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The Hobbit – 2026

Reimagining a Classic Tale Reviewed by Vicki Stokes It’s been nearly 100 years since J.R.R. Tolkien began writing the children’s story The Hobbit, which became one of the best-selling books and has mostly stood the test of time. It has been reimagined in comics, graphic novels, movies and stage plays. The Stratford Festival’s reimagining, adapted by Kim Selody and including a diverse cast of nine, is a hit with today’s audience. With an Asian Bilbo and Asian elements incorporated into the Avon Theatre – Stratford Festival production, it’s easy to see that The Hobbit will continue to evolve for the next 100 years. The challenges presented by mythological creatures will always have appeal to the young and the young at heart, despite changes and updates in storytelling. Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who lives in Middle-earth, a time and place where elves, hobbits, trolls and the like live among humans. Gandalf and a band of dwarves recruit Bilbo to be their burglar on a quest for their gold, taken by Smaug, a dragon who sleeps on the treasure in the Lonely Mountain. Richard Lee is a fine Bilbo, letting us know he would rather stay at home with clean dishes and tidy, safe surroundings than go on a dangerous quest. Believe me, I would opt to stay home in beautiful Bag End rather than deal with goblins, spiders and dragons. But Lee shows us how Bilbo grows as a person through facing all the challenges presented to him. Once the treasure has been accessed and Bilbo finds the Arkenstone, he stands by his principles when leader Thorin becomes greedy. Lee takes Bilbo from meek and frightened to brave and respected. He earns his role as the burglar. Tim Campbell plays Gandalf exactly as you would imagine an ancient wizard to ...
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Mary's Musings

Capitol Theatre Reveals their 2026 Casting 

Some of Canada’s best talent will be on stage at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre this year. Here are the four popular shows appearing on the main stage, with a sneak peek of the casts.   You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown – May 15 – 31, 2026  Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner. Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer. Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Directed and choreographed by Rob Kempson, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown features Amir Haidar in the title role, with Jillian Mitsuko Cooper as Sally, AP Bautista as Lucy Van Pelt, Matt Pilipiak as Snoopy, Kyle Golemba as Schroeder, and Ben Kopp as Linus Van Pelt. Life, love, baseball—and an opinionated dog named Snoopy. Based on the beloved comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, this musical comedy chronicles the adventures of Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang. Winner of two Tony Awards and three Drama Desk Awards. Kyle Golemba, Jillian Mitsuko Cooper, Amir Haidar, Ben Kopp, AP Bautista. Photo by Sam Moffatt Liars at a Funeral – June 12 – 28, 2026 By Sophia Fabiilli June 12 – 28, 2026 Directed by Aaron Jan, Liars at a Funeral features Aidan deSalaiz, Carolyn Fe, Ericka Leobrera, Jane Luk, and Gregory Solomon. Grief has never been so hilarious! When an estranged family gathers to mourn the passing of Mavis, the family matriarch, the funeral erupts into a more dysfunctional family reunion than any of them could have imagined. If everyone can keep it together, they might just break the intergenerational curse and make it out alive! Gregory Solomon, Aidan deSalaiz, Jane Luk, Ericka Leobrera. Photo by Sam Moffatt Come From Away – July 10 – August 2, 2026 Book, Music & Lyrics by Irene Sankoff & David Hein Music Direction by Jeff Newberry Choreography by Genny Sermonia Directed by Rob Kempson, and featuring live music performed by the company, the Capitol’s production of Come From ...
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