Lord of the Rings Casting...

[Michael Strathmore]

Posted: 7/23/05 at 1:44pm

What do you guys think about the Lord of the Rings casting so far...?

--Michael--

The story:

Jul. 23, 2005. 08:23 AM

Ring leaders revealed
Toronto actors snag coveted roles in $27 million stage adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien novel

32-year-old Michael Therriault moves from Broadway to the Canon Theatre as Gollum


RICHARD OUZOUNIAN

Who's got the most "precious" gig in Canadian show business? Michael Therriault, that's who.

The Star has learned that the 32-year-old actor will be playing the wily, obsessive Gollum in the highly anticipated stage version of The Lord of the Rings, scheduled to open in Toronto next March.

But that's just the beginning.

Even though an official announcement of who's appearing in what roles is not expected until a news conference at the Canon Theatre on Monday morning, reliable sources within the theatre community have revealed some of the major casting choices.

Producer Kevin Wallace and spokespeople for the Mirvish organization refused to confirm or deny these reports.

Casting for The Lord of the Rings has been the major topic of theatrical buzz in the city ever since auditions started this spring and with good reason.

The $27 million production is not only the largest show ever mounted in this city's history, but its premiere is expected to draw the eyes of the world.

A record $7 million in tickets were sold during the first week the box office opened in May and anticipation continues to run high.

The news that he's playing Gollum is one more career peak for Therriault, who's currently on Broadway, appearing as Motel the Tailor in Fiddler on the Roof opposite Harvey Fierstein and Andrea Martin.

Before that, he filmed the title role in The Tommy Douglas Story, a CBC miniseries to be aired later this year.

His other credits include starring in the Toronto production of The Producers and spending seven seasons at the Stratford Festival, where he played leading parts in numerous productions.

The other casting is equally prestigious and provocative.

The courageous hero Aragorn will be played by Evan Buliung, who is currently appearing at the Shaw Festival in Journey's End and Major Barbara. Before coming to Shaw, he spent several seasons at Stratford, where his most memorable role was as Edgar opposite Christopher Plummer's King Lear.

Carly Street has been cast as the yearning Arwen. A National Theatre School graduate, Street has been performing Shakespeare in both High Park and Newmarket's outdoor summer theatres and recently concluded a highly praised run in The Dispute at the Toronto Fringe Festival.

Toronto audiences will be glad to welcome back Richard McMillan as the villainous wizard Saruman. McMillan is no stranger to spreading evil in epic shows, as witnessed by his brilliant turn as Scar in the Toronto production of The Lion King. He also appeared at the Stratford Festival for many years.

Legolas, the romantic archer, has been assigned to Gabriel Burrafato, who began his career at Shaw. Burrafato went on to Stratford and then spent a season on Broadway as a member of the cast of Bombay Dreams. He is currently touring with the national company of Evita in the role of Magaldi.

One of the jovial hobbits, Merry, will be tackled by Dylan Roberts, currently on stage in The Taming of the Shrew for ShakespeareWorks and also remembered for his Louis Riel in Video Cabaret's Confederation.

Boromir, the valiant warrior, has been cast with Dion Johnstone, a Stratford company member for the past three seasons, currently starring as Orlando in As You Like It.

And Elrond, the father of Arwen, is being played by veteran Victor A. Young who has appeared in leading roles for many theatres including Stratford (Kiss Me Kate) and Mirvish Productions (Crazy for You).

Other Torontonians cast in the show include Kerry Dorey, Peter Huck, Chilina Kennedy, Monique Lund, Erin Mackie, Tyler Murray, Danny Pathan, Sean Robertson, Louise St. Cyr, Vincent Tong and Shawn Wright.

However, several of the most major roles in The Lord of the Rings are not included on the above list, including Frodo, Sam, Gandalf and Galadriel.

Canadian Actors' Equity has allowed the producers of the show to bring as many as five British actors into the company and it is expected that most of those leading characters still unaccounted for will come from abroad.

However there are persistent rumours, as yet unconfirmed, that Brent Carver, currently appearing in Soulpepper's The Wild Duck, may wind up playing a prominent part in the production. Under the direction of Matthew Warchus, the show will begin rehearsals in October with a cast numbering 55.

Working with Warchus as the resident director will be Alisa Palmer, one of Canada's most esteemed stagers of plays.

Her recent works include Belle Moral and Pal Joey, both at the Shaw Festival.

Many of the fascinating pieces to the puzzle that is the stage version of The Lord of the Rings are falling into place.

But who will provide the face of Frodo, the smile of Sam, the glare of Gandalf and the voice of Galadriel?

Wait until Monday and all will be revealed.

Then the real journey can begin.

Toronto Star article

[Thenardier]

Posted: 7/23/05 at 1:46pm

Heh, if it comes to Bway it will be the new Spamalot.