The Who´s Tommy (OBC1993) n721i

Tommy's Holiday Camp by [UNCLE ERNIE] Good morning, Campers! I'm your Brother Ernie, And I welcome you to Tommy's Holiday Camp! The camp with a difference, never mind the weather, When you come to Tommy's, the holiday's forever! Welcome! Get your Tommy T-shirts, and your stickers, And your Tommy mirrors to smash! Don't rush, keep steady, Have your money ready! Buy your way to heaven, That comes to one pound seven. Bless your heart! (ka-ching!) Eyeshades and earplugs, Keep in line, I've got a huge supply! Get your Tommy records, You can really hear him talk! Tommy pics and matches, half a knicker for the cork. You lucky people! The camp with a difference, never mind the weather, When you come to Tommy's, the holiday's forever!

(Still cradling the wounded Sally, Tommy sings to the audience) Tommy: (quietly cynical) Come to my house. Be one of my family's people. Lovely bright home... We're dancing all night, Never sleeping. (Tommy helps Sally to her feet and disarms the security guards) Milkman, come in! And you baker! Little old Lady welcome! And you, shoemaker! Come to this house! Into this house! You can help To collect some more in. Young and old people, Let's get them all in! (Videos and projections appear, first of small groups, then lines, then crowds of people.) Come to this house! Into this house! (Not having seen him at home since the cure, the Walkers and Uncle Ernie are startled to see Tommy bringing home a crowd of guards, reporters and the battered Sally Simpson. Tommy leads Sally with them and rushes out to bring more people in as the reporters mill around the house.) Tommy: (To the guards) Ask along that man who's wearing a carnation. Bring every single person From Victoria station. Go into that hospital And bring nurses and patients. Everyone go home and fetch your relations! Tommy & Crowd: Come to this house; Be one of this family's people. Lovely bright home... Dancing all night, never sleeping. Cousin Kevin (spoken) Sir, there's more at the door. Cousin Kevin and Guards: There's more at the door. There's more at the door. There's more at the door. ( A cutout backdrop of the crowd flies in, leading us to believe that the stadium audience and crowds of people off the street fill the Walker's house. The monitors show crowds surging down a London street.) All: There's more at the door. There's more at the door. There's more at the door. There's more at the door. There's more ... Tommy: We need more room. Build an extension! We'll all work together. Spare no expense now. (Mrs. Walker brings Sally from the bedroom. Tommy crosses to her) Tommy : Come to this house; Be one of us. Come into this house; Be one of us. Come to our house. Come to me now! (Tommy sits Sally down next to him on the sofa, as the reporters crowd around to capture Tommy's answer to Sally's question. Their image is picked up by the television camera and displayed on screens all over the stage.)

Sally Simpson Cousin Kevin: Outside the house, Mr. Simpson announces Sally can't go to the meeting. He goes on cleaning his blue Rolls Royce And she runs inside-a-weeping. She gets to her room and cries on a picture, Always keeps it by her. She picks up a book of her father's life And throws it on the fire. (The videos show stadium crowds and Tommy's face as a weeping Sally is ed at her dressing table by her mother.) Sally & Mr. & Mrs. Simpson: She knew from the start, Deep down in her heart, That she and Tommy were worlds apart: But her mother said "Never mind: your part is to be what you'll be." Sally: Tommy's gonna beat his best tonight; I just have to see him play. I feel so bad; I'm sorry Dad. Gonna sneak out anyway. I've spent all day doin' up my hair; I've gotta look exactly right. Maybe he'll see that I can be free And I'll get backstage tonight. (Sally does herself up and rushes off past her parents) Mr. & Mrs. Simpson: She knew right then from the start, Deep down in her heart, That she and Tommy were worlds apart... But her mother said "Never mind; your part is to be What you'll be." (Sally, hair blowing in the wind, rides across stage on her motor scooter.) Two Guards: She lands at six and the gig is a rocking; The devil is out tonight. The band cuts loose and the stage is a knocking She grabs her chair- she's hot to dance Right down their in the very first row. Then a slick DJ who is pissing his pants Runs on and says: DJ Here we go... (Sally appears in the front row of the audience, eager to jump up on stage) Guards: The crowd goes crazy As Tommy hits the stage! Little Sally is lost As the police boss The crowd back in a rage! Woooo! (Tommy stands on a high podium doing his act while his face appears on video screens. The guards surround him in an unbreakable line.) Sally Simpson: A flash of fire - the whole place stops. Tommy is a tranquilizer, But Sally's so hot- she risks a shot And jumps up on the riser. (Sally rushes past the guards and climbs up onto Tommy's podium, where she throws her scarf around his neck.) Cousin Kevin: She's up there now - she's hit the top. She brushes his handsome face. Tommy whirls around as a uniformed man Ushers her from the stage. (Tommy turns and inadvertently knocks Sally from the stage and the guards below grab her and beat her viciously) The Guards: She knew from the start Deep down in her heart, That she and Tommy were worlds apart. But her mother said "Never mind; your part is to be What you'll be" (Tommy leaps off the podium, pushes through the security guards and kneels beside her, realizing how completely out of hand everything's gotten. He rocks her in his lap.) Tommy: Be... What you'll be, What you'll be, What you'll be, What you'll be, What you'll be, (Tommy looks at the guards, and the crowd, which has gone silent.) Tommy (to crowd) I've had enough. I think I'm gonna go home now. Suss everything out. I'm going home. But ...you can all come if you like. Yeah. You've all got your families, right? Come and be a part of mine for a bit. See what it's been like for me. (The guards look dumbfounded at Tommy's invitation to the crowd as the pieces of 22 Heathfield Gardens assemble behind them.)

Tommy: You'll feel me coming, A new vibration. From afar you'll see me. I'm a sensation... I'm a sensation! Soon you'll see me. Can't you feel me? I'm coming... Reporters: (rushing in to surround Tommy) Sensation... Sensation. Tommy: Send your troubles dancing; you know the answer. I'm coming...Reporters... I'm coming Sensation...Sensation! Reporters: Sensation... Sensation! Slide: 1961 ( The Walkers enter and are surrounded by reporters.) Mrs Walker (spoken) It's true, our son doesn't come round anymore. We never get to see him. I do worry sometimes, you know, that we're the only ones who really understand and all:but we're grateful, of course- grateful for his transformation. Mr. Walker: Which is a better word for it. We don't like the use of the word "miracle" one bit. He simply got well. That's the extent of it. And his mother and I never gave up the faith through all the years. Not once. Mrs Walker: We just hope he's happy. It seems he's become all the rage today, doesn't it? (Reporters rush in to surround Tommy's machine. The local lads appear in security uniforms. A uniformed Kevin seems to be in charge.) The Reporters: Sensation...Sensation! Sensation...Sensation! Slide:1962 (Tommy pivots; pulls back the plunger and fires) Cousin Kevin: (being interviewed; his image appears in video monitors above the stage.) Those of us who've known my cousin a long time, his friends from before like, we're providing the necessary protection. So as far as family relations are concerned, all I'm saying is he's been very good to me. Very good. And I for one am glad I can be of some assistance. I believed in him from the beginning, right from the very start. I know what it was like. I was there. All: Sensation...Sensation! Sensation...Sensation! Slide:1963 All: Sensation...Sensation! Sensation...Sensation! Ahhh, Sensation... Sensation! (A television studio appears and Tommy sits with the talk show hostess. Their images appear on video screens) Tommy (to interviewer) I won't answer that. I want to be very clear with you. I won't answer any questions about my personal life. So leave off. (The Walkers fade quietly into the background and go off) As for people's interest...I got a lot out of playing...learned a lot from it, you know. It's all I had, really. And my dreams. It's like ...people want me to that on in some way. So that's what I'm trying to do. it on.

TOMMY I'm free...I'm free And freedom tastes of reality. I'm free...I'm free: And freedom lies here in normality. (Mrs Walker returns with Mr. Walker and they watch Tommy in utter amazement) I could tell you what it takes To feel the highest high. You'd laugh and say "Nothing's that simple!" But you've been down this path before While I was waiting at the door. This place is sacred as a temple. (Uncle Ernie enters and Tommy's family gather to watch him in amazement.) TOMMY I'm free...I'm free. Right here I've found immortality! (The minister knocks on the door and is dragged in to witness Tommy's miraculous change. Uncle Ernie takes Tommy's photograph.) TOMMY I'm free...I'm free. And freedom tastes of reality! (Mr. Walker opens his arms to embrace his son, but Tommy sharply pushes him away. Tommy opens the front door and walks him away. Tommy opens the front door and walks down the street, looking at all that surrounds him.)

Mrs. Walker: You don't answer my call With even a nod or a wink But you gave at your own reflection! You don't seem to see me But I think you can see yourself. How can the mirror affect you? Can you hear me Or do I surmise That you fear me? Can you feel my temper Rise, rise, rise, rise Rise, rise, rise, rise Rise, rise, rise, rise Rise! Do you hear or fear me or Do I smash the mirror? Do you hear or fear me or Do I smash the mirror? (Mrs. Walker tries to pull Tommy away from the mirror, but each time one of the younger Tommys appears in the mirror, Tommy tries to move toward the image of the child.) Do you hear or fear me or Do I smash the mirror? (Mrs. Walker picks up a chair and threatens to smash the mirror with it) Mrs. Walker: Do you hear or fear or Do I smash the mirror? (In the mirror, appears the image of the terrified 4 year-old Tommy on the night of the killing long ago. Mrs. Walker furiously swings back the chair: Darkness. The crash of breaking glass and the sound of a gunshot. In the background are projections of a shattered house and the Lover falling dead. ) (The mirror has been completely smashed. Tommy looks around and sees everything in the room. He stands in the spot where the lover was killed and kneels to touch the floor. He looks at his mother and reaches out to touch her. She embraces him, but he does not return it. she rushes off to get Mr. Walker.)

(Oblivious to young Tommy in the mirror, the Walkers sit at the table. Mrs Walker shuffles a deck of cards) Mrs Walker: (spoken to Mr Walker) Like to play love? (Mr. Walker silently fuming doesn't respond) ...Suit yourself. I Believe My Own Eyes Mr Walker: This can't continue It makes no sense We're getting nowhere. I've lost all my confidence. The boy wants something. I'm satisfied; He needs attention And care our love can't provide And then, there's the matter of us... (Mr. Walker takes his wife's hands and holds them with tender intensity.) I'd like to prove That I don't think that you've Seen the best of me. I've stood up for the boy And I've clung to the hopes and the lies. I wish that the pain In your gaze could again be a test of me. But when I look in the mirror I believe my own eyes. (Mr. Walker crosses to Tommy, still staring into the mirror) I believe my own eyes Know I've come to the end... All my patience is gone. When I'm doubtful, I tend To believe my own eyes. Mrs Walker: I'd like to declare This devotion and care Is the life to live. That nothing has changed And that time isn't ing us by. But I have to say here That, for us, there's a clear- cut alternative. When we look at eachother We believe our own eyes. (Mr. Walker leads Tommy to the sofa and sits him down) Mr. & Mrs Walker: I believe my own eyes Know I've come to the end... All my patience is gone. When I'm doubtful, I tend To believe my own eyes. This has gone far enough! After all we've been through... We can't be blamed; We've done all we can humanly do. It's a time to be tough, A time to be wise. We must stop chasing false dreams And recover our lives. I believe my own eyes Know I've come to the end... All my patience is gone. When I'm doubtful, I tend To believe... I'd like to believe That I don't feel that we've seen the best of us. And the way to believe is to see where the real future lies. I hope that the pain In your gaze can again Be a test of us. And when I look in the mirror I believe my own eyes. Let's believe our own eyes. Know that we've come to the end... All our patience is gone. Let's it we intend... Mr. Walker (exiting) ...To believe our own eyes. Mrs. Walker: ...To believe our own eyes. (The image of Tommy as a four year old appears in the mirror) Four-year old Tommy: Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy. (Tommy crosses to the mirror and stares. Furiously Mrs. Walker wrenches him away from his reflection.)

(The modern research laboratory is teeming with lab technicians, as the Specialist speaks to the Walkers about Tommy's condition.) Specialist: He seems to be completely unreceptive. The tests I give him make no sense at all. Specialist & Specialist's assistant: His eyes react to light; the dials detect it. He hears but cannot answer to your call. (Against a backdrop of atomic images and X-rays, Tommy is placed in a nightmarish contraption that spins around 360degrees) Ten-year old Tommy: (voiceover) See me, feel me, Touch me, heal me. See me, feel me, Touch me, heal me. Specialist: There is no chance; no untried operation. All hope lies with him; and none with me. Specialist & Specialist's assistant: Imagine though, the shock from isolation If he suddenly could hear and speak and see. (Tommy is moved onto a glowing, brightly-colored table that slides him into the tunnel of a similarly brilliant CAT scan machine. Multiple images of the brillant readings of the machine appear on the screens behind them.) Ten-year Old Tommy (voiceover) See me, feel me, Touch me, heal me. See me, feel me, Touch me, heal me. Specialist: His eyes can see, His ears can hear, his lips can speak. All the time the needles, flick and rock. Specialist & Specialist's Assistant: No machine can give the kind of stimulation needed to remove his inner block. Go to the mirror boy! Go to the mirror boy! (The specialist turns Tommy toward the mirror; he walks to it and stares at his own image.) Mrs Walker: I often wonder what he's feeling. Has he ever heard a word I've said? Mr. & Mrs. Walker: Look at him the mirror, dreaming. What is happening in his head? (Tommy sees his 4 year old and 10 year old selves in the mirror) Listening to You (reprise) The Two Young Tommys: Listening to you, I get the music. Gazing at you, I get the heat. Following you, I climb the mountain. I get excitement at your feet! (As Tommy s in the singing, he levitates several feet off the floor, unnoticed by anyone.) The Three Tommys: Right behind you, I see the millions; On you, I see the glory. From you, I get opinions; From you, I get the story. (Tommy lands gently back on the floor as his younger selves disappear) Mr. & Mrs Walker: What is happening in his head? Ooooh, I wish I knew: I wish I knew. (Left alone on stage, Tommy is beginning to surface into consciousness. Very slowly, he raises his hand and stares at it.)

(The local lads carry the inert Tommy into the Sunlight Laundrette, where Mrs. Walker. Quietly folding her laundry, watches their loutish but lively behavior with some sadness. They deposit Tommy on a chair and depart.) It's Boy(reprise) Mrs. Walker: Hmm, Hmm, hmm It's a boy, Mrs. Walker, it's a boy. It's a boy, Mrs. Walker... (She crosses to Tommy and gently wipes something from his face with a tea towel. Mr. Walker rushes in, bursting with news.) There's a Doctor Mr. Walker There's a man I found Could bring us all joy! There's a doctor I found can cure the boy! A doctor I found can cure the boy! Mrs. Walker (cynically) A doctor you found can cure the boy! Mr. Walker: There's a man I found can remove his sorrow. He lives in town. Let's see him tomorrow. Mr. & Mrs. Walker: Let's see him tomorrow! (The Walkers lead Tommy out of the laundrette and into a very modern looking laboratory.)

ACT TWO 1960: In the arcade, against a backdrop of brillantly colored pinball images, Tommy is playing at a pinball machine, surrounded by the youths. Tommy at 20, is a neighborhood celebrity and the adored official mascot of this particular local gang. His playing builds to a fever pitch; a buzzer sounds as he beats the machine. The lads scream in victory... Local Lads: Right!!!!! ...and carry Tommy over their heads down the street, with Cousin Kevin leading the way. Local Lads: Oy! Oy! Oy! Oy! Oy! Oy!:

First Local Lad: Ever since I was a young boy, I've played the silver ball. From the Soho down to Brighton, I must have played them all. But I ain't seen nothing like him In any amusement hall. That deaf, dumb and blind kid Sure plays a mean pinball! (A second Teddy Boy stumbles on, clearly another local champion) Second Local Lad: He stands like a statue Becomes part of the machine. Feeling all the bumpers, Always playing clean. He plays by intuition; The digit counters fall, The deaf, dumb and blind kid... The Two Lads: ...Sure play a mean pinball! ( The rest of the arcade assembles around them, complete with funhouse mirrors and several pinball machines played by the local lads and lasses. Cousin Kevin's popularity clearly rests on the unseen Tommy's status as local legend.) Cousin Kevin & The Two Local Lads: He's a pinball wizard. There has to be a twist. A pinball wizard, S'got such a supple wrist. First Local Lad: How do you think he does it? Second Lad: I don't know. First Local Lad: What makes him so good? Cousin Kevin: He ain't got no distractions; Can't hear those buzzers and bells. Don't see no lights a-flashin'; He plays by sense of smell. He always get a replay, 'N never tilts at all. That deaf, dumb and blind kid... Cousin Kevin & Two Lads: ...Sure plays a mean pinball! The Two Lads: I thought I was The Bally table king... Local Lads: ...But I just handed My pinball crown to him. Local Lasses: How do you think he does it? First Local Lad: I don't know. Local Lasses: What makes him so good? First Local Lad: Even at my favorite table, He can beat my best. Second Local Lad: The kids all lead him in And he just does the rest. Cousin Kevin: He's got crazy flipper fingers; Never seen him fall. That deaf, dumb and blind kid... All: ...Sure plays a mean pinball! (Riding in on a pinball machine, a teenage Tommy - our Narrator - appears to the delight of the Arcade.) Cousin Kevin & Lads: Even at my favorite table, He can beat my best. The kids all lead him in And he just does the rest. He's got crazy flipper fingers; Never seen him fall That deaf, dumb and blind kid All: Sure plays a mean pinball!!!! (Sirens wail, lights flash, bells ring as Tommy runs up an astronomical score, and the curtain comes down.)

Gypsy: If your child ain't all he should be now; This girl will put him right. I'll show him all he could be now; Just give me one night. (The Gypsy removes her cloak and steps into the light) I'm the Gypsy- the Acid Queen! Pay before we start. I'm the Gypsy- I'm guaranteed To tear his soul apart. Give us a room and close the door. Leave us for a while. Your boy won't be a boy no more. He'll be young but not a child. I'm the Gypsy- the Acid Queen! Pay before we start. I'm the Gypsy- I'm guaranteed To tear his soul apart. Gather your wits and hold on fast; Your mind must learn to roam; Just as the Gypsy must do, You're gonna hit the road. When the work is done, you'll look at him; He'll never be more alive. My blood will run through his skin. Watch his body writhe! I'm the Gypsy- the Acid Queen! Pay before we start. I'm the Gypsy- I'm guaranteed To tear his soul apart. (The Gypsy hustles Mr. Walker away from Tommy and over to the Hawker. She dances sinuously around the boy who seems to respond in a voluntary motion. Mr. Walker is encouraged enough to pay her.) If your child ain't all he should be now; This girl will put him right. I'll show him all he could be now; Just give me one night. I'm the Gypsy- the Acid Queen! Pay before we start. I'm the Gypsy- I'm guaranteed To break your little heart. (The Gypsy starts to lead Tommy off, but Mr. Walker, horrified at the actual deed, changes his mind and pulls him away from her. As they exit, the Hawker takes the money from the Gypsy, who turns away in despair.)

The front door of 22 Heathfield Gardens appears as the disheartened Walkers lead Tommy down the street. Mr. Walker puts his key in the door and lets Mrs. Walker and Tommy enter, while he remains at the doorstep and takes out a package of cigarettes. He is clearly upset. The Hawker glides down the street, glances through the window and nods at a not yet visible companion. A rather unsavory-looking character, he arrives at Mr. Walker's side in time to light up his cigarette. While Mr. Walker smokes, the Hawker begins to sing "Eyesight to the blind" and pulls out photographs of his woman, which he shows to Mr. Walker. His proposition is clear and Mr. Walker is dubious. The Hawker's companion appears down the street, playing wailing riffs on his harmonica. Mr. Walker is now somewhat amused and looks at the photographs again with interest at the prospect of a woman who could cure his son. After some hesitation, he goes inside and rushes Tommy out of the house. Mrs. Walker appears at the door and seems to be about to stop them but then thinks better of it and stands watching them go. Mr. Walker and Tommy follow the two men through a heavily industrial, urban London landscape. The Hawker continues to sing as he leads them to a godforsaken back alley where aggressive hookers and filthy derelicts couch around fires buring in oil drums. A group of thugs is gathered around a manhole on a circle of tires while, in the background, drunks sip at cheap beer and rubbing alchohol. Despite the surroundings, Mr Walker, who is at his wit's end about his son, is eager to meet the woman he's been told has "got the power to heal"

A psychiatrist and his assistant experiment with Tommy. The psychiatrist guides Tommy to a cymbal, a drum and a bell, encouraging him to play each instrument. The Walkers urge Tommy on but he only responds like a puppet. Mr and Mrs Walker become discouraged. Tommy gets very tired and they all seem hopelessly defeated.

Tommy: I overwhelm as I approach you Make your lungs hold breath inside! Lovers break caresses for me. Love distracted don't know why. You'll feel me coming A new vibration From afar you'll see me. I'm a sensation: I'm a sensation! (The Minister comes back to see Tommy's miraculous behavior. He runs out to get the Walkers.) They're moved by me and all I touch; Hazy-eyed, they catch my glance. Pleasant shudders shake their senses. My warm momentum throws their stance You'll feel me coming A new vibration From afar you'll see me. I'm a sensation: I'm a sensation! Soon you'll see me. Can you feel me? I'm coming... Send your troubles dancing. You know the answer... I'm coming... I'm coming... I'm a sensation! (The youths begin to dance and celebrate wildly as Tommy's pinball score continues to mount) I leave a trail of rooted people Mesmerized by just the sight. All these lovers feel me coming, Love as one-in love tonight. You'll feel me coming, A new vibration, From afar you'll see me, I'm a sensation: I'm a sensation! I'm a sensation: I'm a sensation! I am the light. (The Narrator disappears as the Minister brings Tommy's parents in. They stand watching in amazement for a while and then Mrs. Walker puts her arm around Tommy. The Walkers lead Tommy off with new hope.)

(Tommy is alone with Cousin Kevin, his new baby-sitter) Cousin Kevin Cousin Kevin: We're on our own, cousin All alone cousin, Let's think of a game to play Now that the grownups have all gone away You won't be as much fun Being blind, deaf and dumb But I've no one to play with today. D'you know how to play hide and seek? To find me it would take you a week But tied to a chair you won't go anywhere: There's a lot I can do with a freak. (Cousin Kevin sticks a lampshade on Tommy's head, then flings it away, pushes him out the front door and leaves him out there.) How would you feel if I turned on the bath, Ducked your head under and started to laugh? What would you do if I shut you outside To stand in the rain And catch cold so you died? I'm the school bully! The classroom cheat! The nastiest play-friend You ever could meet. I'll stick pins in your fingers And tread on your feet: (Against a projection of a London backstreet filled with laundry lines, Cousin Kevin sicks Tommy into the trash can, puts the lid on and sits on top) We're on our own, cousin All alone cousin, Let's think of a game to play Now that the grownups have all gone away You won't be as much fun Being blind, deaf and dumb But I've no one to play with today. ( The backdrop changes to the courtyard behind the church. Cousin Kevin rolls the trash can on it's side, finally dumping Tommy out in a heap. The Church Youth Club full of tough-looking boys and girls, gather around them. They toss Tommy around and treat him as if he were a living mannequin, dressing him in odd hats and scarves, sticking cigarettes in his mouth and ears and lighting them) Cousin Kevin & Local Lads & Lasses Maybe a cigarette burn on your arm Would change your expression to one of alarm. I'll drag you around by a lock of your hair Or give you a push at the top of the stairs: I'm the school bully! The classroom cheat! The nastiest play-friend You ever could meet. I'll put glass in your dinner And spikes in you seat: (the Minister and his wife enter and everyone is immediately on their best behavior..until they leave) We're on our own, cousin All alone cousin, Let's think of a game to play Now that the grownups have all gone away You won't be as much fun Being blind, deaf and dumb But I've no one to play with today.

Uncle Ernie: I'm your wicked Uncle Ernie I'm glad you won't see or hear me As I fiddle about, Fiddle about Fiddle about! Your mother left me here to mind you Now I'm doing what I want to: Fiddling about, Fiddling about, Fiddle about! Down with the bedclothes, Up with the nightshirt! Fiddle about Fiddle about Fiddle about! Ensemble: Fiddle about Fiddle about Fiddle about! Uncle Ernie: You won't shout as I fiddle about. (Ernie picks Tommy up and carries him to the bed which begins to spin demonically.) Uncle Ernie & Ensemble: Fiddle, fiddle, fiddle Fiddle, fiddle, fiddle Fiddle, fiddle, fiddle Fiddle, fiddle, fiddle Fiddle!

With a giant stained-glass eye projected behind them, the extended family goes to church at Christmas, where the minister presides over a choir.) Mr. Walker: Did you ever see the faces of the children? They get so excited, Waking up on Christmas morning. Hours before the winter's sun's ignited. They believe in dreams and all they mean, Including Heaven's generosity. Peeping 'round the door To see what parcels are in store. In curiosity. Mr & Mrs Walker: And Tommy doesn't know what day it is. He doesn't know who Jesus was or what praying is. All: How can he be saved From the eternal grave? (The family shakes hands with the Minister and they all proceed to Cousin Kevin's house for Christmas dinner. Ten-year-old Tommy sits rocking on the floor, oblivious to his present, a model of an RAF bomber, which Cousin Kevin opens and plays with for him) Mr. Walker: Surrounded by us all, he sits so silently And unaware of anything... Playing dumb, he cries, he smiles, He picks his nose, he pokes his tongue at everything. Minister: I believe in love. But how can men who've never seen Light be enlightened? Only if he's cured Will his spirit's future level ever heighten. Mr & Mrs Walker: And Tommy doesn't know what day it is. He doesn't know who Jesus was or what praying is. All: How can he be saved From the eternal grave? (Uncle Ernie plays the French horn to amuse the family; to their amazement, Tommy seems to respond. Mr Walker notices and crosses to Tommy in amazement) Mr. Walker: Tommy can you hear me? Tommy can you hear me? Tommy can you hear me? Tommy can you hear me? Tommy can you hear me? Can you hear me? (There is no response from Tommy) All: How can he be saved? See Me, Feel Me (Unseen by the others the older Tommy appears and reaches out to his younger self.) Tommy See me, feel me, Touch me, heal me. See me, feel me... Touch me, heal me. (the Ten year old Tommy rises and moves from the table. The Narrator exits as Mr. Walker noticing that Tommy has moved on his own, goes to him) Mr. Walker: Tommy can you hear me? Tommy can you hear me? Tommy can you hear me? Tommy can you hear me? Tommy can you hear me? Can you hear me? All: How can he be saved? ( A group of carollers appear at the door, the older of the family pair off to dance and young Tommy is grabbed by Cousin Kevin and waltzed around the room.) All: Did you ever see the faces of the children? They get so excited, Waking up on Christmas morning. Hours before the winter's sun's ignited. They believe in dreams and all they mean, Including Heaven's generosity. Peeping 'round the door To see what parcels are in store. In curiosity. And Tommy doesn't know what day it is. He doesn't know who Jesus was or what praying is. How can he be saved From the eternal grave? (Uncle Ernie is left on stage alone with a pint of beer in his hand. He downs it in one long gulp. He lets out a thunderous belch and head for his baby-sitting appointment.)

A very concerned Mr. & Mrs. Walker deliver four year old Tommy to a young doctor who lead him by hand through a door. The Walkers leave and during the rest of the scene Tommy is escorted through the door after door in an accelerating series of examinations and tests. The doctors and nurses usher Tommy around like an automaton. He is the center of a whirl of file cabinets, eye charts and swinging doors as lab technicians work at a counter where tubes are delivered and tested, readings are taken and charts are filled out. Nurses and Doctors hurry about, ing Tommy and clipboards around like batons in a relay race. They check the boy's pulse, reflexes, heartbeat, eyesight and hearing. In the end the Walkers return and consult with the young doctor, who shakes his head. For the Walkers this is the real court and the verdict is catastrophic. As the doctors walk off with the four year old Tommy, a projection screen tells us it is now 1950, and a nurse enters with a 10year old Tommy, who carries a balloon in one hand. The narrator somersaults in from above to Tommy and his parents onstage.

(Police pour on the scene, examine the body and take Mr. Walker into custody) Mrs. Walker: Tommy. Everything is going to alright. Do you understand? (Tommy doesn't respond) Mrs Walker: You needn't be afraid love. Tommy? Do you hear me? (Tommy doesn't answer) Tommy do you understand Mummy? (Tommy walks to the mirror on the wardrobe. The objects he sees in it seem to defy the laws of gravity and space. A chair flies into the air. Doors take on a new positions. The view outside of the windows become scrambled) Mrs. Walker: Tommy! Tommy! (Tommy just stares at the mirror. The police separate the Walkers for questioning while the older Tommy, our narrator, appears on the top of the wardrobe as if by magic.) Tommy: Deaf, dumb and blind boy... He's in a quiet vibration land. Strange as it seems, his musical dream Ain't quite so bad. Four years old With thoughts as bold as thought can be; Loving life and becoming wise In simplicity. Sickness will surely take the mind Where minds can't usually go. Come on the amazing journey And learn all you should know. A vague haze of delirium Seeps in his mind Soaring and flying images blind. I'll be your leader; I'll be your guide. On the amazing journey, together we'll ride. Nothing to say Nothing to hear, Nothing to see. Each sensation makes a note in his symphony. Sickness will surely take the mind Where minds can't usually go. Come on the amazing journey And learn all you should know. His eyes are the eyes that Transmit all they know. The truth burns so bright It can melt winter snow. A towering figure, So brilliant so high: A white sun burning The earth and the sky. (The narrator vanishes and the house disassembles)