CAP Productionof Tommy

The Who's Tommyhas a long and interesting history. Written in 1969 by Pete Townshend and The Who, it was the world's first rock opera. It was an instant hit and it would be more than 20 years before it was produced as a Broadway show. In 1992 Pete Townshend was contacted by the producers of the La Jolla Playhouse, and together with director Des McAnuff, Townshend reshaped Tommy, adding new material and a clarity that this story never had before. Dodger productions moved the show to New York where it opened to rave reviews on April 11, 1993. In June of that year Tommywon five Tony Awards including Best Score.

The Cultural Arts Playhouse in Plainview is presenting Tommythrough Nov. 29.

This show Tommyis a bridge between the old respected and beloved traditions of musical theater and the relatively new and experimental world of rock and roll. What I particularly love about the Cultural Arts Playhouse's version of Tommyis that is has a different sound of its own. It is carried off, in all the traditional skills developed during the late '50s and early '60s and combines them with some brand new techniques, ingenious props and a talented cast, a real font of technological focus in this respect. The production team of CAP have done a great job, and show that they are capable of selfless commitment to the composition of others.

The story of Tommyis focused around a young boy who witnessed a murder, and from that time on he does not speak or react to anything happening to him or around him. The course of events that take in years until the time he comes out of this state and his reaction to the world he has awakened into.

This cast is multi-talented and only complement each other and make up a huge part of the enjoyment of this show. They are too numerous to all be mentioned in this column, but I will mention some who stood out. Robert E, Butterley as Captain Walker. Where were you hiding? You have a magnificent voice and my family and I were in awe of your performance. Debbie Gecewicz-Young as Mrs. Walker added to the musing quality of her character's fickle nature by making each time appear to be spontaneous and independent. Ron Menin was the narrator, and the oldest Tommy. An understanding of such poetry set to music serves him well, allowing him to be buoyant and vivacious, or plaintive and remorseful. His quality has many names, "maturity," "experience," "dues," "talent" are just a few. Bill Wheeler as Uncle Ernie gives a compelling, propulsive characterization without a lot of muss and fuss. Ed Huether was the judge, doctor and specialist. He acts unselfishly, with devotion and endurance to each role, with insight and common sense he grasps the realities of life and the true nature of his characters.

M.F. Weeks portrayed the lover, minister, and pimp. The depth of his craft, his musical expressions and his body language qualify him as one member of this cast with sufficient dramatic weight.

Time for my kudos to: Director Bruce Grossman, who continues to amaze, create and improve. To: Scenic Designer Rick Juliano, who makes this set look real and a good utilization of available space. To: Sound Designer Tony Melfa, Costume Designer Barbara Kirby, and Lighting Designer Eric Schlobohm, collectively you have completed the overall picture. To: Matthew Gallager for orchestral direction, and his musicians performed as a shimmering spray around these talented thespians.

Because in musical art, it is the small details that become as essential as the form that distinguish perfection from run-of-the-mill. This musical play coordinates the complexities of plot so that the essential action, is extended but not obscured, and all the while convincingly carried by the music, it becomes an impressive thing.

Tommyperformances will run through Nov. 29. Ticket prices range from $15 to $18.

The Cultural Arts Playhouse is located at 712 Old Bethpage Road, Old Bethpage, L.I. 11804 (next to the Old Bethpage Post Office), and for information and reservations call 694-3330.