Ali Louis Bourzgui to star in 'The Who's Tommy' on Broadway
Bourzgui will reprise the title role in the musical revival after playing the part in its pre-Broadway run at Chicago's Goodman Theatre earlier this year.
He's the pinball wizard! Ali Louis Bourzgui will star in the first Broadway revival of The Who's Tommy, which begins performances at the Nederlander Theatre on March 8 ahead of a March 28 opening.
Bourzgui reprises the leading role of Tommy Walker from the production's pre-Broadway run at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago earlier this year. He won Chicago’s Jeff Award for his performance, and he now makes his Broadway debut.
Additional Broadway casting for The Who's Tommy has yet to be announced. The Chicago cast featured, alongside Bourzgui, Adam Jacobs as Captain Walker, Alison Luff as Mrs. Walker, John Ambrosino as Uncle Ernie, Bobby Conte as Cousin Kevin, and Christina Sajous as the Acid Queen.
The Tony Award-winning The Who's Tommy follows a young boy, catatonic from childhood trauma, as he discovers a knack for pinball, and with it local stardom, on his road to healing.
Des McAnuff, who directed the original Broadway production in 1993, returns to direct, and he also co-wrote the show with The Who's Pete Townshend. The Who's Tommy features the hit songs from the rock band's groundbreaking 1969 album, including "Pinball Wizard," “I'm Free,” and "We're Not Gonna Take It."
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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