Breaking News: The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale, which is about to have its US opening of Paul Hart’s staging (at Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s The Yard), is going to be heading to New Zealand later this year.

Here’s what the press release tells us:

THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE COMES HOME TO MIDDLE-EARTH

THIS NOVEMBER – IN A 5 WEEK BLOCKBUSTER SEASON AT THE CIVIC, AUCKLAND

WAITLIST FOR TICKETS NOW OPEN!

“THE GREATEST SHOW ON MIDDLE EARTH’ – THE GUARDIAN
“AN EXTRAORDINARY RETELLING” – WHATS ON STAGE

The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale will play at The Civic, Auckland for a strictly limited season from November 5th, 2024. Join the waitlist NOW to secure your tickets.

The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale will premiere in Middle-earth when this eagerly awaited production opens for a strictly limited season at The Civic, Auckland from November 5th. Audiences are encouraged to act fast and join the waitlist for the first chance at securing tickets at www.LOTRonstage.com.

The highly anticipated production has its US premiere this July at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the prestigious theater that has launched productions such as SIX, Illinoise, and The Notebook ahead of their Broadway debuts. The Lord of the Rings – a Musical Tale had its initial production at The Watermill Theatre in the United Kingdom, receiving rave reviews with The Guardian calling it the ‘Greatest Show on Middle-earth’.

This journey to the magical realms of Middle-earth tells the story of The Lord of the Rings from the Hobbits’ perspective, as J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy of books is brought to life on the stage, performed by a stellar cast of multi-skilled actor-musicians.

Created under license from Middle-earth Enterprises (the owner of exclusive worldwide motion picture and stage rights for The Lord of the Rings), this adventure through the epic realm of Middle-earth has been beloved by generations of readers.

With book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna (Maddie, La Cava) and Matthew Warchus (Groundhog Day) and original music by Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman (Bombay Dreams, Slumdog Millionaire), Finnish folk band Värttinä, and Tony Award winner Christopher Nightingale (Matilda the Musical), this theatrical event celebrates community, courage and camaraderie to create an unforgettable experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike. “Tolkien would have been so proud” (WhatsOnStage).

‘The greatest show on Middle-earth comes home to Middle-earth!” proclaimed Fredrica Drotos, Middle-earth Enterprises’ Steward Brand & Licensing. “We are very much looking forward to sharing the Hobbits’ epic re-telling with all our friends there; when The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale, premieres in Auckland, New Zealand this November.’

As the Hobbits celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ eleventy-first birthday in the Shire, he gifts his nephew Frodo his most precious belonging – a gold ring. This fateful moment launches Frodo on a legendary and perilous quest across Middle-earth to the darkest realms of Mordor, to vanquish evil with his loyal Fellowship. The dynamic folk-inspired score is performed live by the company on stage, weaving together original music with storytelling. The New Zealand premiere comes fresh off the 70th anniversary of the publication of The Fellowship of the Ring, the first book in The Lord of the Rings trilogy which debuted in 1954.

“We are delighted to share Director Paul Hart’s imagining of The Lord of the Rings on stage with New Zealand audiences before it embarks on its journey to entertain audiences around the world.” said Kevin Wallace on behalf of the producers. “This production that originated in the English Shires, before its US Premiere in Chicago, comes to Auckland where we invite New Zealand to join us for Bilbo Baggins’ Long-
expected Party.”

Annie Dundas, Director Destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited adds “We are thrilled to welcome The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. This production not only celebrates our unique connection to Middle-earth but also showcases Auckland as a vibrant hub for world-class theatre. We look forward to sharing this extraordinary experience with locals and visitors alike.”

Glen Crighton, Acting Director Performing Arts at Auckland Live continues. “I’m excited that The Civic will be hosting the Australasian premiere of The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale. The iconic status of Tolkien’s epic tale can’t be understated, and we look forward to welcoming local and international audiences alike into Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s own iconic venue to embark on what promises to be a remarkable theatrical experience.”

The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is presented in Auckland by Kevin Wallace Productions, GWB Entertainment and Middle-earth Enterprises, in association with Tim McFarlane and People Entertainment Group. The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is produced in partnership with The Watermill Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The Auckland season of the production is made possible by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate, and with support from Auckland Live.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE
STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON AT THE CIVIC, AUCKLAND FROM NOVEMBER 5TH.

WAITLIST OPEN NOW AT LOTRONSTAGE.COM
Based upon the Books by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Written and produced under license from Middle-earth Enterprises, LLC (MEE).

You can read TORn staffer greendragon’s review from the production at The Watermill Theatre last year, here. If you’re going to see it in Chicago, let us know what you think; or maybe you can make a trip to New Zealand to experience the magic there?

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The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale, the multi award-winning musical production that has been wowing theatregoers in the UK over the past 12 months, is set for a USA debut in Chicago starting this July.

Paul Hart, who created the acclaimed 2023 staging at the UK’s Watermill Theatre, will also oversee the production at Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s The Yard.

“I can’t wait for this next step in the epic journey of The Lord of the Rings as we craft this new staging for the US premiere production with Chicago Shakespeare Theater for Chicago audiences,” Mr Hart said.

“We loved creating this version which was retold from the perspective of the Hobbits at The Watermill and will now be expanded far beyond those horizons. It will be thrilling to share with new audiences internationally as part of this next stage”

“Sharing the Watermill’s wonderful expression of The Lord of the Rings on stage with audiences across the globe beginning this summer in Chicago, with the US premiere of Paul Hart’s and Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s collaborative re-imagining, is a dream come true,” says Fredrica Drotos of LOTR theatre-production rights-holder Middle-earth Enterprises.

Just this January, this latest musical retelling of Frodo’s quest scooped eight BroadwayWorld UK/West End awards, including Best New Production of a Musical.

TORn’s own Staffer greendragon gave the Watermill staging a solid thumbs-up in her review last year, while it has also received critical plaudits from The Guardian, The Telegraph, and The Mail on Sunday.

The staging is incredibly inventive, with cast moving through the auditorium – and even climbing over it. Stunning puppets create suitably terrifying Ringwraiths and an astonishing Shelob. Elrond causes the river to rise, the doors of Moria glow, even the Balrog appears; every theatrical trick and device is called into play, including impressive lighting and projections, to create Middle-earth in front of and around the audience – and those watching the night I was there were clearly loving it.

Staffer greendragon

“Paul Hart’s production is something rather wizard… it is filled with battles, fellowship, adventure and emotional intimacy. Terrific lighting, projections and puppetry play a huge part.”

The Mail on Sunday

The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale features book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus and original music by Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman (Bombay Dreams, Slumdog Millionaire), Finnish folk band Värttinä, and Tony Award winner Christopher Nightingale (Matilda the Musical).

The Chicago season is slated to run from July 19 to September 1 and further global dates and venues will be announced in June. Get your tickets via the official lotrmusical site here.

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London, Feb 14 : Jet Airways, India’s premier airline, supported the launch of The Lord of the Rings Cast (Musical) album at the Theatre Royal here. The album features the 70 strong cast and orchestra, has lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus and music by A.R. Rahman, Värttinä and Christopher Nightingale. This unique partnership between the production team of The Lord of the Rings and Jet Airways means that travellers flying to India on Jet Airways flights will be able to enjoy music from the show and watch an interview with India’s most renowned composer A.R. Rahman. Jet Airways partners launch of The Lord of the Rings musical album

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Thanks to Sarah M for sending this info! Sarah writes: There’s a CD signing of the new Lord Of The Rings Stage Show Cast Recording at the shop Dress Circle in London Saturday 9th Febuary. From www.dresscircle.co.uk: Come and join Laura Michelle Kelly (Galadrial), Rosalie Craig (Arwen), Jerome Pradon (Aragorn), James Loye (Frodo), Peter Howe (Sam), Michael Therriault (Gollum) at Dress Circle. Composed by A.R. Rahman,Varttina and Christopher Nightingale. The CD features the 52-strong London Cast and an orchestra of 65 musicians. This deluxe two disc set includes a 52 page illustrated booklet, The first disc is an 18 track CD. The second disc is a 19 track DVD with 5.1 surround sound and bonus features. [dresscircle.co.uk]

*Please note Dress Circle regrets that only copies of ‘The Lord of the Rings” purchased from Dress Circle may be presented for signing. Limited to one signature per person.

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