Oceanport Resident to Play Mrs.Walker In The Who's Tommy

Twenty-three year old Jennifer Townsend will be playing a lead role in Phoenix Productions’ upcoming July revival of Tommy, by the Who. This show will take place at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank for a two-weekend run beginning July 15th.

Jennifer is a well-known actress and member of the Oceanport community. She attended Shore Regional High School, where she discovered her passion for theatre. Though theatre is her main outlet and hobby, she holds a Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology from Monmouth University and plans to pursue her Masters. A familiar friend to the Phoenix family and Count Basie stage, Jennifer was last seen playing the title role in last season’s November production of Peter Pan.

In Tommy, Jennifer plays Mrs. Walker, a weary middle-class woman who is tired and frustrated from trying to care for and cure her deaf, dumb, and blind son. We are introduced to her character at the fresh, newlywed age of 21, and see her evolve over the course of 15 years, Playing this complex role requires an intricate acting approach, and Jennifer handles this with grace and tact. Her version of Mrs. Walker, and the production as a whole, is stripped of the post World War II England setting that is prevalent in most performances of the show. Jenn is a fan of this choice, stating that, “it doesn't matter what time the story is set in, and stripping away that aspect both intrigues people. It forces them to realize this can happen to anybody at any time and the morality and passion of it hits you in the face.”

Based on the iconic 1969 rock concept album by The Who, Tommy tells an exhilarating tale of hope, healing, and the human spirit. The story of the pinball-playing, deaf, dumb, and blind boy who triumphs over his adversities. Featuring the music of one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, Tommy has inspired, amazed, and puzzled audiences for nearly 50 years. Winning five Tony Awards and six Drama Desk awards, this show is a high – energy, one-of-a-kind theatrical event.This particular production will boast a unique twist, stripping away the dated post-World War II setting. Jenn is a fan, “ I love that this production is timeless -- it gets across the message of story better,” she says.” It doesn't matter what time the story is set in, and stripping away that aspect both intrigues people, but forces them to realize this can happen to anybody at any time and the morality and passion of it hits you in the face.

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Performances will be on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm, with its run concluding on July 24th. Tickets are available at the Count Basie Theatre Box Office and can be purchased in person at 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, N.J, by phone at 732-842-9000, or online at www.countbasietheatre.org .

Phoenix Productions is a non-profit community theatre organization that has produced more than a hundred full-scale revivals of Broadway musicals since 1988. For more information on Phoenix Productions or upcoming shoes, please visit www.phoenixredbank.com