LONDON–Michael Therriault has learned a new definition of “precious.” True, he’s spending his days swooping around the giant stage of the Drury Lane Theatre in search of the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings, opening here tonight. But ask him what he really cares about and Therriault, who is here recreating his award-winning Toronto performance of Gollum, answers without hesitation: “My family and friends back home. I wish I could be with all of them.” But there’s only going to be one person in the Therriault cheering section tonight, his girlfriend, actor Tracy Michailidis, and that’s the way he wants it. [More]
Category: Old Main News
LONDON, June 19 (UPI) — The Theatre Royal in London’s West End launched the stage adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings.” The show, which cost $24.9 million and features 17 pneumatic lifts beneath the stage, began previews in May, the BBC reported Tuesday. The production debuted in Toronto last year but was cut by about 35 minutes for the West End opening after it wasn’t well-received by critics. [More]
From Michael Billington (at Guardian Unlimited): I suppose there are two ways to approach this mega-musical: either as a paid-up Tolkien aficionado or as a wide-eyed newcomer. Having dipped only briefly into the original trilogy and the Peter Jackson movies, I entered Drury Lane as innocent as any hairy-toed hobbit. But I emerged three-and-a-quarter hours later sceptical as to the main matter but hugely impressed by the manner of Matthew Warchus’s production. Obviously Shaun McKenna and Warchus, as co-authors, face a huge task in boiling down a 1000-page fantasy into a theatrical narrative. But, although bits of the backstory remain obscure, the main thrust is clear. Frodo Baggins, a junior hobbit, and his chums are deputed by the wizard, Gandalf, to undertake an epic journey to Mount Doom to dispose of the evil Ring. In the course of their quest they acquire the company of elves, dwarves and rangers. They encounter sinister black riders and orcs, pass through Rivendell and the Golden Wood and ultimately do battle with the forces of the Dark Lord, Sauron. Finally, however, they get rid of the damned Ring. [More]
‘Figwit’, the female fan phenomenon from the LOTR trilogy will be on ‘Late Night with Conan O’Brien’ tonight. He will be there with his ban Flight of the Concords, who have a new HBO show set to debut soon. ‘Late Night’ airs on NBC at 12:35AM. Set those VCRs!
Lynnette P writes: As part of my research for my current Lord of the Rings book project, I’ve set up a questionnaire here. To gather comments about Tolkien’s book, Peter Jackson’s films, and Lord of the Rings fandom. The survey is completed anonymously and takes about 5-10 minutes. I’m looking for a wide variety of responses, from long-time Tolkien readers to new fans of the films. I appreciate all responses to the survey, and thank everyone in advance for helping me conduct my research. Could you post the link and a brief message about my research on TORN? If anyone has questions about the survey or the forthcoming book, please contact me at porterly@erau.edu. [Survey]
Take an early look on our ‘DVD Tuesday’ feature…every Monday! There are a whole slew of amazing DVDs out tomorrow, take a look at some TV goodies like; ‘Animaniacs, Vol. 1-3’ & ‘Daniel Boone: Season 4’. Some new collection DVDs include ‘The Die Hard collection’ & ‘Lucille Ball Film Collection’ The big releases of of the week include; ‘Bridge to Terabithia’, ‘Miss Potter’ & ‘Reno 911: Miami’. The Blu ray gurus get only ‘Bridge to Terabithia’. Check out the whole list here! [More]