Middle Earth comes to Taylor Little Theatre in “The Hobbit”
The Mercyhurst Theatre Program proudly presents “The Hobbit,” Edward Mast’s imaginative stage adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy classic, Thursday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 13, in Taylor Little Theatre.
This adaptation of Tolkien’s classic novel is a suspenseful, fast-paced journey through the sometimes dark, sometimes charming, always compelling world of Middle Earth. Bilbo Baggins is a comfortably well-off hobbit with a love for rousing adventure stories. Real adventures, however, are decidedly not his cup of tea. So, when Gandalf knocks at his door, bringing with him Thorin Oakenshield, twelve ragged-looking dwarfs, and a contract for an adventure to recover the lost treasure of Lonely Mountain, Bilbo could not be less interested—at first. But his love of a good story gets the better of him, and before he knows it, he is off on a perilous quest over mountain and under hill, through caves and forest and slimy, dark places.
Guest artist Dr. Doug Powers returns to direct his tenth production for the Mercyhurst Theatre Program, having most recently directed “Little Women,” “The Government Inspector,” “The Crucible,” and “Our Town.”
The production showcases twenty-two Mercyhurst students: Lydia Bacon (Bofur/Goblin), Noah Beiter (Nori), Haven Bills (Bard), Tori Brown (Ori), Connor Clark (Gollum), Abby Craig (Voice/Captain), Shane Dexter (Maxwell), Vella Evans (Oin/Goblin), Addison Gay (Fili), Maddy Grieco (Kili), Ermin Hucic (Thorin Oakenshield), Kat Kanazin (Gloin), Lydia Kopp (Dork), Bella Mitlo (Doof), Johnathon Morvay (Gandalf/Smaug), Emily Novakowski (Dori/Goblin), Eric Page (Goblin King), Maya Post (Bilbo Baggins), Hannah Scott (Balin), Sophia Sidorowicz (Dwalin/Goblin), Zack Yeager (Bifur/Goblin), and Muriel Zollinger (Bombur).
In addition to Powers, the creative team includes producer Dr. Brett D. Johnson, lighting designer Madeleine Steineck, costume designer Kim Brown, production stage manager Katelyn Bentley, and assistant stage managers Jolynn Durlin, Spencer Schrader, and Kenzie Soety.
Performances will take place in Taylor Little Theatre on the Mercyhurst University campus. Showtimes are Thursday, Sept. 10, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 11, at 11:55 p.m. (a special midnight performance); Saturday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m.
Single tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for senior citizens and non-Mercyhurst students, and $5 for youth and Mercyhurst students with I.D. Each order is subject to a $1.50 per ticket processing fee, regardless of purchase or payment method.
All performances are general admission, with doors opening thirty minutes prior to curtain.
Patrons can reserve their tickets online at https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/miac/7945, by phone at 814-824-3000 (Tues.-Thurs., noon to 5 p.m.), or at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center box office. Tickets will also be on sale at Taylor Little Theatre beginning 90 minutes before curtain.
For more information, visit miac.mercyhurst.edu.