The Who's Tommy

The Who's Tommy
A deaf, dumb and blind boy's journey from pain to triumph is a sensory-defying rock and roll experience.

Based on the iconic 1969 rock concept album, The Who's Tommy is an exhilarating story of hope, healing and the human spirit. The story of the pinball wizard who triumphs over his adversities has inspired, amazed and puzzled audiences for more than 50 years. This five-time Tony Award-winning musical was translated to the stage by theatrical visionary, Des McAnuff, into a high-energy, one-of-a-kind theatrical event.

After witnessing the accidental murder of his mother's lover by his father, Tommy is traumatized into catatonia and, as the boy grows, he suffers abuse at the hands of his sadistic relatives and neighbors. As an adolescent, he's discovered to have an uncanny knack for playing pinball and, when his mother finally breaks through his catatonia, he becomes an international pinball superstar.

The Who's Tommy features an exhilarating score that is timeless in its youthful appeal, giving the show a cross-generational appeal that has made it a smash-hit in high schools and colleges around the world. A small rock band orchestration allows you to capture the excitement of the New York production on a modest budget.

The Pinball Wizard is back on Broadway!

Concert Selections for The Who's Tommy

MTI is pleased to provide the pre-approved rental materials of select songs for your symphonic concert performance. Please note, MTI is unable to grant the necessary Performance Rights with this material rental. The Performance Rights needed must be obtained separately through the individual song’s respective small rights agency such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Please email concerts@mtishows.com with any questions.

  • ACID QUEEN
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
  • PINBALL WIZARD
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Pete Townshend
    Lyrics by
    Pete Townshend
    Orchestrated by
    Steven Margoshes
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 Voice (Typically Male) and Chorus (Typically Male)
    Starting Key
    B
    Estimated duration
    4 min 00 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 French horn 1, 1 Bass, 1 Drum, 1 Guitar 1, 1 Guitar 2, 1 Keyboard 1, 1 Keyboard 2, 1 Keyboard 3, 2 Piano Conductor, 25 Chorus books

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