Back in the ‘70s, after the success of their first rock opera Tommy, Pete Townsend and The Who came up with another, possibly even better rock opera, Quadrophenia (1973). The album tells the tale of Jimmy, a character who struggles with his identity amid the mod movement.
Then double album was turned into a film of the same name in 1979. Now, a ballet reimagining of Quadrophenia is in the works, titled Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet. The stage adaptation is set to open in 2025 in the United Kingdom.
Director and choreographer Paul Roberts, who has previously worked with the likes of Harry Styles and the Spice Girls, is set to choreograph, while Tony Award-winning Rob Ashford will direct. Dancer Paris Fitzpatrick will take on the character of Jimmy.
“Quadrophenia is the only Who album that I solely composed and produced,” said Townshend, in a statement. “And the movie that followed in 1979 launched the careers of some of the finest young actors of the time.”
Townsend went on to explain how an orchestral version of the album created by Rachel Fuller sparked the thought that it would make a “powerfully rhythmic and emotionally engaging ballet,” an idea that has now become reality.
He also suggested that the themes of the original story still maintain relevance today. “I knew we had something that would resonate with new audiences,” he added, “and also bring joy, as it had in its other iterations for decades.” The ballet production of Quadrophenia will officially open at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London next June.
You can find more info about dates and tickets here.
