Question: How was 'Tommy' chosen for this Coastal Rep season?
Answer: I very much like the summer musical to be a big, blockbuster kind of show. Once I realized this year was the 40th anniversary of the album, I made the decision to do the show.
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A: I loved the Beatles, but the Who were more dangerous. 'Tommy' was a story from beginning to end. It had everything I loved: it had melody and it had drama.
Q: This is a dark story. How do you handle that?
A: The more dark aspects are in subtext. It's obvious Uncle Ernie has abused Tommy, but you don't see the abuse on the stage. The darkest part of the story for me is how the media creates fame and what price people pay for that fame.
I can't help thinking of the man in the mirror '” Michael Jackson. (He) felt isolation, he retreated from the public eye for a period of time, he dealt with all the demons attributed to that kind of fame and ultimately lost his battle with those demons. It's hard for me to not think about the Elvises, the Kurt Cobains, the Michael Jacksons. Too bad we don't catch some of those falling stars before they fell.
Q: Does 'Tommy' pack a cautionary message?
A: Absolutely. Be careful what you wish for!
Q: What do you hope viewers take from this?
A: The audience should ask themselves, what is the end result of the story? Tommy rejects fame at the end. Tommy walks away from being idolized. Tommy longs for life and the simple pleasures most of us take for granted.
Q: It seems to be your goal, to direct shows that leave audiences pondering.
A: The theater that attracts me most is theater that inspires conversation. I'd rather direct a play people love or hate than one they just shrug their shoulders and say, 'It's all right.'
Q: What do you intend your production of 'Tommy' to be like?
A: I think people should expect to be thrilled on every sensory level. The rock and roll circus has come to town!
Q: How has 'Tommy' survived for 40 years?
A: One answer: Pete Townshend, the Who, and music that is as vibrant today as it was 40 years ago.
Q: How does this raise the bar for local theater?
A: I told the cast weeks ago, this show would be the one that forever puts to rest the title 'community theater,' in regard to the quality of work we do.
Q: How does directing this feel for you personally?
A: I can't remember having this much fun for a long time, in the theater.
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