Akron-Area Natives Make National Tour Debuts in The Who’s Tommy in Cleveland
Three Akron-area natives are making their national tour debuts as “The Who’s Tommy” launches its new North American tour at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace in Cleveland on October 6, 2026.
Akron-Area Natives Launching National Tour Debuts
The production brings together three performers from the local region for the opening of the national tour. Kyle McFalls, an Akron native and 2025 Firestone Community Learning Center graduate who studied at The Norwalk Conservatory, performs as Cousin Kevin. Julia Martini, a Copley native who graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School and Baldwin Wallace University, serves as an ensemble swing and understudies Mrs. Walker and Little Tommy. Kris Lyons grew up in Medina before moving to Cleveland Heights midway through high school and also graduated from Baldwin Wallace.
Des McAnuff Directs Production at Playhouse Square
The production features direction by Des McAnuff, who also directed the original 1993 Broadway show and co-wrote the book with The Who’s composer Pete Townshend. The cast moved to Playhouse Square on September 20 for final rehearsals and technical setup ahead of the October 6-11 run in Cleveland.
Cast Members Audition for Roles Through Callbacks
McFalls secured his role after auditioning for both Tommy and Cousin Kevin in the spring, following earlier appearances at season announcement media events in San Jose and Chicago. Martini connected with casting director Merri Sugarman during a campus visit at Baldwin Wallace before submitting self-tapes and receiving callbacks in New York.
He booked two gigs for season announcement media events to promote the show in San Jose, California, and Chicago while he was a first-year student in Connecticut, which later got him into the room for auditions. His dance callback was his first real dance call. “Pinball Wizard” was one of the actor’s favorite songs growing up. Being part of a Broadway tour is ridiculous,
he said. It hasn’t sunk in yet.
Julia Martini is 22 years old and graduated in May from Baldwin Wallace. Walker role. Walker role) because Mia (Bergstrom), the woman who’s playing her, she’s like 34 and just brilliant and I just feel like a baby next to her,
Martini said.
“The Who’s Tommy” opened on Broadway in 1993 following the cultural phenomenon of the 1969 album.