What I liked
…one simply RUNS into the theater to get a front row seat! (Please file into the theater in an orderly fashion.)
I jumped on Riley Smith’s wild bandwagon last year and vowed to never miss this marvelous rendition of one of my favorite stories of all time, told with loving irreverence. Smith has proven his range many times over the past three years, but only inhabits one character this time: Peter Jackson, director of the legendary trilogy (and the…less legendary trilogy). Cole Cuomo steps in to play Andrew Lesnie, the cinematographer, and the other 12 or so roles…are filled by brave audience members!
Will McFadden is one of those Fringers I would follow to the ends of the earth, and his masterful direction adds so much fun and chaos to what was already a fun and chaotic Fringe gem.
I was called up to perform and can only speak to the onstage experience as a diehard Lord of the Rings fan: this was a marvelous, incredible experience. I’ve always wanted to inhabit this world, and I finally got a chance to! Others in the audience told me it was a lot of fun to watch. Smith and Cuomo guide the participants with humor and grace. I’m somewhat used to these kinds of theatrical baptisms by fire, but I felt so confident and safe the whole time.
I cannot say enough good things about this show. An absolute must-see, probably for the next…four Fringes at least?!
What I didn't like
The guy who they got to play Elrond missed like 30% of his lines after claiming to be a 15/10 Tolkien expert. (It’s a JOKE, guys, that was ME!)
My overall impression
One does not simply walk into The Council of Elrond: The Lord of the Rings: The Extended Edition: Part 4…
