The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien comes to the stage in the US Premiere musical production directed by Paul Hart, who created the acclaimed new staging in 2023 at the UK’s Watermill Theatre.

This adventure through the multi-dimensional world of Middle-earth has been beloved by generations of readers and adapted into an Academy Award-winning film trilogy, by Peter Jackson.

As the Hobbits celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ eleventy-first birthday in the Shire, 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. 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 magical world of Middle-earth, making for an unforgettable experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Director, Paul Hart said, “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 Chicago Shakespeare Theater 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.”

International Tour venues and on sale dates will be announced in June 2024.

For more information visit www.lotrmusical.com

Based upon the Books by J.R.R. Tolkien. Written and produced under license from Middle-earth Enterprises, LLC (MEE). The Lord of the Rings logo, The Lord of the Rings and the names of characters, events, items and places therein are trademarks or registered trademarks of MEE and are used under license. All rights reserved. ©2024 Kevin Wallace Limited and Middle-earth Enterprises.