I have to admit upfront; I’ve never seen or had the desire to see the movie or read The Lord of the Rings, but turn anything into a musical and I’ll be there! The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is more than a musical, it’s a theatrical experience!
The cast are astonishing as they transport the audience into a magical world of hobbits, elves and mythical characters. And with a cast of thirty two this production is an epic telling of Tolkien’s much loved and precious tale
From the moment you enter the theatre the cast are drawing you into the celebration of Bilbo Baggins eleventy-one birthday celebrations, as they sing, play party games and generate a party atmosphere. And as the show begins, they have the audience singing Happy Birthday to the birthday boy.
Along with a strong group of leading characters the ensemble in this production is remarkable as they present the quadruple threat. Not only do they act, sing and dance but they perform the musical score on stage with the cast using an eclectic range of musical instruments.
The cast is skilfully led by Rarmian Newton as Frodo Baggins. His performance at various times is playful, dramatic and intense. His energy on stage is magnetic as he draws the audience into his journey to Middle Earth.
Wern Mak as Samwise Gamgee, Frodo’s friend and companion, shares a great rapport with Newton which successfully adds to the playful and dramatic relationship the two share whilst on their journey.
The two leading ladies, Stefanie Caccamo as Arwen and Jemma Rix as Galadriel, possess beautifully haunting voices that reach great heights and crescendos during their respective solos. They are executed with elegance and grace.
Laurence Boxhall’s performance as Gollum is electric and hypnotic as he jumps, bounds and slithers around the stage. His solo, Gollum’s Song is spellbinding as he portrays the two distinct personalities of the corrupt, ring-obsessed Gollum and the hobbit-like Sméagol.
The score by A.R Rahman, Varttina and Christopher Nightingale has great playful celebratory tunes juxtaposed against stirring beautiful ballads.
The choreography adds to the storytelling and is performed with precision and passion. The fight and war scenes are tense and dramatic and are realistically portrayed as swords thrust into bodies and punches fly.
If you are a die-hard fan of The Lord of the Rings do not miss your chance to dress in character and experience the tale presented in a unique live theatrical experience.
And if you’re not a fan or have never been interested like me, don’t miss your chance to see what all the fuss is about. You will not be disappointed and will soon be reaching for the book.
The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale
Crown Theatre Perth, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood (Perth)
Performance: Friday 21 March 2025
Season continues to 6 April 2025
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
Following the Perth season, The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale will play Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 26 April, and the HOTA Theatre Surfer’s Paradise from 4 July 2025. For more information, visit: www.lotronstage.com for details.
Images: Rarmian Newton as Frodo Baggins and Laurence Boxhall as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale – photo by Daniel Boud | Rarmian Newton as Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale – photo by Daniel Boud | Jemma Rix as Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale – photo by Daniel Boud
Review: Craig Dalglish