Professional actors headline ‘The Who’s Tommy’
MEDIA>> The Media Theatre’s Broadway Series starts up again in September, but until then, several professional actors who have appeared on its stage will headline the classic rock ’n’ roll musical “The Who’s Tommy” this month and in August.
Pete Townshend’s Tony-winning musical about the deaf, blind, and mute boy who becomes a famous pinball wizard will not only highlight a dozen talented teen performers, it will put the spotlight on several of the area’s professional actors who will bring their years of experience to the stage.
Garrison Carpenter, recently seen in the Media Theatre’s popular “Ghost: The Musical,” will add his pop tenor to the role of Tommy. Carpenter recieved his master’s degree in opera performance from Florida State University. Recent roles include Tony in “West Side Story” and Sweeney Todd in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
Adam Hoyak, who worked alongside Andrea McArdle in the critically acclaimed “Hello Dolly,” will play the role of Captain Walker. A Georgia native, Hoyak has worked regionally with The Eagle Theatre, 11th Hour Theatre Company, and Bristol Riverside Theatre, among others. Recent credits include New Rochelle Ensemble in “Ragtime” (Bristol Riverside), Frank Abag- nale Jr. in “Catch Me If You Can” and Gabe in “Next to Normal” (The Eagle Theatre), Eddie Birdlace in “Dogfight” and Matthew in “Altar Boyz” (11th Hour), and Terpsicore in “Xanadu” (Mazeppa). He holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of the Arts.
“These special guest actors will not only add a dimension of professionalism to the production, they will set quite an example for the young aspiring actors in the show,” said Media Theatre Artistic Director Jesse Cline. “It’s entertainment for the audience as well as a unique educational opportunity for the youth cast who truly have a passion for music theater.”
Roger Ricker, a Media Theatre veteran who has appeared in more than 85 produc- tions, including “Annie,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Hairspray” will portray Uncle Ernie. He is currently the evil Jafar in “Aladdin Jr.”
The classic rock ’n’ roll musical “The Who’s Tommy” is at The Media Theatre through Aug. 10 with performances at 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. and 7 Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays each weekend.
The complete cast include Carpenter, Aiden Fox (5-year-old Tommy), Josh Atkinson and Ben Pedersen (10-year-old Tommy), Hoyak (Captain Walker), Emily Kinka (Mrs. Walker), Roger Ricker (Uncle Ernie), Amber Duncan/ Madison Yannatelli (Acid Queen), Corey Katona (The Lover/ Mr. Simpson), Caroline Adams/Gigi Furlan (Sally Simpson), Gigi Furlan (Mrs. Simpson), Owen Mannion (Cousin Kevin), Amber Duncan/Madison Yannatelli (Kevin’s Mom), Denzel Thomas (Minister), Mariah Seltzer (Minister’s Wife), Jillian Donohue (nurse), and Ted Hariis (The Judge).
The ensemble, featuring everyone listed above, Hanna Murphy, Tim Haney, Sean O’ Neill, Terry Stein, and Evan Vandenbrul, portrays lads, lasses, specialists, nurses, cops, etc). Cline directs, with music direction by Christopher Ertelt.
For tickets, which cost $12-15, call 891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org
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