Photos: Mark Baer
SWEET
From Thursday’s sellout crowd’s enthusiastic response to every song, joke, and reference, I’d guess that most of them were diehard Lord Of The Ring fans, and doubtless the more you know, the more you’ll “get” the in-jokes. But even non-LOTR aficionados like myself can have an equally fine time with Frodo and his friends. In fact, I had a Frodo-lightful, Galandriel-icious time!
Steven Stanley – StageSceneLA
SWEET
Whereas J.R.R. Tolkien’s message in his classic book The Lord of the Rings is that friendship and goodwill triumph over prejudice and evil, writers Kelly Holden-Bashar and Joel McCrary’s musical parody stage production injects another message into Tolkien’s masterpiece: Laugh loudly and enjoy yourself! With a romping score by Allen Simpson and funny lyrics by the strength and combined efforts of the comedically gifted cast, this hilarious offering follows Peter Jackson’s mega-hit film version, as told through satire and songs spanning a playful multitude of musical genres. Familiarity with the film version will help with the play’s references but is in no way a prerequisite to enjoyment.
Jon Steely – Backstage
SWEET
With epic satiric irreverence, “Fellowship!” advances its quest for cult greatness at the Falcon Theatre. Kelly Holden-Bashar, Joel McCrary and Allen Simpson’s sublimely silly spoof of “The Fellowship of the Ring” bears all the earmarks — and dancing hairy ankles — of an incipient classic of its genre.
David C. Nichols – LA Times
SWEET
A zany, sillier than silly, fast-moving journey into the world of Tolkien’s fantasy about a special “ring,” complete with elves, dwarfs, wizards and goblins, this “over the top” musical comedy spoof of “The Fellowship of the Ring” is maniacally madcap. For its 2005 premiere run, it earned LA Weekly’s awards for “Best Musical” and “Best Comedy Ensemble.” The entire cast is back to re-birth its mirth… and the insanity runs rampant!
Pat Taylor – Tolucan Times
