La Jolla Playhouse was mighty good to Pete Townshend, staging The Who's Tommy as a musical (which went on to win Townshend a Tony Award when the show transferred to Broadway). June 22 and 23, Townshend gives something back to the San Diego theatre company in the form of two special benefit concerts.

The legendary rock 'n' roll performer, once guitarist of The Who and composer of many of the group's greatest hits, will use these Pete Townshend at La Jolla Playhouse dates to raise money for La Jolla Playhouse's New Plays and Musicals Project.

La Jolla Playhouse subscribers and donors will first have a chance at the Townshend tickets - May 7-11, they can purchase tickets at the box office or by calling (858) 550-1010. Last season's donors of over $100 have an even better opportunity - they can purchase tickets from April 30 to May 4 by calling the donor hotline at (858) 550-1070 ext. 303.

Tickets for the public will be available May 14 at noon. Prices range from $1000, which include priority seating and a post-concert party with Townshend and La Jolla Playhouse artistic director Des McAnuff, to $100. For reservations, call (858) 550-1010.

In the 1990's, La Jolla Playhouse established itself as a connection to Broadway - Tommy, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Jane Eyre and the upcoming Thoroughly Modern Millie all got their starts in La Jolla. Season 2001 will include the world premieres of Frank Wildhorn's The Musical Dracula, to be directed by McAnuff, Michael Onaatje's The Collected Works of Billy the Kid, Annie Weisman's Be Agressive and Howard M. Gould's Diva. — By Christine Ehren