The Hobbit Opens Season at Wheelock Family Theatre

"THE HOBBIT" to open at Wheelock Family Theatre; 33rd year of professional Equity theatre in Boston. The Wheelock Family Theatre's production of The Hobbit captures the humor, excitement, shadows of evil, and beacons of good of one of the world's best-loved stories. Filled with compelling characters, vivid imagery, and brilliantly evocative language, The Hobbit and two volumes of The Lord of the Rings are among the six best-selling novels of all time.

With his words, Tolkien sketches a fantasy world that takes an authentic shape in the minds of readers. Clearly and finely drawn, the level of detail in The Hobbit is comprehensive, naturally wrought, and never strained. From the languages of orcs and elves to the grimly authentic battle scenes to grumpy dwarfs, sarcastic wizards, and homebody hobbits who gorge on seed cake and save the day, the reader enters a world, and shares in a journey, that feels real.

Even those who turn up their noses at the fantasy genre of literature can believe in the truths that shine through The Hobbit. One does not need to believe in dragons, wizards, and elves to recognize and appreciate that the meat and marrow that makes up these creatures-greed, friendship, fear, temptation, good, evil, love, frustration, self-pity, selflessness, strength, and courage-are present not only in Bilbo's quest but also in our own lives.

Based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit portrays the mythic 'hero's journey' following the quest of Bilbo Baggins and his dwarven companions to win a share of the treasure guarded by the terrifying dragon Smaug. The journey takes him from his rural home into a larger world of magic and danger. By leaving the safe-circle of his comfortable life and accepting the dormant, adventurous side of his nature, Bilbo is forced to apply his wits and common sense to the trials before him. Bilbo triumphs over adversity by putting friendship above greed, and loyalty over fear. Bilbo is then able to return to his bucolic life with a new level of wisdom and maturity, proving "even the smallest person can change the course of the future."

THE HOBBIT

Based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, adapted by Patricia Gray.

Directed by Shelley Bolman. Scenic and costume design by Matthew T. Lazure. Lighting by Scott Bolman. Fight choreography by Ted Hewlitt.

With Andrew Barbato* as Bilbo Baggins, Calvin Braxton* as Gandalf, Stephen Benson* as Gollum, Mark S. Cartier* as Thorin, Monique Nicole McIntyre* as the Elven Queen, Greg Nash* as Tom (troll), Richard Wayne* as Bert (troll) and Jane Staab* as the voice of Smaug.

*Members of AEA

THE HOBBIT

October 25-November 24, 2013

Friday nights at 7:30; Saturday & Sunday matinees at 3:00

10am school performances: 10/30, 11/5, 11/13, 11/21

ASL/Audio-description: 11/21, 11/22, 11/24

Tickets: $35-$20.

Box Office: 617-879-2300; tickets@wheelock.edu

Website: www.WheelockFamilyTheatre.org