There are some very exciting Lord of the Rings related live performance opportunities this summer to tide you over until “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” release later this year. In Ottawa, the NAC will be screening “The Fellowship of the Ring” and providing the musical soundtrack for 3 performances: July 5th, 6th and 7th. (Many thanks to Emanuel for that information!) Similarly, The Lord of the Rings in Concert has a few forthcoming dates in France, Australia and Chile. The Hobbit returns to The Maverick Theater in Fullerton, California. This imaginative production, reviewed here at Backstage.com, runs now until July 14th and is a must see. (Thank you Ringwinner for the heads up!) If you haven’t already caught Charlie Ross’s One Man Lord of the Rings you’ll have an opportunity as the show moves to Austin, Texas June 20th through 24th, Columbia, Maryland June 29th, San Jose, California July 24th through 29th and the exciting Fringe Festival in Edinburgh August 13th through 27th. Lastly, the popular musical Fellowship! closes at the Trepany House in Hollywood after the 11pm performance on Friday, June 29th.

Get out there and support your local arts. Shire!