A sumptuous illustrated celebration of 'The Lord of the Rings' stage show, which examines in detail through exclusive interviews and photographs the creation of one of the world's most ambitious theatre adaptations. Contains over 120 full-colour photos and illustrations combined to provide the fascinating story of how a big-budget show is born. 'The Lord of the Rings' stage show will be the biggest, most expensive production ever mounted, combining in three acts the spectacle of 'Cirque du Soleil' and the theatrical entertainment of 'The Lion King', together with special visual effects never before seen on a live stage. Published to coincide with the London gala premiere in June 2007, the book is a sumptuous coffee-table celebration of the sets, costumes and design of the show. It reveals the incredible story of how Emmy award-winning producer Kevin Wallace secured the rights to the 'Holy Grail' of theatre from showbiz legend, Saul Zaentz, how the script has changed with the evolution of the show, and features in-depth interviews with the key members of the team, among them Tony-nominated director Matthew Warchus, scriptwriter Shaun McKenna, Musical Director Chris Nightingale, and designer Rob Howell. Together, these people have created what will certainly be remembered as 'the greatest show on Middle-earth' -- this companion contains 120 full-colour photos and illustrations, combine to provide the fascinating illustrated story of how a big-budget show is born, and how the most famous book and movie trilogy in the world can be transformed into the most breathtaking musical production ever to appear on stage.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"The concept of the show is daring, the choreography is superb -- I mean superb -- the costumes are fabulous, the special effects stunning, and the sets and the way they dovetail into the action are nothing short of stupendous. I have never seen anything like it -- ever." --Brian May, Ottawa Citizen "Breathtaking ! a stirring triumph of theatrical magic." -- The Times "A breathtaking theatrical adaptation." -- Daily Mail "Ingenious ! a definitive mega-musical." -- TIME Magazine "Thrilling and irresistible ! an intelligent musical." -- Guardian Stunning ! a big, bold piece of popular musical theatre." -- Sunday Express "The greatest show on Middle Earth. The parade of images is ceaseless and astonishing. This show, reputedly the most expensive ever, has spent its millions wisely." The Guardian "From whimsical to magical and majestic, the stage production of Lord of the Rings is lavishly designed to appeal to Rings newcomers as well as diehard fans of Tolkien's trilogy. The epic fantasy is full of energy and wonder. There isn't a weak link in all the elements -- the sound, music, lighting, costumes. Innovative stage designs seamlessly carry the audience through transitions of mood and locale for this grand, mythic journey." Toronto National Post
About the Author
Gary Russell has worked widely in media, as a television actor, script consultant, magazine editor, reviewer, novelist and audio producer. He is the author of various film and television books, including four highly acclaimed books on 'The Art of The Lord of the Rings' movies, as well as the Doctor Who books, 'Regeneration' and 'The Inside Story'.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Lothlorien is no more but her beauty is here reborn, you have used my gift well Samwise Gamgee...",
By Horatio Guttersnipe (London, England) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Lord of the Rings Official Stage Companion (Hardcover)
I read this book before I saw the production (it arrived the morning before we left to see it), it covered every detail of the cast and crews journey which should prove to others that this interpretation was not just a money making venture but a sincere attempt to bring Tolkens world to the theatre. They succeeded since this production did push the ideas of storytelling to a place which was fantastically captivating. From each page thoughtfully chosen photos bring to life the memory of the Toronto and London productions. The costumes are fabulous to look on in more detail and the evolution of the ingenious stage design is just as interesting to read about as it was to see. The book largely focuses on the London cast and the brave steps they each took in bringing their characters to life ... if you were an Elf; you needed a head for heights and if you were a Hobbit a competent level of physical dexterity was needed, especially if you had to clime over members of the audience or if you happened to be a leaping Orc ... all of this is covered in the book, all the ideas reveal a level of originality which hasn't been seen in the West End for some time and perhaps not achieved as well. For all of the shows apparent growing success, it's early closure seems surprisingly unfair, for it is to be replaced by Andrew Lloyd Webbers new Oliver production-(Mr Webber wanted that theatre badly it seems); for myself the West End continues to be a place battling with artistic freedoms and business sense usurping them all too often but every once in awhile something unexpected arrives which takes your breath away and this book goes someway in preserving that first experience we had. A great book ... maybe Wallace productions will issue a dvd which utilises many of the videos which appeared on the web site ... I am sure there must be more production footage which still remains unseen?!
"Lothlorien is no more but her beauty is here reborn, you have used my gift well Samwise Gamgee...Frodo Baggins, jewel among Hobbits, if your hurts grieve you still and the memory or your burden is heavy come with us ... all your wounds and weariness will be healed ..."
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT, GREAT,
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Lord of the Rings Official Stage Companion (Hardcover)
I recieved the cd and couldn't wait to play it. Love the movies of LORD OF THE RINGS and I think the cd is great too. Then, I couldn't believe that they put out a book.........ordered it as soon as I saw it and I real think I would have liked to have see this on stage. The book is just wonderful to look at and listen to the cd at the same time. And to disappointed... it closes not in June but, July. Hope someday it gets to the U.S.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Behind the Scenes,
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Lord of the Rings Official Stage Companion (Hardcover)
Having bought the CD of the London cast, I was curious to read the book about the production as well. It is a fascinating (at least to me) look at what goes into creating & presenting a stage production of this magnitude. There are interesting pictures (not nearly enough of Aragorn, mind you) & interesting details throughout.
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