Theatrical Review: The Hobbit

THE HOBBIT
Written by: Markland Taylor
As adapted from the novel by J. R. R. Tolkien
Directed by: Prof. Stephanie Daventry French*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* of PA presented their Children’s Theatre production of “The Hobbit” which is based on J. R. R. Tolkien's novel as adapted for the stage by Markland Taylor. As those of you who are J. R. R. Tolkien fans know, “The Hobbit” is about the adventures of a reluctant hobbit named Bilbo Bagins who sets out on a journey to the Misty Mountains with some companions to obtain the treasures guarded by a fierce dragon named Smaug. “The Hobbit” was later followed by a more mature undertaking by J. R. R. Tolkien in a series of books collectively known as “The Lord of The Rings” which recently became popular by the films by Peter Jackson.

The play presented at ESU touched upon as many of the main aspects of the novel it was adapted from as it could in the allotted hour and half time period of the production. Most children productions are created to be brief as it‘s commonly felt longer shows would bore the children into restlessness. Although some of the excitement one finds in the novel was lost due to this factor, this production remained an enjoyable experience.

The scenery (in spite of some technical difficulties on the afternoon I attended) kept to the ESU Theatre tradition of being of a high quality to the point of becoming a character in the production by its own rite. The acting also met the high standard one expects from the students of ESU which was especially true when many conceptions of some characters created by the Peter Jackson films were forgotten by the audience attending this production.

The only thing I found lacking was some of the action seemed to stop during some parts of the play and it seemed a bit too cerebral for a children production. Yet, as I looked around toward the children of the audience, I discovered these observations on my part did not hold any importance to them. Their enjoyment was complete as something about the production appeared to touched them on a very deep level. It began to touch me as well. It can only be described as indescribable but it can be likened to the feeling one experiences during an encounter with something profoundly still creating a tingling sensation of a deeper understanding of oneself and those around us.

The cast consisted of D. E. Ausem* who (as well as serving as a Shop Carpenter) portrayed Gandalf, Smaug, and Spider, Christie Berlane* who (as well as serving as Stage II’s Secretary and a Shop Carpenter) portrayed Bilbo Baggins, Andrew M. Confair who portrayed Bert, a Goblin, and a Lake-Town Guard, Michael Demyan* who (as well as serving as the Master Carpenter and Props Master) portrayed the Master of Esgaroth, a Dumb Elf, and a Wood-Elf Guard, Shamus Halloran portrayed a Great Goblin, The Wood-Elf King, William, and a Wolf, Emily Harrison who portrayed The Lord of the Eagles, Tawny, a Spider, and a Goblin, Rachel Mack* who (as well as serving as Stage II’s President and as a Shop Carpenter) portrayed Gollum, Elrond, and a Lake-town Guard, Jessica Pachuta who portrayed an Elf, a wolf, and a spider, Angelo Rivilla III* who portrayed Bard, Second Goblin, an Elf, and a Wood-Elf Guard, and Alex Wirth who portrayed Thorin Oakenshield.

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* of PA presented their Children’s Theatre production of “The Hobbit” by J. R. R. Tolkien as adapted for the stage by Markland Taylor was Directed by Prof. Stephanie Daventry French* of the ESU* Theatre Department and Stage Managed by Erica Moschette (who also served on the Costume Construction Crew and Movement Coach) with Jenell Anne Manzi (Stage II’s Vice-President and the production’s Publicity Director) and Scott Ross (who also served as a Shop Carpenter) were the Assistant Stage Managers. The Set and Costume Designer was Yoshinori Tanokura. The Lighting Designer was Dave Dougherty* with Daniel McLaughlin as the Assistant Sound Designer. The Sound Designer was John (AJ) Scognamiglio. The production’s Dramaturg was Amanda Kalinowski who also served as the Assistant Costume Designer, The Costume Shop Manager, and a Mask Artist. The Poster and Program Artist was Greg Back* while The Technical Director was Ken Larson. The Scenic Charge Artist was Anthony Garbarino* while the set construction was done by Brandon Gibney, Gregory Butierrez, Robert McIntyre (who also served as an Assistant Electrician and Light Board Operator), and Nicholas Pulsinelli with Mark “Calvus” Carbonaro serving in the set crew. The Mask Artists were Doug Brehony*, Samantha L. Hidebeitel (who also served as a Hair and Make-up Assistant), Jennifer Feldbruegge, Katie Simmons, and Kelly Hubiak while the Costume Construction Crew were Karen Schwander, the Children Theatre Class, and the cast. Hair and Make-up Assistants were Michelle DiBella* and Joanna Reckley while Michelle Tuite served as the Wardrobe Assistant. Luke Swiereczek served as The Sound Board Operator and as an Electrical Assistant. Kelly Keegan was the Box Office Manager and Virginia Green as the House Manager.

Unfortunately, this production of “The Hobbit” by J. R. R. Tolkien as adapted for the stage by Markland Taylor has completed its run and can no longer be seen. The next The East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* of PA Theatre Department’s production will be “Savage in Limbo” written by John Patrick Shanley and directed by Prof. Susan P. O’Hearn. It will be performed November 18th - 23rd in the Smith-McFarland Theatre of the Fine and Performing Arts Building. Please contact The ESU* Theatre Department at 570-422-3483 for more information and to reserve your ticket.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.