at City Lights production of THE WHO'S TOMMY! Isaac Benellie as Tommy was terrific. Raegena Raymond as the Acid Queen brought the house down and I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of... Expand

    I had a wonderful time at City Lights production of THE WHO'S TOMMY! Isaac Benellie as Tommy was terrific. Raegena Raymond as the Acid Queen brought the house down and I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the cast as well. This is a solid must see show! Collapse

  • Event Name: The Who's Tommy
    "Pleasantly surprised"
    Review posted by: Yvonne from SJ, CA, Aug 21, 2009
    

    I wasn't sure how Tommy could be sucessfully performed as a musical in a small theater like City Lights . . but like their productions of Rocky Horror, Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar - City Lights... Expand

    I wasn't sure how Tommy could be sucessfully performed as a musical in a small theater like City Lights . . but like their productions of Rocky Horror, Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar - City Lights came thru again! It was a great show-highly recommend it! Collapse

  • Event Name: The Who's Tommy
    "Unbelievably true to the record"
    Review posted by: barbara h from los gatos, ca, Jul 23, 2009
    

    I listened to this album over and over in college; it was one of my favorites. I was expecting to be disappointed, and instead I was blown away by how great this performance was. And that was the... Expand

    I listened to this album over and over in college; it was one of my favorites. I was expecting to be disappointed, and instead I was blown away by how great this performance was. And that was the preview! Collapse

  • Event Name: The Who's Tommy
    "GET UP and GO SEE IT!"
    Review posted by: Daren A.C. Carollo from Oakland, CA, Jul 24, 2009
    

    I was blown away by this production. I actually cared about these characters and their journeys. Great production values, wonderful voices, crisp staging and strong talent.

    I was blown away by this production. I actually cared about these characters and their journeys. Great production values, wonderful voices, crisp staging and strong talent.

  • Event Name: The Who's Tommy
    "My first"
    Review posted by: Mike M from Belmont, CA, Jul 28, 2009
    

    My wife and I had a great time at the City Lights production of "Tommy." Except for pinball, I was not familiar with any of the music, and it was presented extremely well. A real bargain. There are no... Expand

    My wife and I had a great time at the City Lights production of "Tommy." Except for pinball, I was not familiar with any of the music, and it was presented extremely well. A real bargain. There are no bad seats, with only 5 rows. You can take your wine, beer or snack into the show. Great live band also. Highly recommended, although I would not bring children under 14 because of some of the adult themes. Lots of fun! Collapse

  • Event Name: The Who's Tommy
    "Amazing Journey!"
    Review posted by: PJ from Santa Clara, Aug 04, 2009
    

    Excellent production with a great cast and outstanding band. Molly Thornton gives a powerhouse performance as Mrs. Walker. Both Tommys are very engaging. The versatile ensemble is a delight. The band... Expand

    Excellent production with a great cast and outstanding band. Molly Thornton gives a powerhouse performance as Mrs. Walker. Both Tommys are very engaging. The versatile ensemble is a delight. The band was very tight and powerful. My only minor quibble is the staging of Tommy at the pinball machine - read the lyrics! Collapse

  • Event Name: The Who's Tommy
    "A great show well performed"
    Review posted by: Andy Daniel from Palo Alto, CA, Aug 11, 2009
    

    TOMMY is a tough show to do on a budget, and City Lights pulls it off. With fairly minimal staging, every song and note is there. With just over 100 seats, you'll see every facial expression of every... Expand

    TOMMY is a tough show to do on a budget, and City Lights pulls it off. With fairly minimal staging, every song and note is there. With just over 100 seats, you'll see every facial expression of every performer. The band was excellent, and the singing ranged from competent to very good. Dancing was generally excellent. The 12-year-old actor playing the young Tommy does a fantastic job maintaining his deaf-dumb-and-blind persona in among a whirlwind of choreographed activity. The only disappointment was the fact that the Acid Queen and last Doctor ("The tests I gave him make no sense at all") are played for laughs which detracts and distracts. Also, the interaction between the Acid Queen and the young Tommy has a certain creepiness given the actor's age. This was handled better in "Fiddle About" which also deals with inappropriate conduct. Tommy has long been my favorite show and City Lights produces a memorable performance. Collapse

  • Event Name: The Who's Tommy
    "Great performance"
    Review posted by: Grace Schmidt from San Jose, CA, Aug 13, 2009
    

    Of course the music HAS to be good for a classic rock opera, and this one didn't disappoint. The band was awesome as was the singing. I liked the way the performance was played out as well.

    Of course the music HAS to be good for a classic rock opera, and this one didn't disappoint. The band was awesome as was the singing. I liked the way the performance was played out as well.

  • Event Name: The Who's Tommy
    "Fantastic musical!!"
    Review posted by: Caroline Margozzi from San Jose, CA, Aug 19, 2009
    

    I thought the acting and singing were excellent. Stand-out performances for: mother, father, both young & older Tommy, Acid Queen. The only drawback was it was too loud. With such a small venue, the... Expand

    I thought the acting and singing were excellent. Stand-out performances for: mother, father, both young & older Tommy, Acid Queen. The only drawback was it was too loud. With such a small venue, the microphones aren't necessary - or maybe not turned up so loud. Collapse

  • Event Name: The Who's Tommy
    "Tommy"
    Review posted by: beverly from San Jose, Ca, Aug 19, 2009
    

    The cast was wonderful, enjoyed the play and the music I would recommend this show to everyone

    The cast was wonderful, enjoyed the play and the music I would recommend this show to everyone

  View all reviews/comments for this event

  View reviews/comments for past events

• Nearby Dining

  • Cafe Pomegranate - 221 E. San Fernando St., San Jose, CA 95112
    
  • Flames Eatery & Bar - 88 S. 4th St., San Jose, CA 95112
    
  • Hoagie Steak Out - 304 S. 3rd St., San Jose, CA 95112
    
  • Joyce Catering - 596 S 2nd St, San Jose, CA 95112
    
  • New Tung Kee Noodle House - 262 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95112
    

  See all nearby

• Nearby Hotels & Motels

  • City Center Motel - 45 E Reed St, San Jose, CA 95112
    
  • San Jose Marriott - 301 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113
    

  See all nearby