Garfeimao writes: The fine folks from the parody musical called “Fellowship” just sent me this press release. They will be performing in San Diego during comic con, and the tickets go on sale on June 1. If you will be in San Diego for comic con, do yourself a favor and go see this performance. You’ll laugh so hard, and for so long, you just might bust a gut, so be prepared. Read more to find out the details.

“FELLOWSHIP!” THE MUSICAL PARODY OF “THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING” at LYCEUM THEATRE DURING COMIC-CON – JULY 14-17, 2005

“Fellowship!” LA’s hit musical parody of “the Fellowship of the Ring” will be presented at the Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza in San Diego Thursday July 14th – Sunday July 17th at 8:00 pm nightly, coinciding with Comic-con International. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through the theatre’s box office starting June 1, 2005. For more information, phone 619-544-1000 or go to www.fellowshipthemusical.com.

In this Broadway style musical, Tolkien fans will see all their favorite characters from the movies with one big change – they’re funny. This hilarious send-up features twelve original songs, from the over-the-top opening number with barefooted tap-dancing Hobbits, to an elf-on-human 80’s power ballad (with a live guitar solo performed by the rightful heir of Gondor). In another song, the Balrog (a terrifying creature of shadow and flame) performs a sequin-studded New York style cabaret number.

“Fellowship!” played to sold-out crowds in Los Angeles for its four-month run, garnering praise from fans and critics alike. The LA Times raved “Inspired silliness… this cast cooks!” Backstage West proclaimed the show “a hilarious musical parody… laden with wit.” Fans of “the Lord of the Rings” films and books, lovers of sci-fi and fantasy, and folks who just want to laugh will all be sure to enjoy “Fellowship!” Comic-con patrons and San Diegans alike will be given a truly funny, brand-new look at the mythology they love.

The cast is made up of nine of the world’s best improvisers who take on multiple roles to play all the characters and creatures in the story. Director Joel McCrary has used the improv skills of each actor to develop their characters, giving the show a spontaneous feel. The actors also had a hand in writing their own songs, working with composer/music director Allen Simpson and writers McCrary and Kelly Holden.