‘The Who’s Tommy’ revival to come to Broadway in 2024
This production, playing at the Nederlander Theatre, is the first Broadway revival of the show, based on the 1969 album by The Who, since its 1993 premiere.
What an amazing journey! The first Broadway revival of The Who’s Tommy is set to premiere at the Nederlander Theatre in spring 2024. Performances begin March 8 ahead of a March 28 opening night.
Based on the hit 1969 album Tommy by British rock band The Who, the musical tells the story of a young boy who, after being catatonic throughout childhood due to trauma, becomes a local pinball champion and rises to fame as he overcomes his past.
“In many ways, I think the world has caught up to Tommy Walker, which makes it exciting to revisit The Who’s Tommy for a new generation who, possibly more than any other, has a broad appetite for all kinds of music and storytelling,” said director Des McAnuff, who also directed the original Broadway production.
The original Tommy album is credited as The Who’s breakthrough and is now in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Iconic songs from Tommy like “The Acid Queen,” Pinball Wizard,” “I’m Free,” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It” all appear in the stage show.
The Who’s Tommy premiered on Broadway in 1993, earning a Grammy Award and 11 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, and winning five, including Best Original Score for Pete Townshend. The show also features a book by Townshend and McAnuff.
The 2024 production had a critically acclaimed pre-Broadway run at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre in summer 2023. In addition to director McAnuff, the Broadway production features choreography by Lorin Latarro, set design by David Korins, costume design by Sarafina Bush, lighting design by Amanda Zieve, sound design by Gareth Owen, projection design by Peter Nigrini, music direction and orchestrations by Rick Fox, music supervision and additional arrangements by Ron Melrose, and wig and hair design by Charles LaPointe.
Casting for The Who’s Tommy on Broadway has yet to be announced.
Photo credit: The Who's Tommy at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. (Photo by Liz Lauren)
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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