Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale Coming to Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) will present the highly anticipated The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale. Based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien, this production comes to the stage in its US premiere directed by Paul Hart, July 19–September 1, 2024, in The Yard. This adventure through the epic realm of Middle-earth has been beloved by generations of readers. With book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus and original music by Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman (Bombay Dreams, Slumdog Millionaire), Finnish folk band Värttinä, and Tony Award winner Christopher Nightingale (Matilda the Musical), this theatrical event celebrates the greatest accomplishment in Middle-earth, making for an unforgettable experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale features a 24-member ensemble cast that includes Justin Albinder, Tom Amandes, Tony Bozzuto, Eileen Doan, Joey Faggion, and Rick Hall.

The story unfolds as the hobbits celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ eleventy-first birthday in the Shire. It’s there that 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. The folk-inspired score for the production is performed live by the company onstage, weaving together original music with storytelling. The US premiere run this summer coincides with the 70th anniversary of the publication of The Fellowship of the Ring, the first book in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, which debuted July 29, 1954.

“Chicago Shakespeare Theater is delighted to create the US premiere of Paul Hart’s magical and inspiring vision of The Lord of The Rings,” said Artistic Director Edward Hall. “The Chicago-based ensemble that Paul and our team have put together promises to take us on an extraordinary adventure through Middle-earth. Launching our summer program in The Yard with this thrilling production promises an unforgettable night in the theater”

“Sharing the Watermill’s wonderful expression of The Lord of the Rings on stage with audiences from 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 MEE and our colleagues at Kevin Wallace Productions,” noted Fredrica Drotos, of Middle-earth Enterprises.

Director Paul Hart originated this new staging at the Watermill Theatre in West Berkshire, Newbury, UK in the Summer of 2023. He shared, “I can’t wait for this next step in the epic journey of The Lord of the Rings as we craft this new staging for the US premiere production with CST for Chicago audiences. We loved creating this version which was retold from the perspective of the Hobbits at The Watermill and will now be expanded far beyond those horizons. It will be thrilling to share with new audiences internationally as part of this next stage.”

As Frodo Baggins, the young and kind-hearted hobbit tasked with returning the all-powerful One Ring to Mordor, Spencer Davis Milford makes his Chicago Shakespeare debut. Milford was seen on Broadway in The Winslow Boy and in the first national tours of Billy Elliot and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. He has performed at The Muny many times, including in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Camelot, Disney’s Newsies, and 42nd Street. Recent Chicago credits include Hello, Dolly! at Marriott Theatre, Billy Elliot at Paramount Theatre, and Guys and Dolls at Drury Lane Theatre.

Tom Amandes plays Gandalf, the wise and powerful mentor to Frodo and his Fellowship on their quest. With an extensive film and television career, Amandes is best known for his recurring roles as Dr. Harold Abbott on WB’s Everwood, Dr. Pelikan on NBC’s Parenthood, Governor Samuel Reston on ABC’s Scandal, and Noah Kuttler on CW’s Arrow. He notably played President Abraham Lincoln in the film Saving Lincoln, as well as appearances in Lucky, Live from Baghdad, Brokedown Palace, and The Long Kiss Goodnight. His theater credits include productions at IAMA Theatre Company in Los Angeles, Cynical Weathers and At Home at the Zoo at Victory Gardens, and Othello and Candida at Court Theatre. 

Lauren Zakrin plays Galadriel, an Elven queen who offers aid to the Fellowship. Zakrin’s Broadway credits include Once Upon a One More Time, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, and Rock of Ages, and she has been seen in national tours of Wicked, Grease, and Legally Blonde.

In the role of Frodo’s uncle Bilbo Baggins is Rick Hall. Hall is a founding member of Chicago’s Improv Institute and an alumnus of The Second City, who returns to Chicago Shakespeare after appearing in The People vs. Friar Laurence, The Man Who Killed Romeo and Juliet and A Flea In Her Ear. 

Also in the cast are Tony Bozzuto (The Internationalist, Steppenwolf Theatre); Michael Kurowski (Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure, Chicago Shakespeare); and Ben Mathew (Emmett Otter’s Jug Band Christmas, Studebaker Theatre).

Call 312.595.5600 or visit chicagoshakes.com/lordoftherings for more information. Tickets start at $41.