Tommy

Other incarnations

Tommy has also enjoyed other incarnations. In 1972 the London Symphony Orchestra released a symphonic version with the singing roles assigned to the band members and various other pop stars of the era, including Steve Winwood, Rod Stewart and Ringo Starr. Peter Townshend also plays a bit of guitar, but otherwise the music is entirely orchestral. In 1975 Ken Russell released a tongue-in-cheek movie version featuring The Who and an eclectic supporting cast including Elton John, Oliver Reed and Jack Nicholson; this version has achieved cult film status due to scenes such as Arthur Brown's portrayal of a priest in Tommy's cult, Ann-Margret's frolic in a pool of beans, and the brilliant satire on pop music presented by the "Sally Simpson" scene. In 1993, Townshend and San Diego playwright Des MacAnuff wrote and produced a Broadway musical adaptation of Tommy. Featuring several new songs by Townshend and an all-star cast, the production won a Tony Award that year, and various touring revivals have met with popular acclaim since. The musical version reorganizes the numbers, changes many lyrics, and moves the setting to post-World War II Britain.

Related Topics:
1972 - London Symphony Orchestra - Steve Winwood - Rod Stewart - Ringo Starr - 1975 - Ken Russell - Elton John - Oliver Reed - Jack Nicholson - Cult film - Arthur Brown - Ann-Margret - 1993 - San Diego - Des MacAnuff - Broadway musical - Tony Award - World War II - Britain

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