FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10 February 2005
" Casting Coup For Kiwi Actors in the theatrical version of THE HOBBIT"
New Zealand producer and CEO of the lead producer, Australian based International Concert Attractions LTD, Lester McGrath today announced casting of the principal roles for the theatrical production of The Hobbit, which will have its world premier at the Westpac St James Theatre Wellington on April 16.
Mr. McGrath said " This is an extraordinary production for all the family and we are delighted to have been able to secure the services of three of New Zealand’s finest actors to play the lead roles of Bilbo Gandalf and the Narrator" "We auditioned in both Australia and New Zealand and as a Kiwi I am proud to say that our New Zealand actors won out against their Australian counterparts in a fierce battle for these hotly contested principal roles"
The roles will be played by:
BILBO BAGGINS – Ross Anderson (cv attached)
GANDALF THE GREY – Stuart Devenie (cv attached)
THE NARRATOR - Veteran Actor George Henare O.B.E. (cv attached)
Written and Directed by Christine Anketell, the theatrical production of The Hobbit brings to life J.R.R Tolkien’s masterpiece, which is the prelude to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. With stunning sets and costumes and extraordinary puppets, Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo Baggins and Thorin Oakenshield together with the Narrator, will take the audience on an enthralling theatrical journey from a Hobbit hole in Bag End, through The Misty Mountains, Rivendell, Mirkwood, Lake Town and deep into the lair of Smaug, the Dragon of Lonely Mountain.
New Zealand audiences will be the first to encounter 40 different characters including Wizards, Hobbits, Dwarves, Trolls, Elves, Goblins and Wargs and enter the world of Tolkien’s imagination on stage in what promises to be an unforgettable theatrical journey.
The World Premiere Opening Performance will be held on Saturday 16 April at The Westpac St James Theatre, Wellington followed by a strictly limited season at The Civic Theatre, Auckland at the end of April.
TICKETS GO ON SALE - MONDAY 14TH FEBRUARY!
www.ticketek.co.nz
Publicity and Media Enquiries
Nick Smart Marketing - Lynn Smart
Phone: +64 9 378 6100
Fax: +64 9 360 0341
Mobile: 027 4738 230
email: nick.smart@xtra.co.nz
www.thehobbit.com.au or www.icaaustralia.com