Paul Hart's immersive UK staging of THE LORD OF THE RINGS musical to transfer to Chicago

[KevinKlawitter]

Posted: 4/9/24 at 1:03pm

Now titled THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A Musical Tale - running at Chicago Shakespeare Festival July 19-September 1Festival

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 4/9/24 at 1:09pm

I have a strong feeling that this, The Hunger Games, Stranger Things, and Harry Potter will all be on Broadway at the same time a few years from now. 

[Rentaholic2]

Posted: 4/9/24 at 2:54pm

Very excited for this magnificent score to make its US debut.  I hope its a hit and transfers to Broadway.  

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 4/9/24 at 6:36pm

I wasted no time in buying tickets for opening night. I'm looking forward to this.

[darquegk]

Posted: 4/10/24 at 10:23am

How much is this revival cut down or rewritten from the four-hour original?

[RippedMan]

Posted: 4/10/24 at 10:24am

How immersive? That space is super flexible so curious to see how they use it. 

[KevinKlawitter]

Posted: 6/8/24 at 5:09pm

Casting announced

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 6/8/24 at 5:30pm

It doesn't LOOK immersive at all. At least from the very standard proscenium seating chart. I suppose they could still have the audience start in an alternative location... but I'm not sure where they would do that? 

[Fan123]

Posted: 6/8/24 at 7:43pm

Has there been any news about the international tour dates and locations? Those details were/are theoretically to be announced in June; I haven't seen an announcement as yet.

Updated On: 6/8/24 at 07:43 PM

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/8/24 at 8:00pm

KJisgroovy said: "It doesn't LOOK immersive at all. At least from the very standard proscenium seating chart. I suppose they could still have the audience start in an alternative location... but I'm not sure where they would do that?"

For all the hoopla of the space being flexible and whatnot, I've never seen a show there that didn't use just a traditional proscenium staging. 

[Alex Kulak2]

Posted: 6/8/24 at 8:02pm

KevinKlawitter said: "Casting announced "

This cast is great, very young, very Chicago. I personally know 3 people in it, so I'm excited to check it out.

[darquegk]

Posted: 6/8/24 at 8:48pm

Interesting that Gollum isn’t listed. I wonder if that’s the “special guest performer” role that will have some larger industry clout.

[KevinKlawitter]

Posted: 6/8/24 at 8:51pm

darquegk said: "Interesting that Gollum isn’t listed. I wonder if that’s the “special guest performer” role that will have some larger industry clout."

My dream casting? Ethan Slater. 

[darquegk]

Posted: 6/8/24 at 9:37pm

If they said “pick someone interesting but not A list,” I’d say cabaret host PJ Adzima. He was in my Off-Bway show in 2016.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 6/8/24 at 9:45pm

darquegk said: "Interesting that Gollum isn’t listed. I wonder if that’s the “special guest performer” role that will have some larger industry clout."

Their website lists Tony Bozzuto as playing Gollum

https://www.chicagoshakes.com/productions/the-lord-of-the-rings/

[Broadway Flash]

Posted: 6/27/24 at 10:05am

 

[Broadway Flash]

Posted: 6/27/24 at 10:06am

Does this have broadway in their sights?  It’s looks like it’s gonna be great!

[verywellthensigh]

Posted: 6/27/24 at 1:06pm

More immersive theater.  Yay.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 6/27/24 at 2:28pm

Broadway Flash said: “Does this have broadway in their sights? It’s looks like it’s gonna be great!”

If the first part is still staged outdoors I’m not sure which Broadway theatre if any would allow for that. Unless they ultimately plan to restage it all indoors.

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 6/27/24 at 2:46pm

There's no indication this is being staged anywhere except in the theater. The director even comments that the hobbits will be in the theater when you enter. It appears they've restaged this conventionally.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/27/24 at 2:47pm

I’m curious too how immersive any of it is. 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 6/27/24 at 3:19pm

verywellthensigh said: "More immersive theater. Yay."


Of the dozens of shows that opened on Broadway this last season how many were “immersive”? Two? For those complaining about immersive theatre, just don’t go. There are plenty of other options.

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 6/29/24 at 7:33pm

KJisgroovy said: "There's no indication this is being staged anywhere except in the theater. The director even comments that the hobbits will be in the theater when you enter. It appears they've restaged this conventionally."

There is no space at Navy Pier for them to do the outdoor section the way they did at Watermill. There is no green space at all, and it is packed to the brim with people. This particular space is more flexible than Chicago Shakes main theatre, so it might lend itself to something a bit more immersive, but I believe you are right in thinking this will be pretty conventional compared to choices that were made at Watermill. 

[KevinKlawitter]

Posted: 7/9/24 at 4:31pm

Transfer announced... to New Zealand

[willsofadream]

Posted: 7/19/24 at 5:11pm

Seeing this tonight. Very excited!