06-12-03: Another Attempt at a LotR Stage Musical

TolkienMovies.com
June 12, 2003

Another Attempt at a LotR Stage Musical
Anne

I have recently noticed that there is to be another attempt at a stage musical of Lord of the Rings. I hope that it is of better quality than the version that I worked on in Berlin in 1999. Perhaps the following facts are of interest to fans and professionals concerned about the reputation of this classic book.

The music and book for the Berlin disaster was written by Bernd Stromberger, who is now also composing for the 2005 London opening. The music was generally considered derivative and highly kitsch. The level of the storyline and manner of performance demanded of the unfortunate cast was embarassingly juvenile. Mr. Stromberger also directed.

The Berlin version was called Lord of the Rings, but in fact only covered the story of The Hobbit, with a few black riders thrown in. Kitsch was the main theme.

I notice that there is a chance for greater success this time. The director, Matthew Warchus, has recently impressed with his staging of Our House, and Mr. Stromberger will not be allowed anything approaching such a free hand.

It is also worth noting that the producers are rather more experienced on this occasion. Saul Zaentz will be remembered by many Tolkein fans, as the producer of the 1978 cartoon of Lord of the Rings. Kevin Wallace is well-known in theatrical circles as the man who presided over the short-lived Really Useful Group excursion into Europe, and his subsequent leadership of RUG in the UK during a difficult time for the company.

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