In 1969 The Who released Tommy, a rock opera telling the twisted tale of pinball wizard Tommy Walker. Critics and fans viewed it as a masterpiece. It didn’t end there, though.

It was made into a movie in 1975 and a Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Pete Townshend in 1992. Since then, The Who’s Tommy has been performed all over the world, with the latest at Goodman Theatre in Chicago, a performance that was almost overwhelming in a great way.

Feeling neutral about The Who in general, I looked forward to experiencing Tommy for the first time. Taking my seat, I realized I was surrounded by much more ardent fans of the band who had seen the musical in previous incarnations.

As the musical started, I was quickly drawn in and kept there the entire show. Although Tommy’s story is somewhat long and complicated, the production did a great job telling it. Performed mostly in song, with spoken dialogue, Tommy’s story was easy to follow. A nine-piece band provides a tight musical background for 29 performers.

Ali Louis Bourzgui joined by the company of
The Who’s Tommy. Photo credit: Liz Lauren.

All of the performers were amazing, but Ali Louis Bourzgui is the star. Bourzgui’s voice is clear and powerful. I actually liked his versions of the songs better than the originals. Even more impressive, though, are the understated things he does with tones, movements and looks. He often conveys so much subtly. The highlight for me was his performance of “See Me, Feel Me”: emotional, haunting and beautiful.

Ali Louis Bourzgui as Tommy Walker (center) joined by the company of
The Who’s Tommy, with (far right) Tommy’s parents, Captain Walker (Adam Jacobs) and Mrs. Walker (Alison Luff). Photo credit: Liz Lauren.

Covering a lot of material in about two hours, the production’s pace is appropriately frenetic but never leaves the audience confused and lost. Even without previous knowledge of the story, the audience could easily follow the plot.

Ali Louis Bourzgui. Photo credit: Liz Lauren.

Set designer David Korins made great use of the space. Utilizing both large and simple elements, Korins parallels the rollercoaster ride through Tommy’s life. A big but basic mirror is a focal point, especially when it is smashed.

Choreographer Lorin Latarro perfectly captured the feel of Tommy. Interjecting the perfect amount of over-the-top movements, Latarro’s choreography is a story in itself while never overshadowing the actual show.

While chatting with my seatmates on the way out, several of us felt “powerful” best described the production. There wasn’t any downtime nor wasted effort.

The experience of Tommy, through Aug. 6, also includes a pop-up pinball arcade. Open before and after the performance, the arcade features an original Tommy machine. At the show’s run’s end, the highest scorer on that machine wins a custom Tommy Fender Stratocaster signed by Pete Townshend of The Who.

My evening ended with a fantastic meal at Petterino’s. Located adjacent to Goodman Theatre, it is one of my favorites in the area. Especially hungry, I started with calamari, lightly fried to perfection. For my main course, I had flavorful and surprisingly light ricotta gnocchi. It was the perfect end to the day.

— John Wroblewski, online writer