Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Bored of the Rings Ends Toronto Run Sept 3rd

Who would have guessed that it would fail and leave the critics all so very unimpressed? Lord of the Rings - the Musical is closing early in Toronto reports the Toronto Star.
Just three months after it opened to largely negative reviews, producers of the $28-million Lord of the Rings stage show have announced it is closing. "If the critics think they don't have power, believe me they do," Rings producer Kevin Wallace told a news conference today. The show will close Sept. 3. A revamped version will reopen next May 9 in London.

Wallace levelled much of the blame for the show's abbreviated Toronto run at critics, saying the show had had a "rough ride" on this side of the Atlantic. "When you're going to spend $120 (on a ticket), you do need the affirmation," he said. Calling London the "spiritual home" of the show, he said British critics responded more favourably.

The show, based on the beloved J.R.R. Tolkien novel, opened with great fanfare in March. Clocking in at three hours and 30 minutes, it was widely acknowledged to be a technological wonder with 17 elevators embedded in the 36-tonne, computer-controlled stage floor. But the reaction from many established critics was tepid. The New York Times said: "Everyone and everything winds up lost in this ... adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's cult-inspiring trilogy of fantasy novels. That includes plot, character and the patience of most ordinary theatregoers."

So anyone know whether Theatre Promoters Extraordnaire McGirlieman and his Fiberals recouped our money back? No doubt the taxpayers of the province will have to eat that loan. What on earth was the provinical government thinking when it made this totally irresponsible decision to offer venture financing for a theatre production that featured singing Orcs? Please, some things are sooo just wrong. Under McGirlieman, the provincial motto has gone from 'Ontario - yours to discover" to "Ontario - His to Plunder".

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