It was a hit album that spawned a cult film.
And now a classic rock opera is set to roll into north Suffolk for a regional amateur premiere.
Beccles-based Spotlight Musical Theatre Group has landed a 'massive coup' – by securing a stage musical adaptation of The Who's iconic rock opera, Quadrophenia.
After the recent success of their winter show, Cinderella, Spotlight announced this week that their summer 2017 production is a musical adaptation of The Who's classic rock opera, courtesy of NK Theatre Arts, Romiley.
Show director Andy Osborne said: 'After directing the NODA award nominated stage musical Tommy, also by The Who, it's taken a whole year of negotiation to get agreement direct from Pete Townshend's production company for Spotlight to put on this unique stage musical production, which was written by Stockport-based group NK Theatre Arts.
'This is a first for an amateur group in East Anglia and Spotlight will be the fifth group in the world to ever present a stage musical adaptation of Quadrophenia.
'This is not one of the usual off-the-shelf musicals, as there is no published music or singing score.
'A lot of hard work lies ahead not only for the production team but for the actors and actresses that will be in the show. The production team are very excited, dedicated and highly motivated.'
He added: 'It is a massive coup, and I was elated - really chuffed to bits - to get the amazing news in May that we had agreement from Pete Townshend's production company.'
Spotlight has also obtained show sponsorship from AR Motorcycles Limited, Lowestoft. Manager, Jamie Hewitt, said: 'It's a pleasure to sponsor this production and we are assisting with the loan of a scooter for the duration of the show.
'We have connections with local Scooter Clubs so we'll be doing our bit to promote Quadrophenia.'
The group is now on the lookout for actors and actresses who can sing and dance to play all the principal and chorus roles in this show. Ideally aged between 16 and 30, for the Mods and Modettes, and 18 to 50 for some of the chorus roles, a show preview evening will be held at the Quaker Hall, Smallgate, Beccles on Tuesday, December 13 from 7.30pm, for anyone who is interested.
Mr Osborne added: 'Come along to our show preview evening next Tuesday, and see what this unique Mod musical is all about - with the characters and all the songs taken from The Who's Quadrophenia album. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.'
More than 40 years after it was first committed to vinyl, the evocative coming-of-age story has been turned into a stage show,
Set in London and Brighton at the height of the Mod era and with the country on the brink of change, it tells the story of rebel Jimmy, who is searching for a place to belong and a girl to love. He sets off on a trip to Brighton, spiritual home of the scooter-riding Mods, which changes his life forever.
? For more information, email Mr Osborne at publicity@spotlightbeccles.org.uk
? Quadrophenia will be presented at the Public Hall, Beccles, from June 27 to July 1, 2017 – with five shows The Who fans should not miss.
Tickets will be available online from next Friday, December 16, via becclespublichall.com
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