TORONTO — With rare exceptions, producers like to keep the media as far away from their rehearsals as possible. And the higher the stakes, the greater the level of secrecy. That conventional wisdom was turned upside down Dec. 12 when Kevin Wallace invited 150 journalists to watch six scenes from the upcoming stage version of “The Lord of the Rings,” which begins previews Feb. 2 at the Princess of Wales Theater prior to a March 23 opening. “It was essentially to get the core message out that we know what we’re doing here and that this creative team we’ve gathered together has truly found the way to bring Tolkien to the stage,” is how Wallace explained his unconventional action. What made this especially daring was the fact that “Lord of the Rings” is a show that relies heavily on a spectacular physical production. With a C$27 million ($23.4 million) budget, a cast of 55 and a 40-ton set that consists of three interconnected turntables with 17 lifts, not to mention numerous special effects, it took courage to offer up the work under fluorescent lights with the cast in sweatpants and T-shirts. [More]
Month: January 2006
Sideshow Collectibles has announced their first 12-inch figure and its Strider! Check out the preview! [Click Here]
From The Tolkien Society: At 9pm (local times) on January 3rd fans around the world are invited to raise a glass and toast J.R.R. Tolkien’s Birthday. The Tolkien Society has a webpage where fans across the globe can let other fans know where they’ll be celebrating if they’re hosting a party, or just what particular tipple they’ll be raising. Fans will be able to check the webpage and see who is celebrating where and if they wish to get in touch and join in. [More]
Sideshow Collectibles has announced that they will preview their first Lord of the Rings 12-inch figure on January 3rd, 2006 — Professor Tolkien’s birthday. If you are not familiar with the 12-inch Figure detailing that Sideshow is famous for, check out their latest Star Wars figures, as an example. [Click Here] [Press Release]