I thought the set traveled with the script/score only to find out that it’s a product of the exceptional expertise of the creative staff. Andrew Machovec, Scenic Designer, Chris Cavanagh, Lighting Designer, Jay Wollin, Sound Designer, Ken Shaw, Costume Designer, Michael Brooks,Sound Engineer, Diane Almeter Jones, Props Artisan, Gabrielle Gutierrez, Technical Director/ lead Carpenter, Steve Vaughan, Fight Choreographer.Anna Krempholtz, Fight Captain. Megan Callahan, Dialect Consultant.

I found the script/story to be a little grim… No pun intended. But the acting extraordinary and the actors versatile. 

Middle Earth is where the story takes place. Filled with goblins, trolls and a dragon named Smaug.

Bilbo Baggins, a comfortable hobbit, takes on an adventure with a group of dwarves, the wizard Gandalf, and Thorin whose wish is to reclaim treasures stolen from his family by the dragon. It’s a long and arduous journey. 

Chris Kelly (Director) made the journey a delightful one. The 13 dwarves were hidden in the audience and pointed to by the cast. The aisles became pathways to various locations on the journey.

Glen Chitty (Bilbo) a gentle soul who’s Nativity shown through like a beacon. He reminded me of Robin Williams and you can’t get much better than that. 

Anna Krempholtz (Gandalf ) displayed a soothing manner needed to convince Bilbo to come  out of his comfortable surroundings. 

Thomas Evans (Thorin), very commanding in his role beautiful speaking / singing voice. Now Anna, and Thomas played three additional rolls. 

But Preston Williams, and Lily Jones, played five different roles absolutely amazing. 

The fight choreography had me on the edge of my seat!

By the way Ken there was at least two items in each of the characters wardrobe that I wanted in my closet. Let’s go shopping! 

A special thanks to Brittany Wysocki, Stage Manager and her assistant JC Hartloff, along with Elissa Vahratian, House Manager for holding down the fort.

Theatre of Youth’s The Hobbit ran March 1-9.