|
News Releases 
"You have nice manners for a thief and a liar." -Smaug to Bilbo in The Hobbit 
For Immediate Release: April 8, 2005
WHO:
The Children's Theatre Company (CTC), the nation's leading theater for young people and families and recipient of the 2003 Tony® Award for Outstanding Regional Theater.
WHAT:
CTC's 2004/2005 season comes to a close with the American premiere of The Hobbit, adapted for the stage by Gilly McInnes, and based on the book by J.R.R. Tolkien. The production is directed by Whit MacLaughlin (founder of New Paradise Laboratories and creator/director of CTC's 2004 teen production PROM), with scenic design by Lewis Folden, costume design by Rosemarie McKelvey, lighting design by Matt Frey, original music by Victor Zupanc, sound design by Chris Heagle, and stage management by Erin Tatge. The 20-member cast includes four CTC resident acting company members, four CTC performing apprentices, five guest artists and seven student actors.
This Australian adaptation of the ultimate adventure story reminds us that the heart of a hero may be found inside the most unexpected creatures. When the dwarves of Middle Earth decide to undertake a quest to reclaim their ancestor's treasure from the thieving, people-eating dragon Smaug, they feel that a Hero is needed. Gandalf the Wizard insists that what they need is a Thief. The comfort-loving hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, insists that he is neither a Hero nor a Thief, but before he's even had a proper breakfast he is off on the greatest adventure any hobbit has ever known. And it is one daring escapade after another, as Bilbo outwits trolls, spiders, elves, goblins and the riddle-loving Gollum.
Director Whit MacLaughlin wanted to honor the essence of Tolkien's beloved story while still giving it new theatrical life. The set is opaque yet translucent with myriad lanterns to illuminate the journey. The geography is as fantastic as science fiction, but inspired by natural elements. The music is Celtic crossed with Jimi Hendrix as bagpipes are coerced into sounding like electric guitars. And the costumes are influenced by the world of Shakespeare. MacLaughlin hopes the audience will leave the theater amazed at the way this familiar story is being told anew.
WHEN:
The Hobbit previews April 26 thru 28, opens April 29, 2005 and runs through June 19, 2005.
WHERE:
The Children's Theatre Company, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
TICKET INFORMATION:
Ticket prices are $15–30 for adults and $9-24 for children, students, and seniors. Group rates are available. For more information contact The Children's Theatre Company Ticket Office at 612-874-0400 or www.childrenstheatre.org.
Images are now available on CTC's photo distribution website: www.ctcpix.org
More about THE HOBBIT»
Back to News & Reviews
| 
