The Lord of the Rings… with singing and dancing
If you are in the L.A. area this month, you must see this show: “Fellowship!” The Musical Parody of ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’. My friend Joel co-wrote and directed it, and it has received much hype since being remounted this year. Yes, it’s funny, but the music is also actually GOOD. Let’s just say the highlights include a duet between an Elf and a Dwarf, and Aragorn rocks an 80’s power ballad.
June 9th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
!
I saw the ads for this every week when I went to Bob's across the street for lunch! If it's still playing into late August, I'll be in town to catch it. 😀
I've got a question, though. How does one get the rights to put on a show like this? Did your friend need to secure permission from the publishers or family of Tolkien, etc.? Or do the characters/story become fair game because the show falls into the category of satire or parody? I've been really confused about the process to take and adapt existing material into musicals or spoofs…
June 10th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
It's a confusing process. Joel has spent a year with a lawyer and the company that controls the rights to the movies (not the books), and has gotten permission to do this. They needed those ducks in a row, especially to take it beyond a local show and move it to off-Broadway, which is the goal.
June 14th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Here are two clips to give you a taste:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1529573486?bclid=1532931282&bctid=25726933001
http://www.fellowshipthemusical.com/
The music is also on iTunes.
June 16th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Thanks. I hope this eventually hits the road. I wonder just how long this musical is. The film had a lengthy running time.