What I liked
I am so sad I missed the first two installments, and look forward to my new annual tradition of very slowly watching The Lord of the Rings told in exquisite details. This performance is electric, dynamic, and engaging. I am absolutely the target audience, having borderline memorized these movies as a child, and if you like LOTR and have a functional sense of humor, you will adore this. I am particularly impressed with the use of Elvish, pronounced well and translated, even the instances where the film does not provide subtitles. VERY well done.
Audience is encouraged to participate, both by saying their favorite lines as they appear and by three audience members being called up to portray the Nazgûl (riding broom horses).
One point that caught in my grill initially but I’m putting it here because Tolkien would approve: Aragorn tells Arwen to “Ride hard,” not “fast” or “well” or whatever. This moment was pivotal for anyone attracted to men who had their sexual awakening in the early aughts. However, I feel like Tolkien would appreciate toning down the steaminess of the film adaptation in live performance.
What I didn't like
Bill the Pony, the tenth member of the Fellowship and a hero who helped liberate the Shire, is referred to as simply, “a horse.” I don’t like being negative, but I could not simply let this stand. Justice for Bill.
My overall impression
This is what Fringe is all about! A hilarious, energetic retelling of a classic tale that will have you howling for more.
