Get ready for a thrilling announcement, Cleveland! The Who's iconic rock opera, 'Tommy', is about to embark on a national tour, and guess what? It's kicking off right here in our city!
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, a little unexpected. This all-new North American production, fresh from its Tony Award-winning Broadway revival, is choosing Cleveland as its very first stop. That's right, we're talking about an eight-performance run in our very own downtown theater district, Playhouse Square, this coming October. Exact dates and ticket details are still under wraps, but mark my words, this is an event you won't want to miss.
For those who need a quick refresher, 'Tommy' is a legendary rock musical adapted from The Who's groundbreaking 1969 concept album. It's the tale of Tommy Walker, a young boy who, after witnessing a traumatic event, loses his senses and finds himself isolated from the world. But, in a twist of fate, he discovers a unique connection and rises to fame as a pinball prodigy. The show's score is an absolute banger, featuring iconic tracks like 'I'm Free', 'See Me, Feel Me', and the legendary 'Pinball Wizard'.
And this is the part most people miss: 'Tommy' is just one of a string of Broadway musicals that have chosen Playhouse Square as their national tour launchpad. In the past year alone, we've seen the premieres of 'Death Becomes Her', 'The Notebook', 'Hell's Kitchen', and 'Monty Python's Spamalot'. It's a trend that's gaining momentum, and it's all thanks to an expansion of the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit, which now includes live theater productions.
Under this program, film, TV, and theater productions can claim a refundable tax credit of 30% on cast and crew wages and other in-state expenses. David Greene, Playhouse Square's senior vice president of programming, put it best when he said, 'This extra financial incentive raises the profile of our institution and Cleveland as a whole. There will be an economic impact.'
So, Cleveland, get ready to rock out to 'Tommy' and embrace the growing reputation of our city as a hub for live theater. This is an exciting time for arts and culture, and we're thrilled to be at the forefront of it all. Keep an eye out for more details on this epic tour, and don't forget to share your thoughts and excitement in the comments below! Are you as hyped as we are for this musical extravaganza?
