Post by roger on Feb 28, 2008 22:05:29 GMT
Okay, own up. Who said it can't be done? Well, a few weeks ago, I would have agreed with you. Even after I bought the tickets, I was doubtful. But today, Gordon and I have been to Middle Earth. 
In case you still don't believe me, this amazing production is on at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London. For further details, go to lotr.com.
I would not use a one-word superlative to describe the quality of the acting (there were no "big names" in it) but it was very good. Although not strictly a musical, there were a number of songs which were splendidly performed. The music seemed very appropriate. It sounded quite folky but it was an English sort of folk; not Celtic (think along the lines of the Albion Band). It seemed perfect for the scenes in Rivendell and Lothlorien, for example.
For me, what was truly superb was the overall production and the special effects which must be seen to be believed. The scenery extended right out into the auditorium, across the ceiling and almost engulfed the first and second tier boxes. No matter where you sit, you would really feel a part of it. The sound effects and the lighting were also quite magnificent.
The way the orcs moved around the stage was simply achieved but very clever and Gollum was incredible. But how do you make black riders look skeletal and semi-transparent? How can you have ents moving around and looking authentic? And how does a character simply fade away and become invisible?
That's nothing. Anyone who has read the book or seen the film might question (as I did) whether certain characters can be portrayed on stage and whether the confines of a theatre can do justice to an epic story such as Lord of the Rings. All I will say is, go and see it and you will be amazed.
Only one question remains. Why did Tolkien make such hard work of this incredible adventure? Gordon and I did it in a day!
Roger
In case you still don't believe me, this amazing production is on at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London. For further details, go to lotr.com.
I would not use a one-word superlative to describe the quality of the acting (there were no "big names" in it) but it was very good. Although not strictly a musical, there were a number of songs which were splendidly performed. The music seemed very appropriate. It sounded quite folky but it was an English sort of folk; not Celtic (think along the lines of the Albion Band). It seemed perfect for the scenes in Rivendell and Lothlorien, for example.
For me, what was truly superb was the overall production and the special effects which must be seen to be believed. The scenery extended right out into the auditorium, across the ceiling and almost engulfed the first and second tier boxes. No matter where you sit, you would really feel a part of it. The sound effects and the lighting were also quite magnificent.
The way the orcs moved around the stage was simply achieved but very clever and Gollum was incredible. But how do you make black riders look skeletal and semi-transparent? How can you have ents moving around and looking authentic? And how does a character simply fade away and become invisible?
That's nothing. Anyone who has read the book or seen the film might question (as I did) whether certain characters can be portrayed on stage and whether the confines of a theatre can do justice to an epic story such as Lord of the Rings. All I will say is, go and see it and you will be amazed.
Only one question remains. Why did Tolkien make such hard work of this incredible adventure? Gordon and I did it in a day!
Roger