The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is thrilled to welcome a bold new production of the legendary rock opera The Who’s TOMMY playing Oct. 16–18, 2026 in the Buell Theatre at 14th & Curtis in downtown Denver. Fresh from Broadway, this high‑voltage revival brings renewed energy, emotional depth, and theatrical spectacle to one of modern music’s most influential works. DCPA subscribers receive priority access beginning Fri., Feb. 20, with tickets available to the public starting Fri., Feb. 27. Subscriptions are available now.  

A Cultural Phenomenon, Reborn 

Des McAnuff and Peter Townshend. Photo by Doug Gifford

When The Who released Tommy in 1969, it redefined what rock music could be. More than 50 years later, this groundbreaking story returns to the stage in a production that feels charged with new relevance and resonance. 

This reinvention reunites Tony Award‑winning composer Pete Townshend and Tony Award‑winning original director Des McAnuff, who revisit the story with a fresh perspective for a new generation. Expect unforgettable anthems—including “I’m Free,” “See Me, Feel Me,” “Sensation,” and “Pinball Wizard”—paired with capitivating visuals and a theatrical pulse that hits hard. 

“Thunderous and thoroughly intoxicating.” — The Wall Street Journal 
“See it. Feel it. You won’t forget it.” — Entertainment Weekly 

The Story That Shaped a Genre 

The Who’s TOMMY follows young Tommy Walker, who witnesses a traumatic crime and retreats into a world of silence and stillness. What begins as a story of disconnection evolves into an explosive tale of awakening as Tommy’s innate gift for pinball launches him from a withdrawn teenager to an unexpected cultural icon. 

Myth, music, and spectacle collide—creating a journey that explores trauma, fame, identity, and the human need for connection. 

Hitting the Road: A Tour for Today 

The new North American tour brings this electrifying production to audiences nationwide. With renewed urgency and visual innovation, TOMMY reclaims its place as one of the most iconic and influential works in modern music and theatre. 

A Lasting Legacy 

From album to stage to screen, TOMMY has captivated audiences around the world, becoming a defining cultural touchstone. This latest production honors the legacy of the original while deepening its emotional impact and contemporary relevance. 

The DCPA’s History with Tommy 

The last time the national tour of The Who’s TOMMY visited Denver was during the 1994/95 touring season. More than 30 years later, Denver audiences will once again have the opportunity to experience this groundbreaking rock opera—now reimagined with fresh theatrical innovation and renewed emotional power. 

The DCPA’s Theatre Company last produced The Who’s TOMMY during its 2017/18 Theatre Company season. Staged in the Wolf Theatre, that production introduced Denver audiences to a bold, visually charged interpretation of Pete Townshend’s iconic work. Featuring a dynamic ensemble, striking physical design, and the DCPA’s signature storytelling, the production remains a memorable chapter in the Theatre Company’s history. 

DETAILS
The Who’s TOMMY plays Oct 16-18, 2028 in the Buell Theatre.
The Buell Theatre is located at 14th & Curtis streets in downtown’s Arts Complex
Official Tickets: 303.893.4100 or tickets@dcpa.org