Pete Townshend will stop by The Late Show With Stephen Colbert tonight (Wednesday) to discuss Quadrophenia, a Rock Ballet, which is playing at the City Center in Manhattan this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Quadrophenia, a Rock Ballet is a dance-theatrical production based on The Who's 1973 rock opera album Quadrophenia. It translates the original story of a mod youth's search for identity into a new dimension using choreography instead of the original rock songs, set to an orchestral arrangement by Rachel Fuller. The production explores timeless themes of youth, rebellion, and belonging through movement.
- The story: The ballet follows Jimmy, a young mod struggling with his identity and feeling rejected by his life. The story is set against the backdrop of the mod and rocker subcultures of the 1960s, particularly the clashes that occurred in Brighton.
- The music: The original rock album is re-imagined with a full orchestral score. While some rock elements are present in certain versions, the core of the ballet is built around the orchestral arrangement.
- The choreography: The dance and choreography bring the emotional and energetic aspects of the story to life, presenting a new interpretation of the classic narrative.
- Creative team: The production is a collaboration between different creative fields, featuring direction by Rob Ashford and choreography by the late Paul Roberts, and was inspired by Pete Townshend's original album