Lord of the Rings: The Musical casting annouced- Page 2

[mizzie]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 5:50pm

**Funny that you say that. I know a guy, Steve, that is up for consideration for Pippin. he got very far in the casting process. I have a feeling however, that if they did not announce him with the rest of the Canadian cast members, that he did not get the part and that it will go to a British or American actor.**

Oh, that's too bad! He must be extremely talented to have gotten that far!

mizzie

[The Gaper]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 6:09pm

ya i wonder about that kind of stuff like what kind of songs are they going to sing? anyway i cant wait to see it i'v already got tickets

[Derech2]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 6:13pm

Call me overprotective of my baby Middle-Earth, but I see this show as a REALLY, REALLY bad idea. Maybe (I hope) it's because I know so little about how it's coming together, but I felt very trusting towards Peter Jackson and the movies, because I knew he was so in love with the stories and with the world of Arda that he would die before he saw Tolkien's works ruined on screen.

I'm very much hoping it was just Mr. Ouzounian's mistake when he calls Legolas the "romantic archer", and that's not actually what the producers and directors are doing with his character. Because if it is -- baaad sign people.

[aces25]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 10:58pm

I saw Evan Buliung in A Streetcar Named Desire at the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario and was excellent.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 7/25/05 at 1:01am

So who would Brent Carver play? Gandalf?

[Josh G]

Posted: 7/25/05 at 5:48am

Things that iv heard:
-For the full 3 and a half hours of the storyline there will be orchestrial backtracking. I guess like the movie maybe?
-When you enter the theater you will literally be in the Shire with hobbits going about there daily life until the show starts.
-Also iv seen commenting on the size of the hobbits and remember that there are professional illusionists that often work with productions.
-It will contain musical numbers bt in a traditional style. Musical numbers will not be the main focus of the project.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 7/25/05 at 12:20pm

BIG NEWS announced this morning -- Brent Carver is playing Gandalf! Here's the press release (long):

---------------------------------------------------

For Immediate Release: Monday July 25, 2005



Tony Award-winner BRENT CARVER as GANDALF leads a cast of 55
in
THE LORD OF THE RINGS
World Premiere
The Princess of Wales Theatre, Toronto

Performances Begin February 2, 2006



Having auditioned 4000 actors over four months across Canada, followed by in-depth recall auditions with 350, the creative team - led by Director Matthew Warchus and Producer Kevin Wallace - has announced the cast for the World Premiere production of THE LORD OF THE RINGS.



Director Matthew Warchus said, “Following two years of design, script and music pre-production, arriving at a cast is a thrilling and auspicious moment. I am particularly proud of the huge diversity of skill in the company. Wonderful, experienced actors will be working alongside acrobats, stilt-walkers and outstanding singers, all pooling their talents to bring this magical story alive on the stage. Given the size of the show, this is bound to be the most gruelling production process any of us has been through, but when I look at this company, I am eager to begin!



The multi-talented cast of 55 comes from across Canada and from the United Kingdom.



In the role of the great wizard Gandalf, the creative team has chosen one of Canada’s greatest performers, the internationally acclaimed Brent Carver. Mr. Carver won a Tony Award as Best Actor for KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN on Broadway and has performed on major stages across North America in both classic and new plays.



“It is a great privilege and honour to have Brent Carver leading our outstanding company of performers,” Matthew Warchus said. “As one of the greatest actors of his generation anywhere in the world, he has demonstrated dazzling versatility and prowess on stage and screen, in every genre from musicals to classic plays. A long-time prince of Canadian theatre, he is aptly suited to be the inspiring leader and father figure to this dynamic young company. He is a unique talent. He will refresh the role entirely. And he exemplifies the guiding principal of this production: to bring the most exciting creative talents to this epic masterpiece and generate a thrilling new work of art.”


In the role of Frodo, the Ring-bearer, is the exciting young British actor, James Loye.



“We are absolutely delighted that James Loye is bringing his unique and charismatic talent to the role of Frodo in the World Premiere production of THE LORD OF THE RINGS,” said Producer Kevin Wallace, “There is an indefinable quality about James that sets him apart as the actor fit to fulfill the momentous responsibility of creating J.R.R. Tolkien’s Frodo Baggins on stage.”



Playing the role of Gollum is Michael Therriault. A star at the Stratford Festival, Mr. Therriault has also been acclaimed for his musical theatre work, winning a Dora Best Actor for THE PRODUCERS and currently starring on Broadway in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.



Director Matthew Warchus said, “It is obvious that Gollum requires a physically virtuosic performance - being such a darkly malformed creature. But at the centre of the physicality must be superb acting; capable of capturing the extraordinary emotion, the tragedy and the unexpected warmth and comedy of this character. Celebrated as one of Canada's greatest leading actors, Michael has an intriguing originality, an unusual intensity, and a powerful focus that makes him a very exciting choice as Frodo's 'shadow' - the tormented and pitifully corrupted hobbit, Gollum. As with all the principals, Michael has been cast not least for his ability to bring this celebrated role alive on stage in a new, fresh and exciting way. It is thrilling to have him in the company”.



Evan Buliung plays Aragorn, the king-in-waiting. A Shaw and Stratford favourite, Mr. Buliung has performed in a variety of the classics.



In the role of the wizard Saruman, the leader of the White Council corrupted by his lust for the Ring, is Richard McMillan, who returns to The Princess of Wales Theatre where he originated the role of Scar in the Canadian Premiere production of Disney’s THE LION KING.



Peter Howe plays Sam, Frodo’s faithful friend. Mr. Howe was discovered by THE LORD OF THE RINGS creative team in London after he wrote to THE LORD OF THE RINGS London production office requesting an audition. He makes his professional stage debut in the role of Samwise Gamgee.



Canadian Dylan Roberts is Merry and Irishman Owen Sharpe is Pippin. “We made a particularly extensive search for two young actors with the wit, mischief, humour and personality to portray Frodo’s cousins, Merry and Pippin, that finally led us to Dylan Roberts (Merry) and Owen Sharpe (Pippin). They are a fantastic pair,” added Producer Kevin Wallace.



Gabriel Burrafato is Legolas. Mr. Burrafato has an impressive list of musical theatre credits and was most recently seen at The Princess of Wales Theatre in Hal Prince’s 25th anniversary touring production of EVITA.



Dion Johnstone is Boromir. Originally from Vancouver, where he has performed in award-winning productions, Mr. Johnstone has been a member of the Stratford Festival for many years.



In the role of Arwen, daughter of Elrond, is Carly Street. “We were really struck by the acting talent of Carly Street, who did a dazzling audition as Arwen,” says Kevin Wallace.



Victor A. Young plays Elrond, Kerry Dorey is Théoden and Kristin Galer plays Rosie.



The ensemble consists of: Greg Armstrong-Morris, Joel Benson, Alexandra Bonnet, Brent Buchanan, Matt Cassidy, Mike Cota, Susan Dunstan, Joe Eigo, Josh Epstein, Omar Forrest, Matthew Gagnon, Nicholas Gede-Lange, Don Gough, Graeme Guthrie, Colin Heath, Peter Huck, Chilina Kennedy, Kristal Kiran Garib, Bryce Kulak, Monique Lund, Shannon Lynch, Ayrin Mackie, Colin Maier, Patrick McManus, Tyler Murree, Philip Nero, Danny Pathan, Sean C. Robertson, Louise St. Cyr, Vincent Tong, Peter Van Gestel, Fraser Walters, Sanders Whiting and Shawn Wright.



The roles of Galadriel, Gimli and Bilbo have yet to be cast and will be announced at a later date.


Performances will begin February 2, 2006 at the 2,000-seat Princess of Wales Theatre. The gala opening performance will be on March 23, 2006.



KEVIN WALLACE and SAUL ZAENTZ

in association with DAVID & ED MIRVISH, and MICHAEL COHL present



THE LORD OF THE RINGS



Book and Lyrics by

SHAUN McKENNA

and MATTHEW WARCHUS



Music by

A.R. RAHMAN

VÄRTTINÄ

with CHRISTOPHER NIGHTINGALE.



Set and Costume Design by ROB HOWELL



Lighting Design by PAUL PYANT

Sound Design by SIMON BAKER for AUTOGRAPH

Moving Image Design by THE GRAY CIRCLE

Illusions Direction by PAUL KIEVE

Tolkien Creative Consultation by LAURIE BATTLE

Musical Supervision by CHRISTOPHER NIGHTINGALE

Orchestrations CHRISTOPHER NIGHTINGALE, A.R. RAHMAN and VÄRTTINÄ



Choreographed by PETER DARLING



Directed by MATTHEW WARCHUS


A KEVIN WALLACE LIMITED PRODUCTION.

Based on the Lord of the Rings trilogy of books by J.R.R. Tolkien. Written and produced under license from The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises (SZC). THE LORD OF THE RINGS and the names of the characters, events, items & places therein are trademarks or registered trademarks of SZC and are used under license. All rights reserved. © Kevin Wallace Limited 2005.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS



Performances begin February 2, 2006
The Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada



Tickets now on sale
www.lotr.com
416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333
Groups 416-593-4142 1-800-724-6420
Ticket prices: $56 to $125 CDN



Images and logos for THE LORD OF THE RINGS are available via www.lotr.com <http://www.lotr.com/> Press Area



LOTR CANADA PRESS REPRESENTATION:

Mirvish Productions, 284 King Street West, Suite 400 Toronto ON M5V 1J2

Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

John Karastamatis, [e-mail]

Sue Toth, [e-mail]

Randy Alldread, [e-mail]



LOTR US PRESS REPRESENTATION:

Boneau Bryan-Brown

Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Adrian Bryan-Brown, [e-mail]



LOTR UK & INTERNATIONAL PRESS REPRESENTATION:

Peter Thompson Associates

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[e-mail]



CAST BIOGRAPHIES



BRENT CARVER
Gandalf

Brent Carver is a Tony Award-winning internationally recognized performer, having starred in numerous roles throughout Canada, the United States and England in theatre, film and television. In 1979, at Los Angeles' Mark Taper Forum, Brent played Ariel opposite Anthony Hopkins in Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST. Displaying versatility and dedication, Brent has performed major roles in RICHARD III, CYRANO DE BERGERAC, TARTUFFE, JACQUES BREL, CABARET, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, MOTHER COURAGE and KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, for which he won a Tony Award on Broadway. His solo show BRENT CARVER IN CONCERT played to sold-out venues in both Toronto and Vancouver. Brent was awarded the 2001 Capital Critics’ Theatre Award for Best Actor for his performance in LARRY’S PARTY. More recently he has played opposite Christopher Plummer in KING LEAR at Lincoln Center and received critical praise for his role in VIGIL for Canadian Stage. Brent has also appeared in television movies and series such as THIS IS WONDERLAND, THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, DA VINCI: DREAM OF FLIGHT, MILLENNIUM, THE WARS, THE SONG SPINNER, LOVE AND HATE and THE TWILIGHT ZONE. He was critically acclaimed for his role as the Countess in the feature film LILIES. For his title role in WHISKERS he received an Emmy nomination and he has won Gemini Awards for his performances in STREET LEGAL, DUE SOUTH and ELIZABETH REX. Brent’s recent film work includes DEEPLY with Kirsten Dunst for director Sheri Elwood, Atom Egoyan’s ARARAT and Thom Fitzgerald’s THE EVENT.




JAMES LOYE
Frodo


James Loye trained at the Welsh College of Music and Drama, in the U.K. His recent stage credits include CYMBELINE and TWELFTH NIGHT at Regents Park Open Air Theatre; SLEEPING BEAUTY at the Barbican, the New Victory Theatre in New York and The Young Vic; THE MASTER & MARGARITA and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at Chichester; and THE HYPOCHONDRIAC at The Old Vic. On television, he was seen this year in the BBC’s award-winning DUNKIRK.




MICHAEL THERRIAULT
Gollum

Michael Therriault is currently on Broadway as Motel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. He recently played the title role in the CBC Television mini-series THE TOMMY DOUGLAS STORY, and starred as Leo Bloom in THE PRODUCERS in Toronto, for which he won the Dora Award as Best Actor in a Musical. During the past eight seasons with the Stratford Festival, his roles have included Yock in QUIET IN THE LAND; Boult in PERICLES; the title role in the HENRY VI cycle of plays; Aguecheek in TWELFTH NIGHT; Konstantin in THE SEAGULL; Lord Alfred Douglas in the one-man show OSCAR REMEMBERED; Motel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF; Silvius in AS YOU LIKE IT; Ariel in THE TEMPEST; Flute in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM; Drugger in THE ALCHEMIST; Cleante in THE MISER; Umberto in FILUMENA; and Mordred in CAMELOT. His other Broadway credits include Cleante in THE MISER and Seacole/Dogberry in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Other notable credits include Billy Bishop in BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR (Theatre Orangeville); Charlie in MARY'S WEDDING (Magnus Theatre); Romeo in M.O.D.D.'s ROMEO AND JULIET (Ford Centre); and Snoopy in YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN (Grand Theatre). Michael was a member of the inaugural Stratford Festival Conservatory for Classical Theatre Training.






EVAN BULIUNG
Aragorn

A member of the inaugural Stratford Conservatory for Classical Theatre Training, Evan spent five seasons at the Stratford Festival in numerous productions including Edgar in KING LEAR (opposite Christopher Plummer), HAMLET, ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL, THE SWANNE, HENRY VI (Part 1), FALSTAFF, HENRY V, TITUS ANDRONICUS, RICHARD II, THE CHERRY ORCHARD, THE MIRACLE WORKER, MACBETH and ELIZABETH REX, for which he reprised his role in the award-winning adaptation by Rhombus Films. More recently, Evan has spent three seasons at the Shaw Festival. This season he stars as the tragic hero Stanhope in Christopher Newton's production of JOURNEY'S END and as a devilishly comic Charles Lomax in MAJOR BARBARA, directed by Joe Zeigler. Previous roles at the Shaw include Bruce Granit in ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, Capt. Bretherton in DIANA OF DOBSONS, Octavius in MAN AND SUPERMAN and Jack in the IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. Between seasons, he found time to travel to the Manitoba Theatre Centre to play Lenny in THE HOMECOMING, to Toronto for THE UNDERPANTS (Theatrefront) and to London, Ontario, to play Stanley in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. He studied dance and drama as a teenager and performed whenever he could during high school in Brantford, Ontario, following that with training at The George Brown Theatre School. He was voted one of Eye's Best of 2003 for his role in THE UNDERPANTS and was one of Robert Cushman's Best of 2003 for his work in DIANA OF DOBSONS. Evan is the recipient of a Jean A. Chalmers Award, a Tyrone Guthrie Award and the Tony Van Bridge Award.



RICHARD McMILLAN
Saruman


Richard McMillan was last on stage at the Princess of Wales Theatre as Scar, in THE LION KING. Among his many other theatre credits are the Stratford Festival's GLENN, HENRY IV, Pts. 1 and 2, FALSTAFF, RICHARD II, MACBETH, THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR, MEASURE FOR MEASURE, THE GONDOLIERS, LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST, KING LEAR, TWELFTH NIGHT and THE MIKADO (at Stratford and on Broadway); TAMARA; AS YOU LIKE IT (Actor's Theatre of Louisville); his one-man show THROUGH THE EYES; ASSASSINS; THE INEXPRESSIBLE ISLAND; LILIES (NAC); NOT WANTED ON THE VOYAGE (MTC/Canadian Stage); A CONNECTICUT YANKEE and LULU (Shaw Festival); DIE FLEDERMAUS and CANDIDE (Canadian Opera Company); and THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD (Pittsburgh Playhouse). His many film credits include THE FOUNTAIN, A DIFFERENT LOYALTY, THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW and M. BUTTERFLY, to name but a few. Mr. McMillan is the winner of the 1985 (PRAGUE), 1993, 1995 and 2003 Dora Mavor Moore Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Male and was nominated for the 2000 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male in a Principal Role, Musical, for THE LION KING. He is also the recipient of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Performer of The Year Award, 1990; the Actra Award for Best Variety Performance in Television, 1984; and the Tyrone Guthrie Award, 1987. He was a Helen Hayes Award nominee at the Kennedy Centre, Washington, D.C., in 1988.


PETER HOWE
Sam

Peter Howe is from Birmingham, U.K., and trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). His theatre credits include THE WILD PARTY at the Edinburgh Festival (National Student Theatre Company) and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, OLIVER!, MARAT/SADE and UNCLE VANYA at LIPA.



DYLAN ROBERTS
Merry


Dylan is a graduate of the theatre program at the University of Waterloo. He is very proud to be a part of the vibrant Canadian theatre community. Dylan proudly made his first professional stage appearance in Ted Dykstra’s directorial debut, SCIENCE FICTION. Recent credits include THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (ShakespeareWorks); THE TEMPEST and ROMEO AND JULIET (Resurgence Theatre); ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST (Globe Theatre); and COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE ABRIDGED (Waterloo Stage Theatre). Dylan is honoured to be part of the legendary VideoCabaret; he has portrayed Louis Riel in the last two installments of the Canadian history cycle. VideoCabaret’s CONFEDERATION received a Dora Mavor Moore Award nomination for the acting ensemble. He is also proud of his association with the new and emerging company Studio 180; he played a number of characters in their smash Canadian premiere of THE LARAMIE PROJECT. Dylan can also be seen in dozens of television ads; his film and television credits include SUE THOMAS F.B.EYE, G-SPOT, BLUE MURDER, IF WISHES WERE HORSES, DOC and DEATH TO SMOOCHY, among others.
OWEN SHARPE
Pippin


Owen Sharpe has been seen on the British stage as the Artful Dodger in OLIVER! at the Lyric Hammersmith and in the National Theatre's productions of SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER and A LAUGHING MATTER (directed by Max Stafford Clark), THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN (directed by Nick Hytner) and PERICLES (directed by Ian Lan). His credits with the Royal Shakespeare Company include THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE, JUBILEE, SHADOWS, PURGATORY and BARTHOLOMEW FAIR. In Ireland, he appeared in MACBETH and MADIGAN'S LOCK and A THIEF OF CHRISTMAS at the Abbey Theatre and in THE RECRUITING OFFICER and A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Gate Theatre. His film credits include BORSTAL BOYS, LEPRECHAUN and MY LEFT FOOT (as Young Tom).

GABRIEL BURRAFATO
Legolas

Gabriel Burrafato can presently be seen as ‘Magaldi’ in the U.S. national touring company of EVITA (25th Anniversary Harold Prince Revival). Gabriel made his Broadway debut in BOMBAY DREAMS, where he originated the role of ‘Akmed the Hard Hat’ and ‘Wedding Qawali Singer’. BOMBAY DREAMS also gave Gabriel the opportunity to work closely with renowned Indian composer A.R. Rahman. Other tours include Cameron Mackintosh's HEY MR. PRODUCER, directed by Ken Caswell, where he portrayed such roles as ‘Phantom’ from THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, ‘Jean Valjean’ from LES MISÉRABLES and the ‘Engineer’ from MISS SAIGON. Gabriel was born in Buenos Aires, raised in Toronto, and began his career in Canada as an apprentice at the Shaw Festival, later joining the Stratford Festival. Other Canadian credits include the ‘Pharaoh’ in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAM COAT and ‘Annas’ in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.

DION JOHNSTONE
Boromir

Dion Johnstone is a rising star at the Stratford Festival whose credits include AS YOU LIKE IT, THE TEMPEST, THE LARK, KING JOHN, CYMBELINE, TIMON OF ATHENS, THE SWANNE: PART II, AGAMEMNON, ELECTRA and THE FLIES. He was recently seen on the Toronto stage in the CanStage production TAKE ME OUT. His work in Vancouver includes ROMEO & JULIET (Tybalt) at the Vancouver Playhouse and ANTONY & CLEOPATRA (Octavius), AS YOU LIKE IT (Orlando) and RICHARD III (Richard) at Bard on the Beach. Mr. Johnstone's television appearances include TWILIGHT ZONE, STARGATE, LA LAW, MONK and DA VINCI'S INQUEST, among many others. His film credits include THE CORE, DREAMCATCHER, JOSIE & THE PUSSYCATS and MURDER AT THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL. He is the winner of Vancouver's 1999 Jessie Richardson,/ Sam Payne Award for Outstanding Newcomer.



CARLY STREET
Arwen



Carly Street’s selected theatre credits include Portia in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (Shakespeare-in-the-Rough); Egle in THE DISPUTE (Sweat Company); Hero in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Resurgence Theatre Co.); Violet Bick in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Grand Theatre); L’il Bit in HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE (Theatre & Company); Molly in FIRE (Theatre Calgary); Masha in THE THREE SISTERS and The Baker’s Wife in INTO THE WOODS (Atlantic Theatre Festival); Bianca in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (Canstage); Coaxer in THE THREEPENNY OPERA and Mrs. Hopkins in MY FAIR LADY (Stratford Festival); Sparo Black in PEEP SHOW (Buddies in Bad Times); and Cora Fielding in TEMPEST-TOST, HENRY IV, PARTS 1 &2 (Stratford Festival). Since graduating from the National Theatre School of Canada, Carly has appeared in a variety of film and television projects, including a film adaptation of Shakespeare’s MACBETH for Redstar Films, in which she played Lady Macbeth. She has also recorded numerous dramas for CBC Radio. In 2004, she was nominated for Nova Scotia’s prestigious Robert Merritt Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of The Baker’s Wife in INTO THE WOODS. Carly is currently co-producer of The Sweat Company, which mounted its first production – Marivaux’s THE DISPUTE – to enormous critical acclaim at this summer’s Toronto Fringe Festival.




VICTOR A. YOUNG
Elrond, Ensemble



Mr. Young’s theatre credits include CRAZY FOR YOU (Royal Alexandra Theatre); FIRE (Charlottetown Festival); JULIUS CAESAR, MACBETH, AS YOU LIKE IT and KISS ME KATE (Stratford Festival); NOISES OFF and WAR BRIDES (Theatre Aquarius); SWEENEY TODD (Alberta Theatre Projects) and many others. He is the recipient of the Dora Mavor Moore Award as Best Actor in a Musical. His many film and television appearances include FOUR BROTHERS (Paramount), THE REAGANS (CBS/Sony Pictures), ELOISE AT CHRISTMAS TIME and ELOISE AT THE PLAZA (ABC/Disney), LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR (Showtime), MRS. WINTERBOURNE (HBO), BAIT (Warner Brothers), TRADERS (Alliance-Atlantis) and STREET LEGAL (CBC).




KERRY DOREY
Théoden, Ensemble



A native of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, Kerry recently performed the role of Sam Carmichael in MAMMA MIA! at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, where he also performed the roles of Grantaire and Javert in LES MISÉRABLES. A versatile actor, Kerry has appeared in numerous television episodes, commercials and films. He has performed at the Stratford Festival, the Canadian Opera Company and the Toronto Operetta Theatre as well as the Blyth Festival (originating the role of Loren Packet in THE DREAMLAND), the Shaw Festival (playing Billy Crocker in ANYTHING GOES), the Canadian Stage Company (where he played Orsino in Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT) and the Elgin Theatre, where he played Bernadotte in the national premiere of NAPOLEON. Some of his favourite productions have taken place in Winnipeg where he performed Le Gentile in TRANSIT OF VENUS, Jim O’Connor in THE GLASS MENAGERIE at the Manitoba Theatre Centre and, for Rainbow Stage, the role of the Prince in the musical CINDERELLA.

KRISTIN GALER
Rosie, Ensemble

Kristin Galer is a graduate of the University of Windsor, with a BFA in Music Theatre. Among her performance credits are THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL and THREEPENNY OPERA (Stratford Festival); EVITA and OKLAHOMA! (Drayton Entertainment); NUNSENSE II (Port Mansion); SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD (Charlottetown Festival); and A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Theatre & Co.). She is the recipient of the Jean A. Chambers Award, the Alan Lund Memorial Scholarship and the Maude Witmore Scholarship.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/25/05 at 12:33pm

I'm happy to see Brent Carver in a hight profile project, but this sounds a bit too Ren-Fest for me. That press release sounds like it was written for an info-mercial. I am not holding out great hopes for this one. Sorry.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/25/05 at 12:37pm

Now if they only could get Michael Jackson to play Gollum...

[Mimi Imfurst]

Posted: 7/25/05 at 1:48pm

Have tickets gone on sale? I've never traveled to another country JUST to see a show, but I think we'll make this a first.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 7/25/05 at 2:15pm

Yes, they went on sale a few months ago. It's an open-ended run, though, so I'm sure you'll find seats you'll like.

You'll also LOVE Toronto. Try and come during the summer -- Toronto summers are AMAZING, and oh-so-vibrant.

[Mimi Imfurst]

Posted: 7/25/05 at 2:42pm

i LOVE toronto. I am longing to go back!

[JayKid]

Posted: 7/25/05 at 2:47pm

Is this the first one? Or all three combined?

Is the who trilogy "The Fellowhip of the Ring"? Then this is the first one or is the first "The Fellowship" and the "Lord of the Rings" is the trilogy?

Either way, gonna be a bit weird, but pretty cool... wonder how it turns out.

[Orsomething]

Posted: 7/25/05 at 3:40pm

i couldnt help but laugh when i read that there is going to be a musical version of the book haha....that's kind of funny....

[anfwesternboy]

Posted: 7/25/05 at 7:56pm

I was at the press conference today, and like someone said earlier anybody who plays the hobbits have to be under 5'6" while the non-hobbits are over 6'.

Seeing the hobbits standing against the non-hobbits today, it works tremendously well. These people were SHORT! And this was without the extra stage tricks of using platforms on shoes and all.

No Gimli and Bilbo announced yet. Another role hasn't been cast yet either.

[MissElphie]

Posted: 7/25/05 at 8:01pm

Oh! I'm getting excited about this! I have tickets for the first show. I can't wait to see what they come up with. I know no matter what, it shall be intersting.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 7/25/05 at 10:05pm

I'm surprised they've cast Arwen and not (yet?) Eowyn, who is a much more dramatic and interesting character. I think they're taking a cue from the movie and expanding on the Arwen character (which was smart in helping reveal Aragorn's motivations), but I don't know if it would work for the stage show, considering they only have three hours to work with. I just hope they don't cut out Eowyn, whose involvement has a much bigger payback.

They haven't cast Denethor and Faramir either; maybe they're just abandoning the whole Minas Tirith storyline?

(And I like the fact that they've cast a black actor as Boromir, despite some of the issues that might arise from that.)

[mizzie]

Posted: 7/25/05 at 10:32pm

I got tickets to the show last night! Sorry....I'm excited!

mizzie

[Link Larkin Wanabe]

Posted: 7/26/05 at 2:29am

Aww,

Steve didn't get the Pippin role. Sad.

And yes...you all should come to Toronto to see this next summer, and while you are here to see a show I am producing. More details to come (heh,...shameless shilling).

Akiva