***** I know absolutely NOTHING about “The Hobbit” , based on the characters created by J.R.R. Tolkien, and now adapted for the stage by Greg Banks. I knew it was an adventure tale, but again, had no idea what I was in for as I attended the new production at The Greenhouse Theater Center, produced by Young People’s Theatre of Chicago. This company, under the direction of Randy White has created some pure gems when it comes to theater for  young people. Since their very onset, the kids that have attended their works with me have loved and learned and are anxious to see what comes next.
While most of their productions are more musical, than this one, there is some music which helps to move the story ( or should I say stories) along, provided by Sam Shnakman and Adam Nigh are onstage , in full view, but once the action begins, one hardly notices they are there at all. This production has five actors playing a myriad ( that is many) of  roles. The main character is Bilbo ( an incredible performance and character study by Teddy Gales. He is the story hero as he is visited by “dwarfs” and goblins and such, all played by the ensemble of actors : Travis Ascione, Genevieve Corkery,  Alex Benito Rodriguez and the incredible Dakota Hughes ( who plays Gandalf, Gollum and a host of goblins, dwarfs and more. Hughes is a solid character performer that one might see in many different  venues. Always solid.
If you know the books, you will know about the key, the caves, the ring, Smaug, Balin, Bard, Thorin and I must say, as presented on the set ( (Jaqueline Penrod), with great lighting by Bridget Williams, amazing fight direction by Kira Nutter, and adorable costumes by Cindy Moon.Sam Lancaster, who handled the props had his hands full, as there were a great deal of items that had to be assembled and then placed in the right sections of the stage area to keep the pace moving. This is 90 minutes with no intermission, and I am pleased to say that the packed house with many youngsters was as perfect as one can hope at a theater for young people performance. The story was captivating and the players perfect.
As everyone knows, when seeing a play that is geared for  a youthful audience, I try to take a youngster with me ( along with a parent) in order to ensure that my readers get a perspective from a younger audience member, rather than an “octogenarian”. This was written by and with Anna by her mother, who joined me today at this slick production.
Seeing The Hobbit at the Greenhouse Theater was a wonderful experience for both me and my 8-year-old daughter, Anna. Neither of us had read the book or seen any version of the story beforehand, so we walked in with zero expectations, and that actually made the experience even more fun.
The actors were truly incredible. Each performer played multiple roles, and they did so seamlessly. The costume design deserves special praise, every character was clearly defined, and there was never a moment of confusion about who was who, even as actors shifted from one role to another. A highlight for me was when the actors came together to create the Dragon. Anna especially enjoyed Dakota Hughes, who played Gandalf (along with several other roles). Gandalf quickly became her favorite presence on stage.
When I asked Anna what her favorite part was, she thought for a moment and then said, “I liked all the parts,” which feels like the highest compliment an 8-year-old can give. She did note that there were a few moments that made her jump, so she wouldn’t recommend it for very young children, but she thought it was perfect for kids ages 6 and up. Overall, this production was engaging, imaginative, and a wonderful introduction to The Hobbit for newcomers of any age.

 

Presented by Young People’s Theatre of Chicago

will continue thru March  8th with performances as follows: