The Lord of the Rings Musical is BACK

[@GlytchMedia]

I got to see this at the Water Mill, you begin outside being part of Bilbo's Birthday, it's such a perfect introduction. I mean, it's an ACTUAL PARTY

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I so wish I could have gone to see that production! It looked like so much fun

[@holaa.lauraa]

It was raining on the date our adventuring party was there to see the show, but the cast was incredibly successful in transferring the party energy inside! (They did end the show outside though, even though it was still raining 😂 it made it special in its own way haha)

[@MsSarahJosephine]

@holaa.lauraa It rained in the beginning when we went to see it at the watermill too - Bilbo came up to the circle to apologise for the weather and chat with us - then Lobelia Sackville-Baggins appeared and they began bickering about spoons and I was just.... so happy right then.

[@williampalmer8052]

A retelling of the story by Hobbits several years after its passing seems like a smart way to frame the story, explaining why it's abridged and perhaps not completely book-accurate. And instead of trying to recreate a sprawling epic spectacle on the stage, this kind of modest retelling seems much more suitable to the theater, and is also reflective of the very personal nature of LotR's story, where it is the humblest of people who accomplish the most heroic deeds. Thanks for the review, and hopefully you enjoyed your excursion.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

"Modest" is a great way to describe it!

[@kirbylover5418]

I just saw this in chicago - before the play started, many of the actors wandered around chatting. Samwise was asked where we’re from, and was asking about the mythical land of northbrook IL lol. They also were teaching some folks how to do the hobbit greeting! I think the interactions primed me for more enjoyment of the play :), it was really fun!

[@mauralabingi0922]

I actually really enjoyed this production! I saw it last Saturday. While it did have a few messy spots, everyone I saw it with (a group of LOTR and theatre people) agreed that they would all see it again in a heartbeat.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I'm so glad you enjoyed! I think it's all about what headspace you're in when you go to see this one

[@guttertoad383]

Lothlorien is such a bop.

[@lauraashleythomson3067]

I literally just saw the Chicago production last night! I completely agree that Act 2 was a bit of a mess and that if you didn't know LoTR going into the show, you would be lost. I've been obsessed with the songs since the original production, so hearing them in person surprisingly made me very emotional. The audience laughing at Gollum also confused me. My friend and I turned to each other, absolutely confused several times because people were laughing so hard at parts that were quite heartbreaking. I adored the cast. You could tell they were having a blast performing. The Hobbits were my favorite part. The core four Hobbits were just so much fun to watch. Gimli was downright adorable as well. Singing happy birthday to Biblo with the cast and audience at the start of the show was simply delightful. I very much enjoyed the show and already want to go and see it again!

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I'm so glad you got out to see it! Agreed about the weird moments, but the cast really delivered. So much passion!

[@Isaiah-jm5fn]

Never got into Lord of the Rings my whole life. I found this channel and have binged every video immediately. I was so glad this video came out today. And i got a library card yesterday so i could bring home the lord of the rings and try to start reading it. Thank you so much for this amazing, cozy, and informative content. Its very professionally done. And one of the best channels on the series ive been able to find. Love all your other videos too. Thank you for introducing me to this series in a palatable way.

[@markp6062]

I LOVE your call to the suspension of disbelief. It is SO much more important in theater than in the movies because of the intimacy of the actors being present and performing FOR THE AUDIENCE in that moment. Something that actors in movies don't have to worry about. thanks for sharing your experience with us. I might just have to go see it if it comes anywhere in the mid-south.

[@samj.o.melton8925]

I’m so glad you reviewed this! I just went last night and was BLOWN away! The script for act 2 did struggle with pacing but overall I thought it was 5/5 stars and I would totally see it again. Spencer Davis Milford as Frodo was absolute magic- it was the first time watching LOTR where Frodo was my favorite character. I travelled from TN to see this show. Seriously, y’all, see this show. It’s worth the travel!

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I'm glad you had such a great time at the show!

[@ThatKenpoGuy]

Never got to see the original LOTR musical but I absolutely loved the music they created for it! I especially found "Now and for always" a beautiful expression of Frodo and Sam's friendship

[@DeanLynnWeber]

The Water Mill production seems like the perfect way to do the LOTR musical, up close and personal. If the singing and acting was on point I'm sure it was a treat!

[@amostyx]

I really enjoyed the Watermill production, and I'm very glad that it's successfully made the transition to a larger theatre (Shelob was amazing, but it sounds like she works differently in this version). I hope it has a very good run in the States and gets shown all over.

[@domenicomiletti7366]

Where there's a whip, there's a way >>>>

[@lmc689]

WE'RE GONNA MARCH ALL DAY ALL DAY ALLLLL DAAAAAAAAAY

[@thekiss2083]

Tolkien only claimed drama could never recreate fantasy because he didn't live to see the utter musical MASTERPIECE Rankin-Bass made of ROTK 😂

[@emanuelosorio9610]

We don't want to go to war today, but our (master/dark lord) says: Nay, nay, nay!

[@domenicomiletti7366]

@jess_of-theShire thanks. Good to know the representative of the Shire values my comments 😆

[@Hobbitmuppet]

I went to see it a couple days ago and was blown away by how heartfelt & enchanting it was, despite a chaotic second act. Some of the puppetry literally took my breath away (& not just because I'm asthmatic!) I'm still humming the songs. The Prancing Pony sequence was my favorite. Overall it seemed like the actors were having so much fun. I think Frodo is a difficult character to "get" - Spencer Davis Milford did such an incredible job embodying him in all facets, he's the new "canonical" Frodo as far as I'm concerned. It really made his transformation that much more terrifying. (His SCREAMS!) Sam was fierce & charming. Merry & Pippin were precious - I was so delighted seeing Pippin run across the stage with that cello. Gollum also entered right by my seat, after my friend pointed to the rope & jokingly said "what if Gollum climbs down from there." Dude gave it his ALL. Hope he's stocked up on Gollum juice backstage. I also remember saying to my friend in confusion, "did they just make Denethor & Théoden the same guy?" At least they didn't make him eat a tomato. Also wasn't sure about the breakdancing orcs Everything else made up for it though. Seeing the different characters play their instruments in the periphery, Arwen's singing, Bilbo discreetly busting a move with the Wood Elves... I regretted not showing up in my hobbit costume! If time & money were no object, I'd absolutely go see it in Auckland. Thanks for your thoughts! + your delightfully hobbity outfit!

[@vickyger254]

I saw the Toronto production with my Nana and it has a special place in my heart. I barely remember it other then Gollum scurrying around and that beautiful Belrog puppet raising from the floor. Though, I do remember both of us leaving and just going "Well that was a thing, wasn't it?". I'm so glad that it got reworked and I hope that it come back to Toronto so I can see it once agains with Nana.

[@michaelsheard4522]

I saw it, too, as an adult, and "I barely remember it" very much sums up my response now. I do have the coffee mug, though!

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

Speaking of LoTR and music, Girl Next Gondor has an excellent video titled "From Mordor to Metal: Tolkien's Legacy in Modern Music" that I think you would greatly enjoy (I also recommend her video "Beyond the 'Nameless Things': Cosmic Horror in Middle-earth" if you have time)! Also, do you think you'll ever do a video that covers the history of They're Taking The Hobbits To Isengard? Melodicka Bros did an awesome cover of it that everyone should check out at some point and Peter Jackson even filmed Orlando Bloom singing along to the song during production of The Hobbit films.

[@Someone_Clever]

11:33 This scene is one of my favorite scenes in the entire trilogy.This scene just doesn't make gollum entirely smeagol without gollum. In this scene Gollum remembers that he used to be a person, not all good not all bad but capable of feeling love.

[@pendragon2012]

I have mixed feelings about stuff like this. On the one hand it can be really cheesy. On the other hand, LOTR itself has so much music in it that it makes sense.

[@thekiss2083]

Also, LOTR is cheesy! It's so much more earnest and emotional than most of the genre it inspired!

[@pendragon2012]

@@thekiss2083 I wouldn't call that cheesy though.

[@michaelaradas1343]

When I was a wee lad in Illinois my mom and dad took me to a Hutsach puppet production (from Norway) of the Hobbit. The puppetry was generally quite good, but the best part was the huge Smaug puppet which had a gas torch in its mouth which they fired over the audiences head when Bilbo escapes from him. It was amazing. Thank you for your wonderful channel.

[@BanazirGalpsi1968]

Also. If you have heard professor Tolkien reading Riddles in the Dark, his Gollum voice very clearly sounds a bit like what Andy Serkis did roughly half a century later.

[@BanazirGalpsi1968]

He read it on a reel to reel tape recorder a friend of his had, and it was eventually released by Folkways Records on vynal LP. It was re released on CD in the early 2000s. I think u can find it on you tube.

[@MsSarahJosephine]

On the scouring of the shire part - watching it at the Watermill Theatre - what made it more impactful albeit brief was that this was the part where the audience was brought outside again, and when we got outside the whole lovely set was now overturn tables and dissaray with the stage broken apart and then some with some audience participation we put the scene all back together again.

[@TheValerieMeachum]

I'm so glad you got to come visit and that you enjoyed it so much! My husband and I went last evening for his birthday (half of Bilbo's! 😄 And did the audience sing "Happy Birthday" to Bilbo during the pre-show at your performance? It seemed spontaneous, but we weren't sure who started it), and he had similar doubts about someone unfamiliar with the story being able to follow it. I'm not sure I agree - they certainly wouldn't know as much as we do, but they wouldn't really need to, as everything about "the Land of Men" was streamlined to the broad strokes of a fairytale. It seemed in line with seeing everything through the lens of the Hobbit storytellers, who knew there was a Steward, and great battles, and Aragon claiming his throne and Arwen remaining in Middle -Earth as his queen... but all the names of people and places and battles were incidental to a fireside tale centered on the adventures of Frodo and his kin.

[@DoneRandomLee]

Hobbits retelling the events as a stage show is a perfect idea. Because obviously it will never be a definitive version but the idea that the shire performs the story every year with some details being dropped and tweaked

[@tomklock568]

I’m glad you had the opportunity to see this I still have trouble picturing this being done as a musical. I wish them well.

[@zacharyclark3693]

I wonder if The Hobbit would be better suited for a theatrical adaptation. Shorter story. Easier to focus on Bilbo as the central character. Plenty of original songs they could adapt.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I definitely think so. It's a much smaller-scale story

[@livliveart]

A Hobbit musical is a dream project for me, I doubt I'll be the one to get to do it but I 1000% agree. The Hobbit would be perfect for a musical (other than having 13 dwarves and like, zero women ig)

[@zacharyclark3693]

@@livliveart you could have women hobbits and/or young girl hobbits in the Shire, and a scene where various hobbits in town introduce the audience to Bilbo. You could also have Arwen briefly at Rivendell. Wood elf women and women in Lake town. Just some ideas. I hope the project sees fruition.

[@emskulblaka]

The Hobbit has been adaptated countless times for the stage ^^ most plays are aimed at kids, but there are others too, even musicals.

[@MackenzieEvansMarts]

I was in a youth theater production of the hobbit when I was a kid, and I played Gollum. Very enjoyable time, loved being part of that show. They do exist, but the script and score of the one I did is definitely not at "big stage" level of quality. Would be nice to see the story done epic style.

[@DayDay80631]

I saw the preview on July 19th and went back for the final show on September 1st. I absolutely loved the preview and I was curious to see if any changes were made. The biggest thing I noticed was the performances improved quite a bit. They really stepped up their game. They weren't bad in the preview by any means but I figured they were a little nervous since no one knew what kind of reactions they'd get. The final bow had a pretty long standing ovation so I'm sure that was a relief. The final show on Sunday had the same but with many happy tears added. There were also some slight adjustments to choreography but I think those worked for the better. I also had the pleasure of meeting some of the cast after the show and they were all really sweet! If/when it comes back to the US I'm definitely gonna see it again. It was an amazing experience all around!

[@holaa.lauraa]

I was fortunate enough to see the UK production last year (on the special “Bilbo’s Birthday Party” evening no less! Such a magical evening) and also in Chicago a couple weeks ago) and loved both productions. I disagree that the Chicago kept the same amount of intimacy as the UK production, but I think that’s just what happens when you expand to a larger venue. An example: the activation of the audience at the beginning of the show was very different (20 people activating a room of around 300 is much different than a room that seats around 500). Also, the physicality of Gollum’s role is so much more felt when the venue is smaller (because the audience is inherently closer to the action) My heart low-key broke when I heard people laughing at the voice choice for Gollum (it was a bit…chipmunk-y, so I understood why people might have found it funny). I might be misremembering, but I don’t think laughter happened with the Watermill production. Overall, I did enjoy both productions immensely-both productions did a fantastic job. Also, I liked the review! Thank you for sharing ✨

[@orchardhouse9241]

I don’t think I can justify going to Chicago now, drat it! You’re making me want to see this.

[@patria3023]

I just saw it in Chicago omg it was amazing fight me. I mean really it was a marvelous show. The script was clunky at times but the songs were gorgeous, there were chords and tonality we don’t often get to see in musical theatre. The actor who played Frodo is also a friend of my sister so that was awsome, she and Spencer were both in Billy Elliot at the Paramount. We got to go and meet the cast, and Uhg. Anyway, I’m learning the entire show. I just wish I could find a script and score

[@animistchannel]

I think movies are supposed to try to make you forget that it's fake, whereas stage theatre should not be shy about reminding you that it's representative. A movie is meant to be a dream-state, but theatre is meant to be a social gathering with a storyteller. Yah, I think I'll go with that distinction, and I think it makes a difference. For example, on stage, I've always thought it's okay for us to see the cast & crew moving props around between scenes, because it's their way of having the bard step up and warm their hands over the campfire and ask, "And what do you suppose happens next? Well, it was like this!" and then start reciting the next verse. In that sense, it actually draws the focus together with antici... ... ...pation. Tolkien actually used that technique directly in The Hobbit, and it works there too, because in that case it is a book imitating a live performance. Funny how it can work both ways :)

[@DavidMacDowellBlue]

What I've been told (and generally believe) is that songs in a musical are to communicate things that cannot be conveyed with just words or deeds. Music is heightened, a more intense for expression. And far too many musicals simply stick in a fun song because it is a fun song.

[@CryptoKrem]

I have only recently found and attached my time to your extremely thoughtful and heartfelt commentary on all-things Tolkien’s masterpiece. Keep sharing your passion with us fellow nerds! Shout of to my hometown of the Chi! North-SIDE 😂🔥

[@alliew31]

I saw the Chicago production as well. I agree that the songs could have moved the story along more, but I loved the songs just taking a moment to slow down and feel the moment. So often when they weren’t singing things felt rushed. It was nice whenever there was a song because it felt like a moment to breath for me

[@sarahshaw-sehgal1146]

I’ve been on a real musical kick the last couple of years, and just saw Twelfth Night this week! Great video and excellent timing. I would give anything to have seen the play at the water mill. What an experience that must have been!!!

[@BrodieVickers-tk9sd]

There's a musical??? Never heard of this before in my life, which is very surprising! Not exactly a musical, though I'm looking forward to you covering the radio dramas somewhere down the line. Once again, thanks for all your hard work Jess😊

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I plan on covering those at some point!

[@robcanisto8635]

​@@Jess_of_the_Shire that will go so hard 🔥🔥🔥

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

@@Jess_of_the_Shire Definitely looking forward to that! The book 'Tolkien in the Twenty-First Century: The Meaning of Middle-Earth Today' by Nick Groom at one point addresses what elements of the radio plays made their way into the Jackson films, which is absolutely fascinating when you think about it.

[@paulbrickler]

I'm really glad that you appreciate theater, much more than I do. From someone who isn't a big fan of theater, this was actually entertaining to listen to.

[@christopherrichardbass-bar5727]

Although I've never seen it, I've always been a fan of the music of this show and the featured scenes on youtube were impressive - so glad that it's back.

[@morebaileyskim]

Oh this is so cool - I was at the first show too. I really like your take. I simultaneously really enjoyed the experience while feeling frustrated with the technical issues. I always go in to a premier or first preview expecting some issues but there were soooo many and they seemed so slow to catch up and fix them. I really wish I had been able to hear what Galadriel was saying in those final scenes when her mike was out. Oh man there were so many mikes that they just didn't turn on when an actor was slated to speak so I feel like 10% of the first words of the actors were "clipped". The acting, the costumes, the props, the puppetry, the music, the set design were all fantastic. The script, the lyrics and more than anything the technical issues were not lol. I am a massive musical theater nerd (I go to a lot of premiers and first showings etc.) so this was a double whammy for me being a LORT musical and I wonder how much my expectations play in to my take. That being said, to your point, if someone wasn't already at least familiar would this have made the tiniest bit of sense? Would love to hear from someone who has seen it but never read Tolkien. Also not to be that guy but WHY waste time on an Arwen plot line (all of five min but still). Okay rant over lol

[@greendragonreprised6885]

I didn't know abut the musical production but, I remember going to see The Hobbit done as a play in the late 80s at Wimbledon Theatre. That worked as less needed to be cut out.

[@samwiseholmes8622]

I'm a huge musical theatre fan, and a massive LotR fan, and yet I wasn't going to see this show (playing in Sydney in a few months). I didn't want to see this story condensed into oblivion. But hearing you explain that the framing is the hobbits re-telling the story, which would make cuts and drama and musical moments suddenly make sense (because of course hobbits would turn it into a frickin musical!!), I can see how this could work and allows for so much more joy and energy. They could really improve their marketing to get this across better

[@scottmartin5990]

There was also a very successful (and hilarious) Los Angeles production of "Fellowship! The Musical". You can find the full soundtrack on KZbin, along with a number of videos.

[@reemyarkoni4808]

Just know that I started reading the LOTR books a bit before finding your channel and now a couple of months later I can’t read the narration not with your voice. Dialogs are still in a weird mixture of Jackson-Bakshi-Rankin/Bass voices, but all the narration is in your voice in my head and I don’t know if to thank you, you have a pretty soothing reading voice so I guess ya… thanks…

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

That's the nicest thing anybody's ever said to me!!

[@HedgyLlama]

ooh glad to hear your thoughts on this, a fan of both musicals and LOTR and considering going to the NZ show :D just need someone to go with

[@EForrest88]

I remember a fair bit, visually, from seeing the original west end production back when I was 15 or so. I’d be curious to know what songs have been cut from this version though as the original cast recording is so full of beautiful music and some songs that are still way up among my favourites from musical theatre.

[@kathykuecker]

Since I watched this video several days ago clips of various versions of the play have popped up on my KZbin feed. It almost makes me wish I had seen it.

[@Oakleaf012]

I’ve been in love with (the idea of) the lotr musical since the London production. I never got to see it, but I still love the soundtrack. I was overjoyed to hear about the Watermill production and how it really seemed to bring the magic of theater that I love so much into the show. I’m so glad you got to see it in Chicago, and liked it, and that it’s doing well. Maybe also a little jealous because I won’t get to see it but hey, maybe one day it’ll come to Philly!

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

I remember reading a review of the musical when it came out with the headline "Bored Of The Rings".

[@Heothbremel]

Sounds like a lovely remix, so glad it worked out the 2nd time!!!!

[@edamamame4U]

Oh,I would have loved to have seen the Chicago production or the immersive London production. The restaged and reworked version sounds very cozy and charming. In secondary school, my friends and I always joked about how bonkers it would be to have a Lord of the Rings musical-- who in the world knew that it would be a reality.

[@Sky-Queen]

I've been absolutely fascinated by this musical ever since I watched your original video on it. I listen to the soundtrack regularly and I desperately wanted it to come back, to iron out some of the rough patches, to get a second chance. So hearing that it's back makes me SO happy! I sincerely hope that the musical sticks around and that I'll be able to experience it for myself one day. Either as an audience member or a cast member. I would leap at the chance to be either. 😊

[@LunaLynnLovegood]

I'd almost entirely forgotten I'd seen the original version in Toronto when I was a kid. I didn't even remember that it was a musical, though I do remember it being incredibly long lol - I recall thinking the big balrog scene at the end if act 1 was the finale (it was indeed not)

[@johnsaporta4633]

I so loved your deep dive critical review of this show. Thanks!

[@MacXHammer]

As someone who has actually never read the books but has gotten all his knowledge from the movies and the internet... i've got to say the theme that Frodo refuses to let got of the ring because with it magic will leave Middle-Earth is truely beautiful...just for the reason of how simple it already is in itself compared to " the ring is tempting it's bearer with power and actively controls it's bearer"

[@drewjones5651]

Directing shows is hard! especially when you want to try and direct scale with a very small venue! But it is possible! ❤️

[@Mr_Spaghetti]

Love the hair change ups, ad-read Jess looks like a totally different person!

[@ohifonlyx33]

Sounds like they could take a page from the Percy Jackson musical and throw in a few songs that cover a lot of ground in terms of plot. Given how much walking there is in those movies, and the fact that we are focused on the Hobbits POV.... seems like they could have done some fast walking to get to important moments.

[@grokeffer6226]

I didn't realize that there was such a thing. Sounds interesting!! 🧙‍♂

[@PACKYCSONE80]

When I got into Tolkien in high school during the 90s, I was heavily into Led zeppelin and they deeply connected. I was wondering if you could cover this connection? Many thanks and amazing work!

[@Simone-bc2fo]

The musical as a whole might have been a disaster, but The Cat and The Moon is a banger

[@StoriesThatSuck-pw1vi]

It sounds like the new version is quite charming. I'd love to see that.

[@shpadonk]

My three favorite things in this world are Lord of the Rings, SPFX, and musicals. This show made me want to drink myself into oblivion.

[@amossmith6215]

So good love it so much.

[@nathanwtc742]

I saw a play adaption of the Hobbit, about ten years ago in The Theatre Royal in Plymouth Uk. My expectations were realistic and so I enjoyed it. I agree that the medium of theatre is best thought of as an abstract representation of the story we all know. If fans go into the theatre on the performers' side then everyone will have an entertaining evening. The difference between that theatre adaption of the hobbit and Warner Brother's Hobbit trilogy of films is that the aim of the theatrical group was creativity and bringing the novels to the stage. I think warner bros were doing what Hollywood studios / Disney do all the time with a plot that made money. They just wanted to cash in on hobbits.

[@AlatarVinyamar]

I'd agree with most of your comments here although I wasn't quite as critical of the West End production, which I saw 5 times! Travelling from Ireland for each showing was not trivial, so I obviously enjoyed it more than most. One thing I found better in that production was the design of the Orcs. I really didn't like the industrial style hazmat suits and gas masks used in the Watermill production. It felt completely incongruous. From the West End production I certainly didn't miss the Ents or the weird representation of Minas Tirith, but I did love Lothlorien and the finale where the Gollum double tumbled from the top of the theatre into the cracks of Doom. I also felt the Balrog worked better than the Watermill version, although Shelob was even better in Watermill. Personally I feel like the best way to handle the Balrog would have been to simply have Gandalf bathed in Red light and wind facing out to the audience. Leave it to our imagination. The weird sheet thing didn't really work for me. Overall though I much preferred the Watermill production. The Chicago stage looks a little bigger and I don't remember that rostrum. Hopefully it will tour as I'd love to see it again.

[@AlatarVinyamar]

Hey @Jess_of_the_Shire just so you know, you're getting hit with scammers. See above.

[@Pixis1]

I saw the show this week and loved it! I've been a fan of the music for years and was thrilled that I finally got to see it live. It's an abridged version but it captures the spirit of the book well. I also loved how interactive it was with hobbits mingling with the audience, actors coming and going through the aisles, and Gollum rappelling down a rope from the upper balcony. I do agree with some of your criticisms though. The second act feels very rushed. I wish they hadn't used the Andy Serkis Gollum voice. And the combination of Theoden and Denethor doesn't work. But overall, the show is very enchanting and fun. I'm in awe of these actors who had to perform, sing, dance, puppeteer, and play instruments!

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! It really is a ton of fun, I think you just have to go into it with the right mind set

[@IIZCHAOS]

That outfit is really cute it suits you. And also Please no please noooooo! LOTR musical.

[@IIZCHAOS]

I saw a vlog a while back of someone doing an allnighter at the cinema watching all the LOTT exetend editions. I think something like that would be a greay vidio for you also

[@AmyBrueckman]

I live in Chicago and despite my love of Tolkien media, I just... have no interest in seeing this. But that's just because I'm not interested in theater (and it being at Navy Pier, bleh). I hope people who like theater and musicals enjoy it! ps, your outfit here, A+

[@kayla_eevee]

If only I had money, I'd probably jump at the chance to see it in Chicago. I'm only about an hour away and I generally try to see at least one show a year in the city. Almost definitely not going to be able to for this one, though.

[@EriktheRed2023]

Re. Tolkien's feelings about drama: He studied, above all, the written word. Reading the historical sources, he knew for a fact that Caesar, at the height of his power, was stabbed to death in the senate building by people he had elevated, and he fell at the feet of the statue of Pompey Magnus that stood there. That is so melodramatic, but it happened. If you see the scene played, even by highly competent actors, performing a play by a great playwright, with the best props you can expect - you don't believe you are seeing what happened. It's become a story rather than history. Tolkien was used to history, and a written source was his jam. No onder it was easier for him to suspend disbelief from a text.

[@TRKTKO]

So glad it went well! ^^

[@minmax3317]

an awesome review with really intresting thoughts as a lord of the rings fan and musicals in general i really hope that we will get a proshot of the musical beacuse i really want to see it but i cant go

[@pleh7019]

Tolkein disliked theatre, Tolkein disliked fantasy in theatre, Tolkein disliked Shakespeare... I'd love to hear hia thoughts on A Midsummer Night's Dream.

[@TheGiulsofOz]

I loved the original show so so much. But I was also a hardcore fan so following the story didn't pose a problem. I'm a sucker for the costumes, the effects, the performance and the stage Tec also the Cast had such fantastic voices. It's all I want as being a singer myself. If anything I was sad they made it shorter for London. And if you take a moment to look who composed the music and the instruments they used... Just wow! But the show's problem with the tech eating itself in costs for maintenance... is sad but not surprising. I can't imagine how you can portrait this material in a "simple" form. BUT I would still love to see it. 🥰 Because I'm sure the Cast is great and sometimes that's enough.

[@BanazirGalpsi1968]

I have the CD from it and I like the music . But I've never seen it.

[@BanazirGalpsi1968]

My CD is from London 08.

[@yesdnilegiap788]

I really liked the songs and acting and most of the plot. I wish they would have put just a little more money into the costumes, props, and set design.

[@stijnvantongerloo9122]

Was I the only one hearing "dragon drop technology"? 😆

[@malteha5036]

Sounds like a great time, wish I could see the play... alas, at least I could theoretically go see the Cursed Child lmao !

[@jasonrosa5268]

..don’t get me wrong Jess ur my favorite!

[@colinharbinson8284]

If it contains at least one song called 'we are off to see the Wizard', i'm in. 😊😊

[@amossmith6215]

Ok. I’m going to see it on the 31st. So I’ll be back after that.

[@jasonrosa5268]

It actually taught me animation, beyond Disney!!! # the original gollum is best!

[@davidalbee5039]

It’s the same one!! I wasn’t sure but so happy because it’s so bad. 🤣

[@allisongliot]

If you were acting in this show, what character would you want to be cast as?

[@manuelahoffmann1661]

Ich fand es in London toll

[@fimcg5775]

I will say that as someone who loves both musicals and Lord of the Rings I feel like it disappointed me on both sides it was both a mediocre musical and a mid adaptation of LOTR. I feel the grinding to a halt that occurred with the musical numbers was because the composers were not using the songs as intentionally as they should have take Sondheim's work in Sweeny Todd for example their is a lot of music in that show and most of it is a bunch of little songs that are played back to back with each other those little songs are used to drive the plot forward and explain whats happening without having awkward dialogue the big show stopping songs where everything grinds to a halt should be reserved for climactic plot moments or character moments. The problem that I have with this show is that they flip flopped them where the small moments that should have been a bunch of little songs got turned into a showstopping number and the moments that should have been emotional and dramatic look underwhelming in comparison. A lot of songs felt somewhat bland I feel they could have gone harder in some directions like Smeagol and Gollum's song sounds like a budget Confrontation from Jekyll and Hyde and with the Gollum voice it sounded very straining on the actors voice and I feel they could have used the actress for Galadriel lower range more to make her sound older and more somber since she sounds just like all the other elves especially the younger ones like Legolas and Arwen. Also some minor things I think they could have added to tie more to the books and give characters more specific leitmotif could be giving the Road goes ever on to Sam Frodo and Bilbo to signify they are the Ring bearers with smeagol occasionally getting hints of it when he is most lucid. Some of The Tale of Beren and Luthein could have been used for Arwen and Aragorn to draw parallels to Beren and Luthien and this leitmotif could be used at the end of the show when Sam saves Frodo in Mordor. Also I will stay forever mad at how Eowyn was cut out of the story like I know some things had to be cut out for the sake of brevity(they could have had more time if the songs progressed the plot) but this may be my subjective opinion. This was a bit of an incomprehensible rant but I am pretentious about both musical theater and Lord of the Rings. To me for now the Tale of Beren and Luthien/Finrod Rock opera reigns supreme as the best stage adaptation of LOTR/the silmarillion

[@gordongraham7]

I travelled from Atlanta to Chicago because I've wanted to see this show since 2006. I love the cast recording and couldn't wait to hear the music live. I enjoyed it and so glad I went. The plot was rushed (of course) and some of the acting was rough. I despised the breakdancing orcs with the gas masks. That looked ridiculous (my opinion) and pulled me out of the show. Overall I thought it was a lot of fun.

[@RMD-1035]

I am really surprised that no one has attempted to produce an opera of TLOTR. If Wagner can produce a series of operas based on the Ring of the Nibelungen certainly someone can do the same for Tolkien.

[@emskulblaka]

Volante Opera has the license - it's just a recording for now though.

[@westernmasswonderwoman3326]

Are "Star of Earendil" and "Lothlorien" in this version? I'm all about the elves, got the original soundtrack years ago and those are 2 of my favorite songs!

[@emskulblaka]

They are!

[@westernmasswonderwoman3326]

@@emskulblaka 😍😍😍😍😍 I hope it travels around and I can see it this time!!!

[@emskulblaka]

@@westernmasswonderwoman3326 fingers crossed! They've already announced another production in Aotearoa and hinted at more tour stops worldwide, so there's hope 😄

[@PonderLust]

❤

[@josephfisher426]

The Watermill must have inspired an episode of one of the UK murder mysteries that was about a superficially similar theater. Can't place which one though. Best guess is Morse, I think there was a romance angle... 50 people isn't a cast, it's a zoo!

[@jasonrosa5268]

And you’re not really a hobbit! But you’re definitely from the shire😘

[@bradleyh7582]

I wish I could’ve seen the original staging and production. The music is so incredible and I wish more around the world could experience it… but I worry that the story is just too big for a realistic stage performance.

[@johnbuisman7464]

Good Vid dude. Go grab a frothy! (or some non alch equivalent)

[@jasonrosa5268]

Once again Tom….😂🥰

[@1969longshanks]

I saw it at the Watermill, 300? It seemed like 100 tops

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Haha, you would know better than me, I was just guessing based on seating charts. I hope you had fun!

[@1969longshanks]

@Jess_of_the_Shire it was great 👍 the outdoor scences were especially magical. We were given a packet of seeds to take home. On it said "rewild the Shire" . One Hobbit called me "Longshanks"

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

@@1969longshanks that's so precious!!

[@SlipdeGarcondeJour]

Getting vibes of the Simpsons 'Planet of the Apes' musical.

[@Ravelord_N_I_T_O]

Does anyone know if there will be a recording for purchase? I'm not going to be able to make it and I very desperately want to see it.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I'm not sure...Hopefully, if this run goes well, it might have one in the future!

[@leonardpimentel5865]

Mordor Razzle Dazzle!

[@RoboSteave]

Damn. I'm about the last person to want to see a musical, any musical. Yet Jess's description is so lovely that I kind of want to see it now.