July 19
September 1, 2024
The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare
Based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien
Book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna
and Matthew Warchus
Music by A.R. Rahman, Värttinä, and Christopher Nightingale
Directed by Paul Hart
As the Hobbits celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ eleventy-first birthday in the Shire, he gifts his nephew Frodo his most precious belonging—a gold ring. This fateful moment launches Frodo on a legendary and perilous quest across Middle-earth to the darkest realms of Mordor, to vanquish evil with his loyal Fellowship. This theatrical event celebrates the magical world of Middle-earth, making for an unforgettable experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
“Sharing the Watermill’s wonderful expression of The Lord of the Rings on stage with audiences across the globe beginning this summer in Chicago, with the US premiere of Paul Hart’s and Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s collaborative re-imagining, is a dream come true for all of us at Middle-earth Enterprises,” says Fredrica Drotos, of Middle-earth Enterprises.
ASL Interpretation: Fri, August 23 • 7:00 p.m.
Open Captioning: Wed, August 21 • 1:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Audio Description: Sun, August 25 • 2:00 p.m.
Creative Team
Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus Book and Lyrics
A.R. Rahman, Värttinä and Christopher Nightingale Music
Paul Hart Director
Simon Kenny Production Designer
Anjali Mehra Choreographer and Movement Director
Mark Aspinall Music Supervisor
Rory Beaton Lighting Designer
Adam Fisher Sound Designer
George Reeve Projection Designer
Iain Syme Associate Projection Designer
Charlie Tymms Puppet Designer
Christa Harris Associate Director
