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Interesting fact: The Who's Tommy was my first Broadway show. I grew up in Michigan, and we didn't get to New York City until I was auditioning for college musical theater programs my senior year of high school. I remember the excitement I felt walking into my first Broadway theater, the first chord struck on the guitar as the show started, and being transported into the world of Tommy. Seeing the love story in 5 minutes between the Walker's, Tommy's bittersweet birth, and then the moment that changed his life forever. Looking into the mirror and witnessing that horrible moment, and the journey into his trauma. My anger and disgust at Uncle Ernie, how much of an ass Cousin Kevin was, trying to understand the Acid Queen, and seeing all the trauma this poor kid experiences in such a short period of time. This contrasted by the bright lights and twirling moments brought into the story by the pinball machines, whirling and taking Tommy to a place of refuge, where he was finally in charge. When I was given the opportunity to direct this show, it became a full circle moment for me. Exploring the pain, betrayal, his awakening, and his final realization of who will be there for him, with these talented actors has been an amazing journey. Digging into these themes in our own lives is difficult, but theater is meant to help explore these themes within. I hope you discover something about yourself as you let yourself fall into the story, and I hope you enjoy the epic rock music, bright lights, and the journey of Tommy.

-Jolene Vettese