FROM FAN EMAILS

Great show with professional entertainers. Amazing. I was crying most of the show. It brought back memories.

-- Greg

I called the Avalon Theatre for tickets and they told me the show was sold out. So I drove down anyways and managed to score some tickets. Thank God. I was simply blown away.

-- Mike

I predict it'll be bigger than Tommy. The music and lyrics speak volumes.

-- Scott

I got out lots of emotional pain. If you market it to the >40 year old men this show could go on forever. Good tribute to the early Who on the big screen at the beginning and thanks for playing My Generation at the end. Nice touch.

-- Cathryn

Great job to all!!!!!! It was so purifying for me. Love you all!

-- Brendan

QUAD WAS FREAKING FANTASTIC! The Cast was phenomenal!! - Stephen Shareaux was just incredible as Jimmy - what can I say that hasn't already been said before? When this show plays again, where ever it is - SEE IT!

-- Daryl

Just got back from your Quad Show. It was unbelievable. You rocked. Volume was fine. You guys can play and you know when to hold it back, -- ego's in check!

-- Frank

I have got to hand it to you guys, your show tonight at the Avalon greatly exceeded all of my expectations. Quadrophenia was the first Who album I ever owned, my older brother gave it to me on my seventeenth birthday. I have never identified so thoroughly with an entire album as I did with Quadrophenia at 17, and The Who became one of my favorite bands in the world. During my first year of college I played Quadrophenia so much that I wore out the grooves on the vinyl. I knew I was in for an amazing night tonight, but your production exceeded my wildest imagination. I saw The Who perform Quadrophenia at Madison Square Garden on the opening night of their 1996 tour and that is on my list as one of the greatest concerts I have ever seen, but even they didn't do what you did tonight. To have the whole show performed by actors portraying all of the characters from the album was brilliant, and their execution of fleshing out the story was superb. Stephen Shareaux was outstanding, and his singing (along with your playing) moved me to tears several times during the show. I'm sure you all know that Shareaux had a difficult vocal task to accomplish, and I was astounded by the range and strength of his voice (especially during "Love Reign O'er Me.") If Pete Townshend were to see your show (and he really should) he would be proud and very impressed with how well you all handled the daunting task you took on. As much as I love the movie Quadrophenia, I think your show was a truer representation of the story told by the music. I truly hope to see this show performed again. I also think you should film it if you haven't already. Since The Who lost John Entwistle (sadly), Michael Bisch is the closest to him that I have ever seen (Pino Palladino has a noticeably different style). France DiCarlo sounds so much like Keith Moon that I forget I am watching a tribute band at all. Pete Towshend is like a God to me, which makes Darren Lolk a high priest at the very least. His talent of duplicating Townshend's style perfectly (windmills and all) is in my opinion an underappreciated art. Joseph Grillo captures the energy and spirit of Roger Daltry in a way that is truly unique among tribute bands. Keep the music alive! My Gratitude is infinite.

-- Jeffrey

Here is another favorable review from a Who fan who used to follow The Who around in the 70's - this guy KNOWS The Who like nobody else I've ever met and is also a working professional musician, so he knows what he's talking about musically:
We sat right at the end of the runway, dead center. I have always had good luck in my life when it comes to tickets to Who-related events, and this one was just pure luck again.

The first thing I want to say has to do with Stephen Shareaux (playing Jimmy). Lisa and I go to Broadway shows in NYC a couple of times a year, and we've seen quite a few Broadway golden throats. The percentage of singers in this world who have the chops to belt on a stage night after night to a packed house on the pressure-cooker stages on Broadway is very, very few. Singing at that volume for a lengthy show can absolutely rip your throat to shreds in one song, let alone a two hour show where you're the lead. And I'm telling you, this guy has got The Throat. We were no more than about five feet from him when he was ripping Love Reign O'er Me at the end when he gets down on his knees howling that "looooooove" when the song comes out of the bridge, and I just looked at my wife and she looked at me with this look of ... fuck. I know that's not terribly articulate, but when you're that close to somebody who has that kind of singing chops, it is quite a sight to behold. And it always amazes me that such a huge sound can come out of such a small body. He is not a big guy. This guy has got it.

Second, I want to say the best part of the show was the second act where the show allowed the band to be the focus. The pacing of a show is really important, and the pace, intensity and rhythm of the show took off in the second act when the band became the show. The sound guy was right behind us, and he cranked the house volume in the second act, and also seriously cranked the bottom end, which helped. The two times you guys tagged on the coda from WGFA were cool -- it reminds the audience of who did that anthem, even though it isn't in Quad. And My Generation after the curtain call was exactly what the crowd wanted. Just like The Who, once you've got a crowd in your hands, then be absolutely fucking relentless with them. Keep the pace at maximum and don't let go. Do not let up. I hate it when a band gets a crowd really going, and then they take three minutes between songs to scratch their asses and get a drink of water. When you've got an audience by the throat, YOU DO NOT LET GO. Doing My Gen at the end when the crowd was in your hands was the kind of relentlessness I'm talking about.

On a purely emotional level, the part of the show that affected me the most was the projection of some very old footage of The Who in a small club with a lot of dancers, while you were playing the "Kids Are Alright" and all the dancers in the show were dancing on the stage. It tied everything together. That was a very cool visual effect with the transparent screen. I kept thinking, these kids up there on the stage were not even born when this song was written and this film was shot, and look at them now, dancing to that song. And those extended shots of Keith and John in that segment... for me, that was emotional.

I must also tell you that when “Townshend” strapped on that crap guitar at the very end, I leaned over and screamed in Lisa's ear, "He just switched guitars! HE'S GONNA SMACK IT!" And Lisa just went bananas. Completely bananas. I'm not sure what I liked better -- watching him do it, or watching my wife pogo-ing while he was doing it. Smacking that guitar was the perfect ending. This was old-fashioned Who and it worked. I've seen other players smash guitars with absolutely no effect on the crowd and there can't be anything more humiliating. But, it worked last night. Crowd on its feet, screaming for more. That's how you want to leave them.

-- Unknown

I flew out from the East coast with my husband to see and hear the first staged "Quadrophenia." I think I just about went out of my mind watching this production. It was incredible! Darren Lolk, a la Pete, was awesome! Not only is he a fabulous musician on guitar, he is also a great singer and actor - and gorgeous! I was in awe of his performance. Mike Bisch wowed us with his beautiful bass playing and his very expressive eyes. France DiCarlo is unbelievable on drums. He's always on and makes everyone feel so much a part of the show. And Joey Grillo sang his heart out and looked fantastic. He had us rockin'! Peter Rielech on keyboards is a terrific musician. I met him in rehearsal and know that his musical knowledge and talent brought much to all in the performance. This production with such a fabulous band and great cast was Broadway quality. I congratulate Peter Uribe for his brilliant vision and execution of the show and thank Bill Schultz for believing in this production. It needs to come to New York City. There are so many great theaters here and a very large Who following. Everyone I have talked to said they love The Who and would go to see "Quadrophenia" In the meantime, I am still filled with the excitement of the music of the band. I had a blast and can't wait to be with you again and be a part of your music!

-- Joyce

I saw the Quad show at the Avalon in Hollywood and was genuinely moved. The entire production far surpassed this jaded LA dweller's expectations. First off, Pete Townshend's emotionally and spiritually charged material hasn't lost any of it's poignancy. It is as deeply stirring today as it was when it was written in the early 1970s. I'm happy to report that Mr. Townshend's compositions were delivered with the respect they deserve, which has not always been the case with shows of this kind. There was no trying to "update" the sound as we've seen in movies like Backbeat, where someone thought it might be a good idea to have the popular rock bands of the day performing songs the Beatles played in a more "current" style. Having the Who Show tribute band perform the music, rather than an array of hired guns insured that the songs would be played in the style of the originals. Thank God. I applaud the band members for their commitment to reproducing the Who's sound as faithfully as they did. They are accomplished musicians and have done their homework. Being a Who fan from way back, I found the care with which every aspect of the production was executed to be refreshing. The direction was outstanding. The lighting and use of video were particularly impressive and the sets were excellent as well. All of the actors and dancers were well cast and did a wonderful job. The lead, Stephen Shareaux, delivered a compelling performance. He acted well and his vocals were remarkable. He captured Roger Daltry's passion and range surprisingly well. The Punk/Ace character played by Zoli Teglas also stood out. A fine rock singer... who also sounded like Daltry. Jimmy's dad (Dustin Officer) was another who really delivered the goods. Camille Driscoll who played the girlfriend, had a lovely elegance about her. It would have been nice if her character had been developed a bit more, like in the Quadrophenia movie. The production was obviously a labor of love, which really showed. It was a powerful and inspiring piece of theater.

-- Unknown

The people will cheer after they've been moved to their souls... and Mr. Shareaux, singing Townshend's song as Jimmy - the tortured youth, has the ability/opportunity to move people to their souls....a rave up isn't needed. In closing, I'd like to say that Quad was truly something special. Especially today - when mediocrity is exalted, and excellence often seems to be a forgotten concept... it is a rare thing to find see a show that is truly exceptional. Thank you to all who were involved for giving us something with intelligence, artistic integrity and spiritual and emotional depth.

-- Howard

FROM TRIBUTECITY.COM

What a great show! Fantastice. This needs to go on the road. I would definately see it again!

-- Brian

You guys were BRILLANT..I was so impressed..and The Who Show was beyond incredible!!! I just LOVED IT !!! I loved the show so much, that I was dancing in my seat. I was having a lot of fun... The Who Show was amazing, the actors were amazing, and I especially loved the dancers... Bravo...

-- Penny

I am so proud of you! A Tribute to Quadrophenia was so great! I am so tired & my throat is sore from cheering.. In my opinion, the show was really a showcase for The Who. Ahhh...I just love the show!!

-- Johanna

The Saturday night show - I brought the whole family (my sons are 15 and 13). I thought it was absolutely brilliant!! My very favorite Who song is "Drowned." I've spent a lot of time figuring this out, because if I meet The Who in heaven & they ask me what one song I want to hear, I'm not going to mumble around and come up with "Baba O’Reiley." I was thrilled that you sang that one, Joey/ AKA Roger. From "Drowned" forward, The Who Show played with such energy they truly seemed possessed. Joey/AKA Roger, I thought was very gracious. Mike/AKA THE OX, sounded really good. Especially on 5:15 & the harmonies sounded great. Don't even get me started on that French horn... ;) Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves on stage! Darren/ Aka Pete, The wagging ass & smashing a guitar, Wow! I loved the bridge into "See Me." & everything! Jeez, he's possessed by Pete & Pete ain't even dead. France/AKA The Loon Moon, wasn't holding back this time, he was brilliant. Wow--I have never seen Keith in the flesh. Till I saw France of The Who Show. I liked the actors as well. My 13-year-old was particularly taken with the Ace character. I thought the presentation was very well thought out, the fight scenes wonderfully choreographed. The pianist? That was a nice--and vital--touch. All in all a perfect evening for us. Thanks for finishing with My Gen, Joey/ AKA Roger. I felt like I was really with The Who! Thank you so much for a fantastic evening!

-- Mandy

What an awesome show tonight! I loved it!! What a great opportunity that was. I would love to thank the director/producer in person. I really think Pete would have given an enthusiastic thumbs up.

-- WhoMom

FROM LAWEBHOSTING.COM

WOW ! My 1st Who album was Quadrophenia and I was fortunate to have seen them many times with an outdoor show they did with the Grateful Dead in Oakland before the passing of Keith as probably my favorite. I had thought that for sure, with the unique styles of the Who that it would be quite impossible to reach to level of performing that could impress us as like most Who fans the love and respect we have for the originals is held close to the heart. Bravo and Thanks!

-- Tim

Unbelievable what you guys are doing, nothing but the best of luck to you guys. I'd love to see something like this, if and when you get a full length video let me know. That's a helluva project to pull off.

-- Barry

You guys were BRILLANT..I was so impressed..and the show was beyond ncredible!!! I just LOVED IT !!! I loved the show so much, that I was dancing in my seat like a complete dork.. I am sure that I looked like a complete and utter fool..but I do not bloody care!!! I was having a a lot of fun...

The Who Show was amazing, the actors were amazing, and I especially loved the dancers...Bravo..I bow down to you all...I can see the hard work that was put into this project..well, that hard work definitely paid off..and I know that this experience will lead you all to big and better (hell, how can you get better!) things...The best to luck to all of you..God Bless.

-- Tara