“The Hobbit” is one the best known titles in children’s literature. It makes you wonder why such a popular title is not a staple of regional theater.
The production at Adirondack Theatre Company indicates why. It’s a brute of a work to produce and perform. It’s a typical quest play, filled with adventure, many, many characters and strange exotic locations. Plus, even an imaginative production such as this one has limited appeal to adults.
The premise of J.R.R. Tolkien’s story is that the dwarfs of Middle Earth want to regain their former place of power and respect in the Middle Earth world. This means recapturing their wealth of gold and jewels protected by a fierce dragon on Lonely Mountain.
To accomplish this, the band must overcome enemies such as goblins, trolls, wolves, giant spiders, and nasty elves. And, of course, at the end of their journey a dragon must be slain. Once victory is achieved they face the biggest challenge. Not to give into ego and love of power and learn how to become compassionate and fair rulers.
Thanks to amazingly imaginative and clever staging by Joe Isenberg the play moves from challenge to challenge not only with fluidity, but with purpose. The book’s adaptor, Greg Banks, is pretty faithful to the book, but it is a demanding work for performers and designers.
Much credit must go to scenic designer Sarah Beth Hall who, instead of a forest, creates an industrial black box set that creates the perfect ominous tone to the proceedings. Isenberg, with the use of two moveable platforms, transforms the stage into many locales. Sound designer Tosin Olufolabi keeps the tension high and lighting designer Siobhan Sleath adds to the shifting moods of the piece.
All this would go for naught were it not for five energetic actors who change shape, mood and personalities throughout the play. With the exception of Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit who becomes the reluctant hero of the piece, the other four play multiple characters. Plus, there are eight other dwarfs whom we are told are present, but whom we never see.
Blake Segal is excellent as the charming, complacent homebody Bilbo who comes to thrive on adventure. Rio Allen plays several distinctive characters but really shines as the wizard Gandalf. Ryan Pater is pompous but not dislikeable as Thorin, king of the dwarfs. In multiple roles, Meagan Kimberly Smith and Marshall Evan McGuire bring personality, energy and enthusiasm to the fast moving tale.
Though a flawless and fascinating production, I had a sense of loss by not having an older child or adolescent with me. Certainly adults will appreciate the moral of the story that says mankind has to live together in peace. They too will be impressed by the theatrical techniques of the production, but there is no denying this is children’s theater. As an adult I need more engaging material to keep my attention for two hours.
That said, I do hope ATF’s new producing-artistic director Miriam Weisfeld - who comes from The Minneapolis Children’s Theater Company of Minneapolis – will find a way to continue including plays like ”The Hobbit” in future seasons. There are few things more enjoyable than sharing an adventure with a child.
The Hobbit continues at Adirondack Theatre Festival in Glens Falls through July 17. For tickets and schedule information call 518-480-4878 or go to atfestival.org
Bob Goepfert is theater reviewer for the Troy Record.
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