Behind the Scenes with The Lord of the Rings Musical!

[@MrMichaelkurowski]

Hey, Samwise here! Thank you so so much for coming to see us. Thanks for giving us a chance to show you how much we adore this story. I was so nervous when I heard you were there. Also, sorry for swearing so much. I was just excited 😅

[@mistashousewife]

you’re so cool

[@Jordi1Kenobi]

Saw the London production way back in the day and loved it. Despite how massively condensed the story is, the inclusion of songs always made it 'feel' faithful in a different way to other adaptations. Still listen to the soundtrack on the regular.

[@rumpelstilzchen2796]

The energy of the cast, must be very infectious and really engages the audience as well. Truly a star shines on the hour of the show starting ;)

[@blccdcrange]

The theatre kid energy in this video 😂 They're all so cute

[@Boshuda1977]

I must say the thought of a Lord of the Rings musical made my eyes roll but after watching this and seeing how enthusiastic the cast were I just cant wait to see it when I get the chance! Im sold and I hope they have a fantastic and memorable sellout time in New Zealand 😁👍❤

[@emilygreisz]

Thank you so much for this! It's been my favorite musical since the original premiere and as a theater kid who did crew, it is SO COOL to see the behind the scenes!

[@dallinadams9422]

It is appreciated just the respect and reputation that Lord of the Rings has. Whenever a movie or show is made for it, it is to be done with the utmost respect and with intent to preserve the original work and messages. Even things that you aren't able to fit in you still find a place to give that a nod.

[@myriadmediamusings]

Inspired by Legolas singing about hobbits being taken to Isengard no doubt.

[@searchingfortruth619]

😂😂😂😂

[@kalachakra1508]

😅😅😅

[@FujiAppul]

Don’t forget Epic Sax Gandalf lmao

[@_Annowar]

I love that Ian knew so much about Tolkien and how much he knew about the way Tolkien viewed war. So neat.

[@jimbowen-collinson9798]

I saw this in Chicago back in late July, and it was so cool to see live! so cool you got to meet the cast and experience the theater magic. Love your videos. Love how much you love this series as much as I do! (even my wedding ring is the one ring)

[@celesteditter6746]

I am so thrilled that you went to go see this! I went to see it three times, and I had to travel 10 hours by train one way to get there. How perfectly fantastic that you got to meet so many of the cast. And so fantastic even more that they got to meet you! When Michael (Samwise) ran into you and had a total moment, that’s pretty much exactly what I look like when I ran into him every time. Love this show, love these guys, and love you!

[@reggiethelion]

I saw this musical a month ago. I'm glad to see the behind the scenes.

[@monicaswatzell1044]

As someone who loves theatre, and is obsessed with Tolkien this was a dream come true to get to go and see this myself up in Chicago! The show was so fun, and just the sheer amount of talent it takes for these musicians/actors/singers/dancers to pull this together in such a spectacular way is staggering! I adored the music and it was just such a thrill to see it all in person! Matt, I'm so glad you got to go see this, and I'm even more grateful to you and the actors/crew for giving us a glimpse behind the curtain and into how the magic works! Thank you again!

[@pmcswain358]

I'm upset I missed it. I'll be in Chgo. Next week. I hope I get to see it somewhere in the usa.

[@ChlarkNadia]

I am so excited! Seeing this was life changing as a Tolkien and theater fan. I have so much love for this production and this cast. It's my favorite portrayl of Frodo ever.

[@simbelmyne7767]

I went to see the show twice and if I could go back I would! All the cast members I got to talk to were so lovely. The music, the puppets, the sound and lighting and projection, everything about it was wonderful. And you're telling me I get to watch a half hour video of bts? Day made thank you

[@seanhanlon3047]

The original London cast recording is legitimately one of my favourite albums. Never had the chance to see a production yet though

[@fitzgeraldfilmsMN]

When I heard it was in Chicago my wife sister and best friend all made trip to see it. We’ve loved it for 14 years and never thought we’d see a production. A great production. Good Tolkien adaptation…..not the best. Lol

[@MatthewCaunsfield]

Love the BTS in this vid, the cast seem like awesome people 👍

[@matthewskudzienski888]

I wish The Lord of The Rings Musical was on Netflix

[@Lord-Emperor-Vader]

This was such a fun show I saw it the last Wednesday it performed in Chicago.

[@thodoor5193]

I wanna see this so bad, wish it was a massive world tour 😢

[@paulflorence8000]

There will be an international tour- the producers are still finalizing other dates and locations, but I know for a fact that the Chicago cast will be performing it in a limited run in Auckland in November and then a new cast will be performing it in a limited run in Sydney in February

[@lucia-rosesokolowski7434]

I actually saw the original version of the show in The Watermill theatre in England. Tiny stage and probably a less than 100 person audience. And a considerably smaller cast that all were actor-musos. It was STUNNING. they manage to capture the density and expansiveness of middle earth onto a stage no bigger than a quarter of that stage. Truly beautiful and hopefully this version is just as good.

[@VoiceoftheRings]

This is Amazing!!! Great video Matt! This is so cool!

[@dunmatta2670]

A musical?!?? Omfg I need this in my life

[@Lord-Emperor-Vader]

It left the US about 2 weeks ago.

[@dunmatta2670]

​@@Lord-Emperor-Vader Nooooo!!! I must believe it will find its way back or I'll find it overseas

[@dlxmarks]

It premiered back in 2006.

[@JamesMC04]

Maybe it should become a grand opera, in the manner of Handel. It could be called Il Signore degli Annellli. It could begin with an overture by Howard Shore, using themes from his music for LOTR. The orchestra could use bass drums for the Balrog; theremin, flute & zither for the Elves; electric guitar for the orcs.

[@tinasattler1]

I’m glad to meet you I’m a big lotr fan

[@kevind7396]

"The Road Goes On" from this show is a real earworm.

[@christopherrichardbass-bar5727]

I attended this very show a few weekends ago! The music is glorious (been a fan since the first album released after the Toronto premiere). A lot of fine and creative decisions in this production. I did not like how they depicted Gollum's ending - definitely a departure from the books. However, it was an enjoyable experience overall and at many points effectively brought the books to life for me. @NOTR, I was glad that you were able to talk to the Legolas and Gimli actors. The latter's impressive fighting and serious, poetic demeanor that he brought to Gimli were certainly a highlight for me. Legolas, Frodo, Elrond/Saruman, Arwen and Galadriel were also phenomenal. The lady who played Galadriel had some legit pipes - her, Legolas and Arwen's musicality were splendid. This show seems to have nailed the music and general otherworldly character of Tolkien's Elves.

[@fitzgeraldfilmsMN]

I've been a fan of the album for 15 years as well. GOllum's death did not work. THey didn't hit the beats right in my opinoin. I also wish his voice portrayal wasn't just Andy Serkis...My other big problems were the men having American Accents, Aragorn's portrayal/ acting. Tried to do the movie version wihtout giving time for his character development. THey hsould have gone wiht book Aragorn. Also didn't like BBoy Orcs.

[@genderlich]

I went to this on one of their last nights in town and it was amazing!

[@tompark5047]

Was fortunate enough to see this at the Watermill Theatre Newbury last year. It was so good! Especially the Shire scenes, which were performed outside in the theatre gardens with audience participation. It was the perfect venue. I'd love to see a version performed at Faringdon Folly one day (Orthanc).

[@Samcunan]

I watched this the last week it was showing and absolutely loved the charm and creativity of it! I was secretly hoping you'd do a video on it and I'm so glad you did! Thanks for taking us behind the scenes and letting us get to know these hardworking and talented performers and see their passion for LOTR. I wish I could watch it again in New Zealand - I bet it'd feel even more magical!

[@JHAldy10]

I saw the last showing and caught a not-idly-fallen leaf of Lorien!

[@sarina8752]

Schlab was a delight to see. During the show, I was crawling in my seat. So impressed. Fantastic production.

[@j-dmachado4349]

Thanks for this wonderful inside look, Matt! I wasn’t so sure about the concept of a LOTR musical when I first heard about it - but the theatre kid in me can’t resist! I’ll have to set aside my inner loremaster, but even then I really hope to catch this show in person one day! 🤩

[@dlxmarks]

The production premiered in 2006 in Toronto. It moved to London in 2007 and was _shortened_ to three hours. That was one long ass show.

[@letsshootstuff1732]

I got to see the musical last year in Andover in the UK was amazing! They incorporated indoor and outdoor areas for different scenes was amazing

[@alainagall442]

So fun! I had no idea this was a thing. What a cool experience for performers and audience. I hope I get to see this someday! Thanks for the behind-the-scenes look.

[@markroberts6322]

I was SO disappointed when the original London musical production canceled abruptly several years ago. But I have that original soundtrack! Great to see this being revived here in the USA. And expanding now to NZ from what I heard here. I LOVE MUSICALS! Kudos to all!

[@tonyajm8289]

Looks amazing!

[@sylvanawick3819]

I REALLY wanna see this!! It seems like everyone involved respects the source material and understands Tolkiens writing and themes ❤

[@fitzgeraldfilmsMN]

I messaged you about this. So glad you went out. I have so many thoughts as a fan of the soundtrack for 15 years

[@NookoftheNorth]

These folks are in incredible shape 😮

[@jaanaffi]

Thank you Matt for this awesome and interesting video❣ We have a LotR play going on also in Finland (in Tampere) right now. Wish I could go and see it 😊❣

[@andrewbrown9981]

Would love to see a lord of the rings opera

[@myriadmediamusings]

Its a shame the Silmarillion rights are all messed up, because an opera of the Ainulindale would be freaking epic.

[@tompark5047]

Well there is the Ring Cycle haha

[@TheNimbleMarmoset]

@@myriadmediamusings Paul Corfield Godfrey has been working on some opera adaptations of Tolkien's material for a while now, check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXe1Z3lmn9yiedU

[@jonathancurtis5122]

Awesome!

[@LisaAnnCerrato]

Love your Gollum/Smeagol ‘24 t-shirt!

[@ConkerKing]

I want that T-shirt !!

[@Saurondür]

If Tom Bombadil is in it im sold

[@NerdoftheRings]

They have a nice reference to him and it was the longest applause interruption by the audience for the entire show! 😂

[@Saurondür]

@@NerdoftheRings consider me sold 😂

[@dallinadams9422]

With all of the songs that are in the books and the amazing score in the movies, its really not surprising to see it made into a musical

[@Horvath_Botond]

Wow!

[@JurassicTheory]

If you thought “Hawkeye” featuring “Rogers: The Musical” was insane check out LOTR: The Musical 😭

[@JDurham4635]

There was a PHENOMENAL 5-6hr LOTR play that had 2 intermissions and covered all 3 books. I saw it when I was like…. 11 yrs old back in 2003-6 AND IT WAS INSANELY COOL!!!! I can only hope this compares. 💯

[@JDurham4635]

After just reading the Wikipedia page, it sounds like they’ve cut a lot of characters/plot since Toronto 2006…. I feel SO blessed. 🥰🥰🥰

[@christopherrichardbass-bar5727]

@@JDurham4635 So did you see the previous version of the LOTR musical or an entirely different adaption?

[@Late20sSkateboarder]

The people you interviewed are sooooooooooooooo theatre lol

[@AnBCHAN]

Your CHANNEL IS GOD TIER

[@GameknightJ14]

Since you had a chance meeting with so many of the actors, will you be going on a quest to defeat a dragon with them?

[@Dan-B]

How have I only just heard about this? I hope Shelob gets a park and bark..

[@fitzgeraldfilmsMN]

She’ll was the best part of the show. That and the music and frodo. It was magical

[@mrs.manrique7411]

“Just like in the book it’s plugged in.” I mean, if there’s clocks and potatoes, batteries check out. 😂

[@mrs.manrique7411]

I am loving this behind the scenes of the cast. Just so joyful and wonderful. 😍💕

[@yenlinhtran69]

This is very cool

[@xina968]

You're in my city! ❤❤

[@michelletewhata7768]

❤❤❤

[@alicehuseland6846]

None of them knowing what a kendama is was unexpected

[@AmyBrueckman]

I'm very meh on live theater so I didn't go see this (I live in Chicago), but now I'm feeling like a fool of a Took for not going anyway. Aghh!

[@MissGimpsAlot]

10:38 Clench up legolas 😅😂

[@justaman3817]

I’m a huge fan of Laura Savage ❤

[@marcognudi664]

Damn I hope they do a Euro tour ❤

[@MitchellEvertse]

Shelob looks absolutely weird and terrifying

[@tinasattler1]

Verry good

[@fitzgeraldfilmsMN]

This is me just assuming, but you can kind of tell that Matt isn’t a theater person because he keeps calling it a play instead of a musical

[@Mike_TheGrim0ne]

Such a fun video, Any idea if the play is coming to the real Middle-Earth the U.K.?

[@GullibleTarget]

It has. Almost 20 years ago

[@kylesmith7539]

This sounds aweome unfortunately i hate musicals just not my thing but their energy is awsome

[@tompark5047]

I'm not a fan of musicals either. But I saw this when it was in England last year and it was absolutely amazing. It's worth remembering that Tolkien put songs into the books as well.

[@crossoverdreamer7016]

Which website's The Hobbit/The Lord of the Rings fan fiction do you prefer: FFN or Archive of Our Own? I tried looking through all the G-rated AO3 works, but my new tablet didn't keep my LOTR or DuckTales 2017 tabs open that were on my older tablet.

[@quintenvaneerden2512]

Heyy small question, when will you be doing the review for the HoME boxed set 4?

[@zaxsantos2453]

Are they the same Musical going to Auckland New Zealand in November this year?

[@zaxsantos2453]

Nevermind the video answered it at 9:45 mark.

[@user-bl7em8sx6o]

didnt john williams orchestra do the soundtrack for lotr? or was that something else?

[@gandalf4751]

😍😍😍✅✅✅

[@LisaAnnCerrato]

Will this musical come to California, specifically San Francisco?

[@chrysm6842]

Is it possible to order this show on DVD?

[@fitzgeraldfilmsMN]

NO, I think they are going to do a tour eventually...maybe I heard wrong

[@marcovandereijk4396]

Is so also go to the Nederlands

[@jaswindersingh.2682]

Hello sir, I really appreciate your content. I am a huge fan of Tolkien's. Right now I am reading LOTR. I like the maps you use in your videos. Can you please send me a copy. Other maps I don't like much. I will be obliged to have it.

[@marcovandereijk4396]

Is the Musial also go the Nederlands

[@SirBolsón]

This entire musical 🎼 is better than the rest of the Rings of Power! 😂

[@Lord-Emperor-Vader]

Did they explain why books 3 and 5 were combined together and only took about 20 minutes. Although I really enjoyed it I felt like an extra 30 to 60 minutes would have made it perfect to cover some of the stuff that was skipped. Plus why wouldn’t they include Bombadil besides a single reference since he is Tolkien’s musical character. Note I was not able to watch this until Sunday night and know it was answered in the video.

[@kristenrosales2919]

Gollum better not sing in this musical!

[@revdelliot]

So juicy sweeeet?!

[@tompark5047]

He does! He sings a distorted version of the title number, and it's very effective.

[@kristenrosales2919]

@@tompark5047 I meant it as a joke, but thank you for your reply.

[@Justtryingtosurvive83]

Idk about this.

[@MurphMM.]

I'm turning over on my couch in honor of Tolkien

[@aeragonia811]

One medium to cringe them all

[@pattonramming1988]

Better than Rings of Power that's for damn sure

[@phil.clarke]

Erm, no. Saw the London production and I find them both equally awesome, just as I enjoyed Peter Jackson's film versions of LOTR and The Hobbit. Seeing Middle-earth brought to life in many different formats and versions keeps this Tolkien fan very happy.

[@068067]

STOP MAKING THINGS MUSICALS

[@colinleat8309]

Yes, because that's all the world needs, ... another musical. Is nothing scared. What's next? Terminator the musical? Barf.

[@mokarokas-1727]

You could say "... another movie. Is nothing sacred." and give the exact same impression, Mr. Scrooge.

[@isaacm2374]

Hating on everything is boring. You might think it's cool but it's not.

[@jamieblair6511]

There’s plenty of the music available online and it all sounds great.Some truly magical songs throughout the show covering funny/magical /sinister and epic.

[@tompark5047]

Erm there are songs in the original books... 🙄

[@davidsingh6944]

I suppose this is way easier than digging up Tolkien and spinning him manually….. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@DavidRoberts]

Tolkien approved a university student-performed musical adaptation of The Hobbit in 1967 and didn't hate all of it. One of the people who put it together was .... Humphrey Carpenter.