What is your most traumatic childhood experience? Perhaps it was a horrible bully; perhaps it was a broken bone. Even worse, maybe you walked in on your parents in the process of making your brother or sister. Whatever it was, chances are it wasn’t at traumatic as witnessing a murder accompanied by a classic rock soundtrack.
Baxter Avenue Theater presents a midnight showing of “Tommy” this Saturday, the 17th. “Tommy” is The Who’s rock opera about a boy (the band’s frontman Roger Daltry) who witnesses his father murdered by his mother and her lover. He is immediately struck blind, deaf, and dumb. His mother tries everything to cure him, from a bizarre faith healing ritual to questionable medical tactics, but all is worthless… until he discovers pinball, at which he is so skilled despite his handicap that he becomes a sort of messiah to the masses. Sound crazy? You have no idea.
See Elton John in all his fabulous finery as the Pinball Wizard! See Tina Turner as the Acid Queen! See Eric Clapton as the guitar-wielding head of a Marilyn Monroe-worshipping cult! See Keith Moon as the most bizarre uncle you never hope to meet! See Ann Margaret writhe in soap and chocolate! All of which is set to music and lyrics by one of the greatest classic rock bands of all time; it features many memorable songs, such as “Pinball Wizard,” “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” “I’m Free,” and the deranged and disturbing “Fiddle About” (guaranteed to give you nightmares).
The opportunity to experience this psychedelic film on the big screen is not to be missed. Baxter Avenue Theater is located at 1250 Bardstown Road. Advanced tickets can be purchased and more information can be found at the theater’s website.
Graphic courtesy of the film’s Wikipedia page.
