<p>I am in Oklahoma, visiting my junior daughter, and to see OU’s The Who’s Tommy, which the MT dept. is doing in conjunction with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma (OKC’s equity theatre). Last night I was blown away by Tommy. What an opportunity for the MT students! Mrs. Walker is played by Julia Murney, Capt. Walker is played by Matt Farnsworth, and Uncle Ernie is played by Marcus Neville, all experienced Broadway actors. Tommy is played by a young British actor. Almost all the other roles are played by OU MT students. For my daughter and her classmates to get to work with these actors, while they are still in college, is absolutely amazing. The professional actors are generous and charming to the students, and they seem genuinely appreciative of the talents and work ethic of the students.</p>
<p>Yesterday was an audition date for next year’s class. I hope all the auditioning students got a chance to see the show. I think this is the first time that an official OU musical has been performed off campus (in Oklahoma City, rather than Norman), but it’s worth the drive into the city. I know that next Friday is another audition date, so people auditioning then would be able to catch Tommy’s last weekend. Even my son, who is not a fan of musicals in general, loved the show. They took the music back to the sound the Who would appreciate as the music director Keith Levenson worked extensively with the Who (as well as conducting Broadway and National Tour shows). The band is fabulous. </p>
<p>To all of you auditioning this season, a big break a leg wishes to you!!</p>