Tommy continues in rep at the Landestheater Linz, Austria. Picture: Reinhard Winkler
Tommy continues in rep at the Landestheater Linz, Austria until 15 May.
Star rating: Four stars ★ ★ ★ ★
As its final musical theatre production this season, the Landestheater Linz presents Tommy in an electrifying production directed by Gil Mehmert (Sunset Boulevard, Das Wunder von Bern), which will run in rep until 15 May.
The show, which features music and lyrics by Pete Townshend, book by Townshend and Des McAnuff as well as additional music by John Entwistle, Keith Moon and Sonny Boy Williamson, is performed fully in German, with the exception of one song, in a translation by Sabine Ruflair, which is a real shame. The translation is a bit shaky and doesn’t work, but that is one of the few criticisms I have.
The cast consists of members of the musical theatre company as well as guests. Riccardo Greco as Tommy is sensational: vocally, this is probably his strongest performance to date and he shines acting-wise too. Daniela Dett’s performance as Mrs Walker is another highlight of the show. She has incredible stage presence.
Alen Hodzovic (Captain Walker) proves himself a strong singer too, as does Rob Pelzer as Uncle Ernie and Konstantin Zander as Cousin Kevin. Anastasia Bain, playing the Acid Queen, is fierce and delivers a decent performance, although I am not sure if this show fits her incredibly soulful voice.
Barbara Obermeier (Sally Simpson), who will soon depart the company to take on two roles in Vienna, is once again a joy vocally. The huge ensemble does a terrific job at singing with clarity and precision.
Despite facing a range of musical challenges, Simon Eichenberger (Das Wunder von Bern, der Besuch der alten Dame) provides electrifying choreography, really impressive and imaginative.
Director Gil Mehmert manages to create a wonderful production. The lighting design by Michael Grundner is phenomenal, the sets by Beatrice von Bomhard work really well. It’s just a shame that the costumes (also by von Bomhard) look a lot like those used for We Will Rock You.
Nonetheless, this is an ambitious production and Tommy will stick around a little longer in Linz I hope.
Ludovico Lucchesi Palli
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