
Music and Lyrics by Pete Townshend
Book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff
Directed by Des McAnuff
“Broadway has nothing else like this wizardry going on”
–Chicago Tribune

Jun 13 – Aug 6, 2023 in Goodman's Albert Theatre
Around 2 hours including one intermission.
Performances are Sold Out. Thank you, Chicago!
The groundbreaking pop-culture musical sensation is reimagined in a new production.
Myth and spectacle combine in a fresh reinvention of The Who’s exhilarating 1969 rock concept album, Tommy—including the unforgettable anthems “I’m Free,” “See Me, Feel Me,” “Sensation” and “Pinball Wizard.” After witnessing his father shoot his rival, the young Tommy Walker is lost in the universe, endlessly and obsessively staring into the mirror. An innate knack for pinball catapults him from reticent adolescent to celebrity savior. Tony Award-winning composer Pete Townshend and Tony Award-winning original director Des McAnuff find powerful resonance reexamining this iconic story for today.
Recommended for ages 16 and up.
The Who’s Tommy is a story that includes depictions of child abuse, bullying, suggested sexual and substance abuse and scenes of war.This production includes loud music, multiple gunshots, theatrical haze, as well as strobe and flashing light effects.
⭐⭐⭐⭐(out of 4)
Chicago Tribune
⭐⭐⭐⭐(out of 4) “Tommy dazzles at every turn”
Chicago Sun-Times
“This new production is truly a ready-for-prime-time stunner”
Chicago Tribune
“Pete Townshend with Des McAnuff have created a masterpiece”
WGN’s Behind the Curtain
“Bourzgui [Tommy] delivers a star-making performance defined by powerhouse vocals and a balletic grace”
Chicago Sun-Times
“The choreography from Lorin Latarro…is a sight to behold”
Chicago Tribune
“if you don’t see it, you will long regret having missed one of the finest productions to ever grace a stage in Chicago, or anywhere else.”
WGN’s Behind the Curtain
“The Goodman’s new production of Tommy is indeed a sensation.”
Broadway World
“It’s a 5 out of 4”
WGN’s Behind the Curtain
“Unreal excellent and I’m gonna go 2 more times it was so good.”
Brock C via Facebook
“I’ve been a member for 15 years and this was definitely top 5 all time!”
@wadechicago via Twitter
“Best live theatre I’ve seen this year. Gave me goosebumps.”
@rhbrooksiii via Instagram
“Superb dancing, singing and acting. I didn’t want it to end!”
Anant T. via Facebook
“Fabulous show. Great music, singing, dancing and staging.”
Kate B via Facebook
“Such great storytelling and had me riveted.”
@janahwang via Instagram
Are You a Pinball Wizard?
Come to our pop-up pinball arcade (open 90 minutes before and an hour after most performances) and take your shot at becoming “The Pinball Wizard”! The highest scorer on our original “Tommy” machine at the end of our run wins a custom Tommy Fender Stratocaster signed by Pete Townshend of The Who!
Artists
Join us for any of the following accessible & enhanced performances.
Questions? Please contact 312.443.3800 (voice), 312.443.3829 (TTY/TDD) or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org.
Learn More About Goodman’s Accessible & Enhanced Performances.
Touch Tour* and Audio-Described Performance
Saturday, July 15
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2pm Performance
Use code AUDIO for $30 tickets
American Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Friday, July 7 at 8pm
Use code SIGN for $30 tickets
Open-Captioned Performance
Sunday, July 16 at 2pm
Use code OPEN for $30 tickets
Spanish Subtitles Performance
Saturday, July 15 at 8pm
Use code SPANISH for $30 tickets
Sponsors