The HobbitThe program cover
Based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien
Adapted for the stage by Greg Banks
Review by Ernest Edwards
The Hobbit. As a play? Is it any good? It’s better than good, it’s absolutely fabulous!!!
Theatre in the Round has one of the best plays currently in production in the Twin Cities.
This faithful adaption of the story of The Hobbit, is told by 10 actors who play all the roles. This play has it all, a story, adventure, dwarves, a wizard, goblins, trolls, eagles, spiders, elves, wolves and a dragon. All of this is accomplished with simple stage craft and stage magic. The results are simply amazing. One of the best nights at the theatre that I have ever had.
It was fun listening to fellow audience members during the intermission and walking to the parking ramp after the show. Everyone was talking about the scene with the eagles. That scene definitely leaves a lasting impression.
This play made its premiere in 2019. The concept for this story is a dark utopian future in the year 2056. 30 years after “the incident.” There’s an acting troupe who was going to tell us the story of The Hobbit. They couldn’t make it, but this group of performers has seen the show many times before, and they also have the costumes and props. Don’t let hearing this turn you away from the play. Once the story begins, you are hooked. This is The Hobbit. All the key moments are there. The way they did Smaug the dragon was perfect.
This show kept on delivering and delivering. It didn’t stop with the surprises, nor the story, nor the stage magic.
Director Scott Gilbert has a very fine cast with The Hobbit. The cast is lead by Isabelle Hopewell as Bilbo Baggins. Two of the many characters played by Wini Froelich are Gandalph and the Elf Queen. One of the many characters played by Bryce Kalal is Thorin Oakenshield.
Shout out to the scenery and props designers, for whom this play would be nothing without their creativity of taking us to Middle Earth. There and back again. On an unexpected journey. The Set was designed by Keven Lock, with assistant set designers Ash Aurig and Nomi. Props were designed by Elliott Van Winkle. We also need to mention the costumes for this play. Very fun and creative. Costumes Design Coordinator is Constance C. M’allowince, along with Costume Design Contributor Hunter Goldsmith.
Get your tickets for an adventure. Some performances are already selling out. The play runs through May 31, 2026. Check out www.theatreintheround.org for tickets.
