Choreographer's Legacy Lives On in Acclaimed Quadrophenia Ballet

In November 2025, The Who's iconic rock opera Quadrophenia made its Stateside debut as a ballet production at the New York City Center. Directed by Rob Ashford and featuring an orchestral score arranged by Rachel Fuller, the show previously played in London as Quadrophenia, A Mod Ballet.

The ballet's cast, including Ansel Elgort as the lead character Jimmy, delivered a remarkable performance that seamlessly blended stunning dance moves with the expressive yet subtle dramatics of the story. Choreographer Paul Roberts, who was also a frequent collaborator of Harry Styles, managed to convey the nervous thrills and impotent frustrations of youth through frenetic yet graceful movements.

Tragically, Roberts passed away from cancer on September 26, 2025, at the age of 52. During the New York run, Pete Townshend, who also appears in the show as a guitar-strumming elder statesman, came out to a standing ovation and dedicated the production to his late collaborator. Townshend expressed his desire to bring the ballet to New York out of his own pocket, highlighting his deep connection to the city and his commitment to honoring Roberts' legacy.

The Quadrophenia ballet, which wrapped up its New York City Center run on November 16, 2025, demonstrates the enduring appeal of The Who's catalog and its ability to inspire diverse artistic interpretations. While vastly different from the recent Broadway revival of The Who's Tommy, both productions showcase the band's timeless influence on the arts.