Starfish writes: Some time ago, TORN posted a blurb about a two-man play called “Into the Ring,” in which the actors play dozens of characters obsessed with Tolkien’s works. I attended the one-night-only performance, and I had to share:
If you love Tolkien, you need to see this play.
It centers around two brothers trying to collaborate on a film about Tolkien. One is a sincere purist–(“You make wonderful movies that nobody wants to see…”)–and the other, a Hollywood type who, in one scene, talks on no fewer then five cellphones at a time. In the course of making this movie, the actors morph so seamlessly into their characters that one has to struggle to remember that there are only, ever, two people on stage. Add to this a few great gymnastic stunts, inside jokes, dead-on characterizations of every type of LotR-geekdom, and a compelling plot, and what you have is simultaneously a treat, a tease, and a sincere homage.
But you really want to see it for their 9-minute version of Lord of the Rings. That’s right: 3 minutes per book. Once they started, I didn’t get a chance to catch my breath. It was, simply put, the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. I would have gone back the next night–if there had been a next night–just to see them do it again.
The co-creators and actors, Rick Miller and Dawson Nichols, have a website (http://intothering.com/) and a show in Fort Worth, TX next weekend. I urge all Tolkien-lovers in the vicinity to get out there and see the show: you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll always kinda think of Merry and Pippin as talking hands.
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Director Peter Jackson is eyeing Naomi Watts to follow in the footsteps of Fay Wray and become the obsession of the giant ape in “King Kong.” Jackson has offered the lead role to Watts for Universal’s Christmas 2005 film. [More]
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On Sunday, a special opening of Borough Market will see Andy Serkis – Gollum in the Lord of the Rings triology – talking about his role and signing autographs.
One lucky reader can win the chance to present him with the Guinness World Record he has been awarded for the Most Expressive Digital Character in a film. You could also take home a signed copy of the Guinness World Records 2004 edition, signed Lord of the Rings DVDs and tickets to the opening of The Double Bass directed by Andy Serkis. For your chance to win, log on to www.metro.co.uk and click on competitions.
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Deborah sends in some information on a Middle-earth themed Ball in Sunnyvale, California in late October. Take a look! [More]
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Deborah writes:
Here is some information on a Middle Earth Ball in Sunnyvale on 10/31. We’ll be doing design sets, and hope most will appear in LOTR costume (although any costume will be admired, not required). We can send you details shortly.
We do have a website: www.swdance.com where further details would be located.
Some details:
Date: 10/31
What: Middle Earth Ball (or you can dress as your favorite witch, ghoul, whatever)
Time: 8:00 Beginning/intermediate lesson Salsa
9:00 Ballroom dance party begins
Where: Sunnyvale Community Center, Sunnyvale California
Entry fee: $15
Includes: Lesson, dance party, refreshments (drinks & light snacks…may even offer Frodo’s scones, Gimli’s seed cakes & Smaug’s gems), hall decorated as Middle Earth
Further details: see www.swdance.com
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Those following Kiwi actor Bruce Hopkins [Gamling the Old]’s career will enjoy this highly complimentary review he gained for his role as MacBeth. [More] His talent has not gone unnoticed in the world of LOTR, and word is that Gamling the Old will have more to do in ROTK.
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