Rising singer-songwriter David Kav and Emily B. Macomber lead a cast of 24 in the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center production of “The Who’s Tommy” in Cicero.

The electrifying tale of Tommy Walker, who goes from “deaf, dumb and blind kid” to Pinball Wizard, began its life as a smash hit album by The Who and was then recreated on stage as a hugely successful Broadway musical which won six Tony Awards. JPAC’s production boasts a seven-piece live rock band, multimedia effects and, as producer Eddie Sugarman puts it, “a group of voices so powerful, they’ll lift you right off the ground.”

The cast includes quite a few downtowners, as well as plenty of local talent and Morton College students. Cicero’s own David Kav, familiar to JPAC audiences from “In My Life,” “Tuesdays with Morrie,” and JPAC’s first mounting of “Tommy,” stars as Tommy and The Narrator.  Playing Tommy’s younger selves are 12-year-old Baylee Bossany of Berwyn and 7-year old Sam Sugarman of Western Springs.

Colorado transplant Emily B. Macomber makes her Chicago and JPAC debut in the starring role of Mrs. Walker. Cicero residents and Morton College students Jeffrey Arias and Rene Flores make their JPAC debuts as featured dancers and ensemble members. Forest Park residents Afra Williams and Jim Horvath play a variety of roles and JPAC favorite Micheal A. Kott plays the hilarious and disturbing Uncle Ernie.

The production is directed by JPAC Artistic Director Dante J. Orfei with music direction by Jeff-Award winner Robert Ollis, choreography by Christie Kerr, multimedia design by Micheal A. Kott and scenic design and technical direction by Michael Nedza.

JPAC’s “The Who’s Tommy” is produced by Eddie Sugarman and plays weekends April 17 through May 2, with curtain at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, April 19 and 26. Ticket prices range from $8 to $15 and are available by calling JPAC at (708) 656-1800. More information is available online at www.jpactheatre.com.