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the seriousness of Jimmy's search for identity and purpose.

For most of the way, you didn't feel the struggle of the characters as much as the strain of the Who members' trying to pump life into this big concert vehicle.

While Daltrey seemed to have trouble injecting the lyrics with authenticity at times, Townshend reflected the inner turmoil of Jimmy in his brief turns at the microphone, whether sharing it with Daltrey on "I'm One" 6 a song about wanting to be accepted by your peers so badly that you are willing to conform to their ways 6 or taking over fully on "Drowned," a song of spiritual transformation.

Though the audience was enthusiastic through the 90-minute presentation, the real source of joy seemed to be tied simply to seeing again on stage 6 perhaps for the final time live 6 the three surviving members of one of rock's half-dozen greatest bands. The group, whose members are all in their early 50s, disbanded in 1982, but reunited for a 25th anniversary tour in 1989.

As the Who left the stage after a brief encore featuring such non- "Quadrophenia" tunes as "Won't Get Fooled Again" and "Behind Blue Eyes," it didn't feel you were as much watching the rebirth of "Quadrophenia" as the final farewell of the Who. It was perhaps the evening's truest moment of theater.

6 The Who performs on Friday at the Pond of Anaheim, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 8 p.m.$35, $50, $75. (714) 704-2400.

[photo caption] ANDREW SCHOLER / For The Times Pete Townshend and former bandmates try to bring "Quadrophenia" out of "Tommy's" shadow.