J.R.R. Tolkien’s magnificent fantasy trilogy has sold more than 200 million copies. The Oscar-winning three-film adaptation broke box office records worldwide. Next year, The Lord of the Rings will arrive on stage.

After auditioning 4000 hopefuls for the ambitious theatrical production, director Matthew Warchus and producer Kevin Wallace issued a press release today announcing the final cast of 55 for the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings musical.

“I am particularly proud of the huge diversity of skill in the company,” Warchus said. “Wonderful, experienced actors will be working alongside acrobats, stilt-walkers and outstanding singers, all pooling their talents to bring this magical story alive on the stage. Given the size of the show, this is bound to be the most gruelling production process any of us has been through, but when I look at this company, I am eager to begin!”

The cast members hail from across Canada and also from the United Kingdom.

Brent Carver, one of Canada?s greatest performers, leads the cast in the role of the wizard Gandalf. Carver, whom Warchus described as “a long-time prince of Canadian theatre,” has won a Tony Award for Best Actor in Kiss of the Spider Woman on Broadway.

?It is a great privilege and honour to have Brent Carver leading our outstanding company of performers,? Warchus said. ?As one of the greatest actors of his generation anywhere in the world, he has demonstrated dazzling versatility and prowess on stage and screen, in every genre from musicals to classic plays. …He is aptly suited to be the inspiring leader and father figure to this dynamic young company.”

Young British actor James Loye has been cast as Frodo, the Ringbearer. Wallace enthused, ?There is an indefinable quality about James that sets him apart as the actor fit to fulfill the momentous responsibility of creating J.R.R. Tolkien?s Frodo Baggins on stage.?

Michael Therriault, a Dora Award-winning Best Actor currently starring on Broadway in Fiddler on the Roof, will play the creature known as Gollum. ?Michael has an intriguing originality,” said Wallace, “…that makes him a very exciting choice as Frodo’s ’shadow’ – the tormented and pitifully corrupted hobbit, Gollum.?

Not all of the cast are stage veterans. Peter Howe makes his professional debut as Samwise Gamgee, Frodo?s faithful friend. Howe was discovered after he wrote to the London production office requesting an audition.

After an extensive search, the perfect combination of mischief and personality was found in Canadian Dylan Roberts and Irishman Owen Sharpe, who respectively play impish hobbits Merry and Pippin. “They are a fantastic pair,? added Wallace.

The Fellowship of the Ring is completed with Evan Buliung, a Shaw Festival favourite, playing Aragorn; Gabriel Burrafato, a musical theatre veteran, as Legolas; and Dion Johnstone, a noted Stratford actor, as Boromir.

Richard McMillan, who originated the role of Scar in the Canadian premiere production of Disney?s The Lion King, will play the corrupt wizard Saruman. In the role of the elf princess Arwen is Carly Street, who in Wallace’s words “did a dazzling audition.”

The roles of Galadriel, Gimli and Bilbo have yet to be cast and will be announced at a later date.

Performances of The Lord of the Rings will begin February 2, 2006 at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto. The gala opening performance will be on March 23, 2006. For tickets, visit www.lotr.com or call 416-872-1212.






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