Lord of the Rings Musical to Rule No More in Toronto, 9/3

Producers Kevin Wallace and Saul Zaentz, in association with David & Ed Mirvish and Michael Cohl, announced today that The Lord of the Rings will complete its Toronto engagement on Sunday, September 3, 2006 at Toronto's Princess of Wales Theatre.

The world premiere production began performances on February 4, 2006. By its closing performance, it will have played 230 performances in 31 weeks. Plans for the London production, however, are still intact, and it will play (with some revisions) at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane from May of 2007.

Although the production has generated an economic impact of more than $640 million to Toronto and the province of Ontario, the $28 million show opened to lukewarm reviews on May 23rd.  However, The Lord of the Rings received seven Dora Awards earlier this week--including Best Musical.

"We hugely appreciate the role the city of Toronto and the province of Ontario have played in bringing The Lord of the Rings to the stage," lead producer Kevin Wallace said. "We are very proud of our extraordinary company of actors, musicians, resident staff and technicians at The Princess of Wales Theatre. It is their dedication and talent that brings J.R.R. Tolkien's unique world to life in this epic theatrical event."

The Lord of the Rings features music by A.R. Rahman (along with the Finnish group Varrtina), and the book and lyrics are by Shaun McKenna. Rob Howell's elaborate sets feature three interconnected turntables with 16 elevators; he also designed the costumes. Matthew Warchus directs.

The creative team spent over two years developing the show. Simon Baker (sound), The Gray Circle (moving image design), Paul Kieve (illusions direction), Laurie Battle (Tolkien creative consultation), and Christopher Nightingale (musical supervision) comprise the rest of the creative team. The show is presented by Kevin Wallace and Saul Zaentz, in association with David and Ed Mirvish and Michael Kohl.

The show's Toronto cast--comprised of more than 70 performers--features actors from Canada, the U.S. and other countries. It stars Brent Carver (Parade, Kiss of the Spider Woman) as Gandalf, James Loye as Frodo, Evan Buliung as Aragorn, Peter Howe as Sam, Dylan Roberts as Merry, Owen Sharpe as Pippin, Gabriel Burrafato as Legolas, Ross Williams as Gimli, Richard McMillan as Saruman, Rebecca Jackson Mendoza as Galadriel, Carly Street as Arwen, Dion Johnstone as Boromir, Victor A. Young as Elrond, Kerry Dorey as Théoden and Kristin Galer as Rosie.

The Lord of the Rings plays Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 1 p.m.Ticket prices range from $26 to $125 (Canadian), and are available for purchase through TicketKing by calling 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333. Groups of 20 or more may call 416-593-4142 and 1-800-724-6420. Tickets may also be purchased at the box office of The Princess of Wales Theatre (300 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) or online at www.lotr.com.

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