John Noble writes: Little did I realise on that February morning in 1999 that a call from my agent would be the start of a life-changing adventure. Could I go to Mullinars Casting on Wednesday to audition for a film called The Lord of the Rings? “Sure, why not? Fax me a script.” I was to read for the part of a character called Denethor. Rapid research was needed because I had not read the book. [More]

Dominic Monaghan has been in England for a few days and he’s fighting a cold, which makes a change from fighting the monstrous orcs, ringwraiths, uruk-hai and other creatures that have been part of his life for three years. Although Los Angeles is now home for the 27-year-old actor from Stockport, he’s back home to take a break from the whirlwind of premieres and promotional tours that come with the territory of being part of a film phenomenon. [More]

Roheryn writes: Howard Shore will be the guest on NPR’s Fresh Air today, hosted by Terry Gross. If you can’t catch it on the radio, an archived version will be made available online under the “Archived Shows” tab on the left-hand menu. [More]

Sasha writes: There will be encore screenings of the LOTR trilogy in Singapore! There will be 2 more screenings of the trilogy and both will be overnight on the 5th and 6th of Feb. The sessions will be at Cathay Orchard and at Golden Village Plaza SIngapura and tickets are already on sale at cinema box offices. Moviegoers who buy tickets will also get $4 discount for tickets to the LOTR exhibition at the science center march 14 – June 4.

Michael writes: Thought you might find this interesting. This popped up on my screen as an annoying ad until I saw the word “Trilogy” on it and read the rest. [More]

Katy writes: I learned that Prairie Dog Productions in Boise Idaho is putting on a play called “Lord of the Ring Dance -or- Battle for Middle-Mirth”. The auditions were two weeks ago, and the show is scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings from March 12th – April 17th, 2004 at 7:15pm (doors open at 6:45pm). It’s at the Alano on 3820 Cassia.