View Full Version : Welcome to the One Ring Musical Forum
The Tolkien Trail is the new home of The One Ring Musical (http://www.tolkientrail.com/theoneringmusical), so I have given it a forum. Brad (hama) will probably be in here soon with more information.
hama1
09-08-2001, 11:53 PM
Hello Ben,
The site looks terrific. Thank you! I finally got a chance to leave a reply in the Entmoot. I am on the road currently. Talk to you soon.
Brad
Sure.
Btw, I gave you moderator powers in this forum as "hama." Would you like me to make your current "hama1" username the moderator? If you just forgot your original password the board can mail it to you.
I got it and will operate as Hama on the board from now on. BTW can I submit my lyrics to the LOTR poetry contest?
Brad
HOBBIT
09-13-2001, 11:53 PM
The poetry contest ended...the winner was announced on Monday....someone is out of the loop. ;) Glad to be of service.
Sakata
09-14-2001, 06:50 PM
so what do you mean by lotr musical?
Sakata - please do not spam in the future, or you risk having your title permanently changed to "Smelly Orc" :).
...and out of the country actually... The last notice I saw on the main page was that it was ending soon...obviously very soon. Well congratulations to the winner.
Ben, granted you know Sakata much better than I do but perhaps before we accuse him of spamming I would ask if he has traveled the Tolkien Trail to Rivendell and taken a look at The One Ring Musical portion of the site.
If he has, then I concur...stop spamming you smelly orc.:D
Sakata actually posted about ten times in this thread, but I deleted Sakata's other posts and left the one.
Sakata
09-15-2001, 08:20 PM
Sorry 'bout that, I will make it up to you in drawings for fan art section of the tolkin trail k? As for hama, I have seen the one ring musical site and im not a "he",how dare you insult me like that!:D
My sincerest apologies for my gender mistake you smelly orc. That being said would you like an explanation of lotr as a musical from the person who wrote it?
Sakata
09-16-2001, 12:48 PM
long as I can be a female smell orc...jk:)
and sure, whats it about?
I'm sorry Sakata but I thought that would be obvious...It is an adaptation of LotR...are you sure you have visited the site and read the synopsis?
Sakata
09-20-2001, 01:04 AM
been to the site? yes. read the synopsis? well sort of skimmed over that part...
Well okay sakata, when you are actually interested enough in the project to spend some time reading about it, please let me know. I would be delighted to discuss it with you. Until then spam on to your hearts desire or stifle yourself.
Elven Warrior Maiden
09-27-2001, 02:00 AM
I started a new thread by mistake. Just read that, and answer me here, 'kay? Thanks.
Elven Maiden Warrior:
Believe me. Your question is certainly not an interruption to any converstaion and I must admit I really don't know where to begin? What do I know about the musical that isn't on the site? Well hopefully everything as I am the writer, composer creator of The One Ring.
We had a site on another web host. When they shut down, the webmaster here at Tolkien Trail, Ben Milder, was kind enough to offer to host us on an interim basis. The One Ring had its initial reading in New York two years ago. Based ion that reading I scrapped the original script and completely re-wrote the script and continue to do so.
I have been involved with numerous major Broadway productions as an actor or writer but this is my first solo project. We were very close to announcing an agreement with a major Broadway Producer until the events of September 11th. We intended to suspend our efforts of relaunching an independent web-site as we assumed that the producer would take over that function.
This project is intended to be a fully produced production with a London West-End Production, Broadway and numerous tours...one of which would of course travel to Australia. I have already sold the music publishing rights to Halen Entertainment which has produced the Broadway Albums of numerous musicals and we are hoping to get into a studio this fall to record a concept album. We will of course, include those recordings on this or some subsequent site.
I hope that answers some of your questions.
Elven Warrior Maiden
09-30-2001, 05:46 AM
Thanks so much hama for answering me. Do you know if the tour will travel to Brisbane? If it does, it won't take much to talk my parents into taking me, they love the Lord of the Rings too. When the musical does get it's own site, can you tell me the address here? Can't wait!
Elven Maiden Warrior, you do not need to thank me for answering. I should be thanking you for asking your questions. I am delighted to answer them. Where the tour goes is completely up to the producer, whomever that turns out to be, if that turns out to be. I have producers interested and while I have worked on other Broadway musicals as a dramaturge "script doctor", I have never written an entire show by myself. If this show does get produced, it will most likely be the most expensive Broadway show ever produced. And unfortunately, I am not a "bankable" name like Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim etc. However, I will make you this promise. If The One Ring does get produced, I will fly you and your parents to London or New York as my guests for the premiere. I do not make promises lightly so print this out and consider it a gift certificate for the future.
By the way...have your Mom and Dad read anything of the show from the site and do they have any thoughts.
Elven Warrior Maiden
10-01-2001, 03:19 AM
I'll get them to hama.
Musing.....never been overseas before.
If you truly mean that, I'll never complain about not having my own Lord of the Rings books again. I'll get my dad to print it out (I don't know how) I'll like to see his reaction. Keep in mind I'm a very gullible and suspicius person(stange combination)
I'm answering you everywhere, and I hope your not getting confused.
Well rest assured that if there was anything untoward or sinister in my invitation, I would not have extended it to your parents. I hope they feel free to read anything and everything I write here.
Renille
10-01-2001, 11:26 PM
I wish you the best of luck getting this produced. I've worked in theater since I was six, and I think it's a great way to express great ideas, like the LOTR books. (Oh...and PLEASE try to arrange for the tour to come to Milwaukee or Chicago...'cause I REALLY want to see it!)
Elven Warrior Maiden
10-01-2001, 11:31 PM
I haven't been able to get my parents on to look yet, but when they have some spare time I will. I want them to read it. I really liked it, and so will they, because they were the ones who introduced me to the books anyway.
Sorry if I insulted you with my suspisions. It's just that when I asked if it was coming to Brisbane, I didn't expect to be given an invitation to the premiere.
When I told my parents, (they haven't seen yet) I'm not sure if they belived me. Other reactions were my younger brother and sister asking if they can go too, and my older sister calling me a name we're not allowed to put on this forum.
Hope you will still answer me.
No I was not insulted at all. I have two teenage children and I would certainly want to know if some stranger on the internet was inviting them anywhere, much less a foreign country.
Renille, thank you for your encouraging words. Congratulations on your work in theater. I am envious. BTW, if we do get produced you can rest assured that Chicago is a given.
Elven Warrior Maiden
10-03-2001, 05:41 AM
(Does everyone on this site live in America?!?)
Sorry, I had to ask that :)
Everyone here seems older then me to! :(
I'll write down what you wrote hama, so I can keep annoying you about it and reminding you, 'cause I'm sure you're telling the truth now. (sorry) You said you've written the script five times, and are still going over it? I have a question: What parts so far have you had to change the most, in the latest draft?
What have I changed the most? That's an interesting question and can be interpreted a couple of different ways. The biggest change to the script came in the first re-write. I originally envisioned The One Ring as an operatic or sung-through musical like Les Miz or Phantom. However, after the first read-through of the script it became clear that there was simply too much information of plot and characters to convey in that format. I was spending too much time fitting meter and rhyme schemes while also trying to tell the story. So the biggest change was re-writing the script as a conventional "book" musical ie., spoken dialogue with songs at key points of the script. I also cut out a lot of scenes and characters shinking the script from 250 pages to 130 (which will probably be cut down another dozen or so.) and from 28 scenes to 16.
The biggest change I made from the books is that I cut out Saruman and the Destruction of Isengard. In my version, after the breaking of the fellowship Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas go to Edoras to seek aid in their search. They meet Eomer on their way there and are re-united with Gandalf, Merry and Pippin. Ah but how to get The Palantir into the hands of Pippin so that he is revealed to Sauron and then into the hands of Aragorn. Well, Halbarad comes to Edoras in search of Aragorn and finds him there instead of outside Isengard. Treebeard has given the Palantir to Halbarad after the Ents have destroyed Isengard, to take to Gandalf. Pippin then steals the Palantir and the plot follows roughly along the lines of the book.
This cuts out Saruman (too many characters would confuse the audience) and a significant amount of action which in the final analysis I felt wasn't essential to the ultimate plot line of the story. It also cuts out the Battle at Helms Deep which I never could feel comfortable could be adequately re-enacted on stage.
I hope this at least partially answers your question.
Elven Warrior Maiden
10-04-2001, 03:13 AM
How are you going to make the Ents on stage?
Or don't you actually see them, just Halbarad as a messenger from them?
No you don't see the Ents on stage. I don't think there is any way to properly convey them on stage. Perhaps someone with more imagination than I have such as a Julie Taymor (Best known for The Lion King) could pull it off. Once again, if I had felt the scene was essential to the plot I probably would have put more effort into trying to solve the problem. I really want to avaid the show taking on the look of an animated cartoon brought to life.
Elven Warrior Maiden
10-06-2001, 12:02 AM
When I read what was basically in each scene, in the very last one, it said that Frodo comforts Sam, then sails to the Grey Havens. Does he go to the Shire first, then go? Does Arwen give him the white jeweled chain, for him to go over for her as well as himself?
No, Frodo does not go to the Grey Havens...There is no scouring of the Shire. Elrond, Arwen, Galidriel, Glorfindel and Bilno come to Minas Tirith after the Coronation of Aragorn and that is where it becomes apparent that Frodo and Bilbo will be sailing off to the lands beyond the western sea. As far as Arwen giving Frodo the chain, yes that will be handled with a bit of stage bisness but no dialogue.
Are you still out there Serena...or are you so upset at the fact that I cut out the Scouring of the Shire that you're not talking to me anymore?
I've tried to reach you via Private Message and Email, but that doesn't seem to be working so I'll ask it here...
Are you still planning on attending Entmoot 2001 in December?
If so, do you think we could do some sort of One Ring Musical-related event? (Perhaps a read-through of some of the script, for example). I think that would be fun, and increase awareness of the musical.
Ben,
I always forget to check my PM's...not that there have been alot. I got your e-mail and you should have a reply by now. Also, did you get my e-mail with attachment?
I do hope to attend the Entmoot. I am still finalizing my schedule for December. I think a reading of a few scenes would be a great idea and if it looks like I am going to make it, let's talk about who you might suggest who would be good from the members and/or some alternative selection process.
Thanks, Brad
bropous
01-03-2002, 07:39 PM
Well, hama, I certainly wish you luck in your eandeavor. Personally, musicals make me skin crawl, but that's just me. I'm glad to hear you're so far along with your project. Hoping for a Tony for you...
Musicals make you skin crawl? There are so many wonderful musicals...please elaborate on your comment.
bropous
01-04-2002, 01:00 PM
Let's see...."Cats", "The Music Man", "West Side Story", "The Sound of Music", "Showboat", "Porgy and Bess", anything with Nelson Eddy, anything with Ethel Merman, the broadway version of "The Producers" [isn't that one a musical now?], "Fiddler on the Roof", "Yenta", "Phantom", "Starlight Express", "One Mo' Time" [my friend John Stell was in that one], "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Yawn", the singing parts of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum", anything with Barbra Streisand, etc etc etc. I just can't stand 'em. First time someone starts to sing, I switch the channel or walk out of the theater. But that's just me.
Actually, the only musical/opera stuff I can stomach would be the original recording of "Jesus Christ Superstar" or the original London cast of "Evita".
Musicals just ain't my bag of tea, hama, but like I said, I certainly wish you luck in your project. There are a heck of a lot of folks out there who just love musicals, and if one of them will introduce some of them to Tolkien's world, then fair play to you!
Best wishes to you and your company...
Fair enough Bropous,
I cannot argue with such an informed distaste of musicals. While you do not mention any of my favorites, your's is no kneejerk reaction against the art form.
I also appreciate your obviously sincere well wishes for The One Ring and our success. It is my hope as well that The One Ring introduces thousands to Tolkien's works.
Btw...Cats and Ethel Merman make my skin crawl as well.
bropous
01-05-2002, 12:40 AM
Well met, hama my friend! Sincere best wishes.
Arwen Undomiel
01-06-2002, 10:40 PM
Musical? They are coming out with a musical? I wonder if it is going to be any good?
bropous
01-07-2002, 12:38 AM
Arewn, I'd bet my bow and quiver that hama will work extremely diligently to MAKE it good.
Arwen,
I have wondered the same thing...more than once. As for coming out with a musical. it is still in development, though most of the music is written and a reasonably final draft of the script is complete.
If you are interested, there is a script synopsis, the first four scenes and lyrics of many of the major songs at The One Ring, the musical which you can access from the Main Page here at Tolkien Trail.
Personally, I think the music is better than the script, but that is true of virtually all musicals. Take a look. I would love to hear what you think.
Brad
Khadrane
03-22-2002, 11:26 PM
Lord of the Rings musical... hmmm... that gives me scary mind pictures... but hey, it could be good too!:)
snoopy
03-23-2002, 01:00 AM
When does the Hobbit musical start? what is it about?
:confused:
Hobbit musical? If that is your question I have no intention of adapting the Hobbit as a musical. As for LotR, I and others are working on it right now, though we have no projected opening date as we have no firm commitment from a producer.
Khadrane
04-06-2002, 10:07 AM
Last summer I told my cousins a LOTR musical would be cool, and they laughed at me.
Well have you or your cousins looked at any of the site..the synopsis, the script for act one or the lyrics. I think it would/will be cool too...but that is just my humble...okay, not THAT humble opinion. And actually, apparently a number of other posters here wthink it might be pretty cool. Do you still think it would be cool now that you have seen dome of it?
Nienna Grey
05-23-2002, 06:59 AM
I have had a look at the One Ring page and I can honestly say this is one of the most exciting things I've seen in ages. I sure hope it comes to London, I'll be there. Who needs Lloyd-Webber? Good Luck!
Thank you. I am excited about it and am gratified that others are too. Anything in particular you liked? I hope to get the rest of act two sent to Ben soon so people can see/read the whole script. London is a definite if it ever gets done. I would actually hope to open the show in London. It just seems the natural place to do it.
Nienna Grey
05-26-2002, 04:54 AM
Hey Hama,
Can't wait to see the rest of Act Two. I was very impressed with the script so far. Transferring this work to stage could be thought of as an impossible task but I can see you're not afraid to tackle it.
I also liked the way Gandalf starts things off on stage, I think that's an appropriate way to begin and will create the right atmosphere.
I wish you every possible success with your venture.
hama1
06-14-2002, 02:02 AM
Thank you Nienna,
Yes, alot of people think it is an impossible task. I guess I was lucky and didn't realize that when I started work on it. Yes it is an "EPIC" story but I think the imprtant elements are rather small and personal. For my LotR is about friendship, loyalty and overcoming great challenges. I think those ideas can be translated well to the stage.
As far as act 2 there will be a bit of a delay as I brought the wrong discs to Connecticut where I am doing an artist in residency program so it will have to wait until I get back to Boston or New York and can upload them to the site. However I am glad you like what you have read so far.
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