"Ever since I was a young boy, I’ve played the silver ball …"

Rob Duval grew up listening to the music of the Who and the songs from "Tommy" — the quartet’s groundbreaking rock opera. Duval was "about 14" when he saw the movie version, he said. "It changed me forever. I loved Elton John’s Pinball Wizard, but Tina Turner (as the Acid Queen) scared the hell out of me!" And he bought the original cast recording of the 1993 Broadway production as soon as it was released on CD.

Now 45, Duval is applying the insights he’s gained in his years as a Who fan, as well as his experience as an actor and director in Hawaii, to direct Manoa Valley Theatre’s production of the show.

"Tommy" opens at MVT on Thursday, and Duval intends it to be something special

"When I was first asked to direct the production, the entire team agreed to create a show that is first and foremost about the music, so be prepared for one of the best musical journeys ever witnessed on an Oahu stage," Duval said Sunday, taking a break for a quick Q&A while in the middle of cast and tech rehearsals.

"In addition to Melina Lillios’ outstanding musical direction, Katherine Jones’ choreography provides just the right amount of rock concert headbanging. Moreover, we have a feast of a light show, jaw-dropping projections and a cast that gives all-out energy and commitment to the music and the story. And the band rocks — be prepared to sing along!"

Musical director Lillios is one of two people working on this production who did "Tommy" at MVT in 1996. The other returnee is cast member Alison L.B. Maldonado, back for a second time as the Acid Queen. Maldonado’s portrayal of the Acid Queen was one of the dramatic highlights in 1996.

"I am thrilled that Alison Maldonado is joining us for her second stint playing the Acid Queen. She is a gem — and just delighted audiences in ‘Sister Act’ (at Diamond Head Theatre) last month," Duval said.

"Kyle Malis (who is starring) as Tommy has never sounded better," Duval added.

"Tommy" is one of the first hit Broadway musicals that started off as a rock album and was later adapted into musical theater.

The Who introduced the story in 1969 as a two-record concept album, "Tommy," their fourth studio project. A year of concert touring a live version of the album followed. The critical and popular success of the live performances inspired an operatic production, an orchestral version, the 1975 film with the Who’s lead singer, Roger Daltrey, in the title role, and then the Broadway musical in 1993.

The title character is a young boy named Tommy who witnesses a murder and becomes catatonic. The "deaf, dumb and blind kid" is tormented by one of his nasty relatives and sexually abused by another, but his catatonic state makes him uniquely receptive to the vibrations of pinball machines. Tommy’s uncanny skill at pinball makes him a celebrity and then a superstar.

"I’ve always been enthralled with the story — that a child can be so scarred that he disembarks from reality," Duval said. "As hard as his parents try, they can’t ‘fix’ him. It’s only when he looks within and shatters the mirror (that he witnessed the murder in) that he becomes a ‘sensation’ — meaning a more realized human being."

Looking beyond Tommy’s experiences, Duval said that the story also explores the nature of love and forgiveness, the process of reconciling relationships, the positive and negative aspects of fame, and the danger of slavishly following a mass leader.

Focus a moment on Duval, and there’s no question he is a multitasker. In addition to directing "Tommy," Duval directed the ‘Iolani School production of "Charlotte’s Web" at Diamond Head Theatre last weekend and will direct Diamond Head Theatre’s staging of "The Mousetrap" in January. After that comes another ‘Iolani show, "Sweet Charity," at the Hawaii Theatre in February.

Looking at "Tommy" from an actor’s viewpoint, Duval said there are several roles he would audition for if age wasn’t a factor.

"My favorite song is ‘Pinball Wizard,’ so I would relish singing that song. As an actor though, the role of Captain Walker intrigues me because his journey throughout the show is inspiring. We have a wonderful new addition to the theatrical community in Zach Linnert, from New York, playing Captain Walker," he said. "My third choice would be the Acid Queen."