Lord of the Rings: The Musical (No Joke!) - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Hilde Bracegirdle · 11-17-2005, 11:33 AM

I have been giving a lot of thought to making the trek up to Toronto to see this production, experiencing the same sort of curiosity that led me to the theater for FotR, a strange mixture of hope and dread. This is a bit different though.

It was just pure dread that governed until lately, for I can not imagine what a 'stage adaptation' would be like, and my initial reaction was, you've got to be joking. Perhaps they were just cashing in on the popularity of the movies. But last month, after a bit of exploration, and listening to samples of Varttina's music, a glimmer of hope is there. I think that they may have made an excellent choice, though Lalwendë, what you have said about producer concerns me.

At present I am planning to attend at some point next year, expecting the worst, of course, as I did with the movie. Hopefully, I will be similarly surprised by the effort. In any case, should I happen to see it before anyone gives their impression of it here, I will definitely let you know my thoughts.

Tigerlily Gamgee · 11-17-2005, 05:15 PM

If anyone is interested... The Gathering of the Fellowship (www.gatheringofthefellowship.org) is having a convention next July, and one of their ticket packages includes a ticket to the musical. That's how I'm going to see it.

Hilde Bracegirdle · 11-18-2005, 11:37 AM

Now there is a good idea! Interesting guest list too.

AbercrombieOfRohan · 11-29-2005, 05:37 PM

http://82.112.100.50/hosting/lotr/dv...ndex-flash.htm

This was just put up on the official website. It's little video about the behind the scenes and I admit, the costumes look fantastic and I'm sure the sets will be as well, considering they're designed by the same person. I'm not too sure about the music in the background though. It sounds a little bit too Lion King for my liking.

Himilsillion · 12-04-2005, 11:51 AM

That trailer looks great. I think this will be a very good production of LoTR. Plus anything put into music well is great.

Laitoste · 12-06-2005, 08:22 PM

I've spent some time (NOT working on my papers, like I ought to be) exploring the official website and it looks to be interesting, to say the least! My standards are different for theater than for movies, however. There won't be time to make frivolous additions, just major cuts. But, in a staged performance, just the main plot and the spirit of the book are necessary, which is what I'll be looking for. In that aspect, I have a lot of hope for this musical! If only I could feasibly get to Toronto...

Laitoste · 12-10-2005, 01:21 PM

Now that I've identified what I want to say...

The theater should be an experience, more so than the cinema. Going to a show should draw me directly into the world it is trying to portray. This is the major reason why the filmed Phantom of the Opera will never be as good as the staged show (that and the fact that they took out the flaming skulls--who takes out FLAMING SKULLS?). The movie just doesn't have as much capability to draw me into the world, to make me feel as if I myself am in danger when the chandelier comes crashing down. The Lord of the Rings musical doesn't need to be painstakingly faithful to the book. There isn't time. However, it has to feel like Middle-Earth. Otherwise, it won't work.

Bêthberry · 06-28-2006, 11:29 AM

This just in, posted on the Toronto Star website:

Lord of the Rings musical to close September 3rd and reopen in London next May

There go plans to see it in late September with some Downers. I suppose I can hustle and get summer tickets though. Sort of like, I walked the decks of the Titanic before it sailed.

11-17-2005, 05:15 PM	#2
Tigerlily Gamgee Hostess of Spirits Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Meduseld Posts: 1,055	If anyone is interested... The Gathering of the Fellowship (www.gatheringofthefellowship.org) is having a convention next July, and one of their ticket packages includes a ticket to the musical. That's how I'm going to see it. __________________ ~ ExerciseJunky.com (Hobbits fitness of choice!)~ ~Lady of Rohan: An Eowyn Fansite ~ ~The NEW/OLD Barrow Downs Photo Page~

12-04-2005, 11:51 AM	#5
Himilsillion Animated Skeleton Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: In Sweet Home Chicago Posts: 30	That trailer looks great. I think this will be a very good production of LoTR. Plus anything put into music well is great. __________________ Elwood: It's 106 miles to Chicago. We got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes; it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses. Jake: Hit it!

12-06-2005, 08:22 PM	#6
Laitoste Wight Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Behind the hills Posts: 164	I've spent some time (NOT working on my papers, like I ought to be) exploring the official website and it looks to be interesting, to say the least! My standards are different for theater than for movies, however. There won't be time to make frivolous additions, just major cuts. But, in a staged performance, just the main plot and the spirit of the book are necessary, which is what I'll be looking for. In that aspect, I have a lot of hope for this musical! If only I could feasibly get to Toronto... __________________ "If we're still alive in the morning, we'll know that we're not dead."~South Park

12-10-2005, 01:21 PM	#7
Laitoste Wight Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Behind the hills Posts: 164	Now that I've identified what I want to say... The theater should be an experience, more so than the cinema. Going to a show should draw me directly into the world it is trying to portray. This is the major reason why the filmed Phantom of the Opera will never be as good as the staged show (that and the fact that they took out the flaming skulls--who takes out FLAMING SKULLS?). The movie just doesn't have as much capability to draw me into the world, to make me feel as if I myself am in danger when the chandelier comes crashing down. The Lord of the Rings musical doesn't need to be painstakingly faithful to the book. There isn't time. However, it has to feel like Middle-Earth. Otherwise, it won't work. __________________ "If we're still alive in the morning, we'll know that we're not dead."~South Park

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

11-17-2005, 11:33 AM	#1
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	I have been giving a lot of thought to making the trek up to Toronto to see this production, experiencing the same sort of curiosity that led me to the theater for FotR, a strange mixture of hope and dread. This is a bit different though. It was just pure dread that governed until lately, for I can not imagine what a 'stage adaptation' would be like, and my initial reaction was, you've got to be joking. Perhaps they were just cashing in on the popularity of the movies. But last month, after a bit of exploration, and listening to samples of Varttina's music, a glimmer of hope is there. I think that they may have made an excellent choice, though Lalwendë, what you have said about producer concerns me. At present I am planning to attend at some point next year, expecting the worst, of course, as I did with the movie. Hopefully, I will be similarly surprised by the effort. In any case, should I happen to see it before anyone gives their impression of it here, I will definitely let you know my thoughts.

11-18-2005, 11:37 AM	#3
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	Now there is a good idea! Interesting guest list too.

11-29-2005, 05:37 PM	#4
AbercrombieOfRohan Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 311	http://82.112.100.50/hosting/lotr/dv...ndex-flash.htm This was just put up on the official website. It's little video about the behind the scenes and I admit, the costumes look fantastic and I'm sure the sets will be as well, considering they're designed by the same person. I'm not too sure about the music in the background though. It sounds a little bit too Lion King for my liking.

06-28-2006, 11:29 AM	#8
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	This just in, posted on the Toronto Star website: Lord of the Rings musical to close September 3rd and reopen in London next May There go plans to see it in late September with some Downers. I suppose I can hustle and get summer tickets though. Sort of like, I walked the decks of the Titanic before it sailed.