Theatre in the Round's virtually sold-out run of playwright Greg Banks' 5-actor 90-minute adaptation of
The Hobbit (which was commissioned by and
premiered at Children's Theatre Company in 2019) closed less than two months ago. Just last night, Stillwater-based Zephyr Theatre opened their production of this play, outdoors at Aamodt's Apple Farm. Why another production of
The Hobbit so soon? Why not? The two 2026 productions are so different from each other, and so different from the 2019 production, as to almost feel like different adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkein's beloved first novel in what would become the
Lord of the Rings universe, that has delighted audiences for almost 90 years. TRP set their production decades in the future after an apocalyptic event, with survivors gathering to tell each other stories as their only entertainment, and really leaned into the importance of storytelling, and this story in particular. Zephyr's production is in a beautiful outdoor setting, making it easier to imagine the green fields and dense woods of Middle Earth, and leans into the idea of the reluctant hero, and the importance of standing up for what's right, especially in terms of supporting our friends, neighbors, or even strangers who are suffering injustices (something that, as the director notes in the program, feels very familiar in the Twin Cities in 2026). But this is still very much a story of dwarves and trolls and goblins and elves, and one brave hobbit who left
his her cozy home to help a friend (
continuing through August 2).
Zephyr's Artistic Director and longtime CTC company member Reed Sigmund played Thorin (and others) in
the 2019 production, and now the directs the play, casting five talented young actors, four of whom were in
Zephyr's production of Robin Hood last year (also with a script by Greg Banks and at this same location). The language and comedy of this production feel very modern, very silly and playful, very accessible to everyone, even those not familiar with Tolkien. While Tolkien nerds might quibble at some of the choices (like implying there were only 3-4 dwarves on the journey, instead of 13, which the other productions at least alluded to even with the small cast), the spirit of the story remains true.
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Grace Hillmyer, Anya Naylor, Antonisia Collins, Brandon Brooks,
Sophia Schott, and Jeffrey Nolan (photo courtesy of Zephyr) |
This 5-person cast is a joy, most of them playing multiple roles, all of them throwing themselves physically into the story. with a great sense of play and exploration. Antonisia Collins is a youthful and modern Gandalf with attitude (including posing for the audience when her name is mentioned), but still the wise counsellor Bilbo needs. And speaking of our hobbit hero, Grace Hillmyer makes for a very charming Ms. Baggins, awkward and unsure, but brave when she needs to be, and a clear sense of right. Brandon Brooks is an imposing Thorin, King under the mountain, really bringing out the unreasonable leader who will do anything for his people, the dwarves, regardless of who else gets hurt (in ways that feel uncomfortably relevant). But he does get a nice redemption arc at the end, even if it does come a bit too easily. Jeffrey Nolan and Anya Naylor play a couple of dwarves, and goblins, and others, with Anya also embodying the small but important role of Bard the Bowman, and Jeffrey doubling (tripling, quadrupling) as both a creepy Gollum and a devilish Smaug the dragon. Antonisia also plays the countrified queen of the wood elves, and one of the dwarves, with much fun made of the fact that the Bombur disappears whenever Gandalf is around.
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| the cast of The Hobbit (photo courtesy of Zephyr) |
The 2019 production included a few original songs, but this one mostly uses well-chosen pop songs of decades past, sung and played by Sophia Schott, who also provides a soundscape underscoring of the show. It's a fun juxtaposition to hear these modern songs, in a stripped down version, set against this familiar and timeless tale (and at times turned into a singalong, which I do not recommend at the theater unless you're asked).
The actors climb on and around the set of multiple wooden ramps at varying heights and angles, like a grown-up jungle gym. Costumes are modern (shorts and t-shirts, because summer), with a cape or other character-specific piece added when needed. The actors are miked, but despite a few minor issues the sound was better than in years past in this space.
Aamodt's Apple Farm / Saint Croix Vineyard is a beautiful location for outdoor theater, but there is no shade at the performance space, so plan accordingly. There is a winery, and cidery, and bakery on site, so go early to grab a beverage or stock up on apple cider donuts or other products of the farm. Chair-provided and bring-your-own-chair tickets are available.
