The Hobbit at Pennsylvania Youth Theatre, under the direction of Mary Wright, springs to life, under the direction of Mary at the Charles A. Brown Ice House in Bethlehem, with this very satisfying adaptation by Patricia Gray of the J.R.R. Tolkien classic.
Wright double casted the sixty something ensemble of mostly elementary school aged actors, with the adult roles staying the same, into "There" and "Back Again" casts.
I had the pleasure to see the "There" performance tell the story of Hobbit Bilbo Baggins, as he leads a band of dwarves and elves on an adventure to slay the dragon Smaug and take back the treasures of the Elven queen.
Ten year old fourth grader Thomas Ferguson of Saucon Valley heads the cast in an amazing 250 plus line performance as Bilbo. His portrayal of the confident yet innocent Hobbit has the audience rooting for him from the opening scene.
Local stage veteran Jack Armstrong brings a commanding leadership to the role of Gandalf, as he guides his mostly pre-adolescent cast-mates on their journey to the mountain.
Thorin the dwarf leader, was played Kiran Pandey, whose stage presence was very bold as he assembled his troops throughout the show.
Sarah Lynch gave the character of the Elven Queen an authoritative elegance. Southern Lehigh junior Alex Knapp, in Rod Serling-fashion, played Tolkien himself as the narrartor.
The most intriguing scene was that between Bilbo and the untrustworthy Gollum, played remarkably by Liana Irvine.
Irvines body movements along the stage, her leaping from rock to rock as she searched for the ring that caused much havoc for many inhabitants of middle earth, would have made most world-class gymnasts envious.
The emergence of a lavish fire breathing dragon was the perfect climax to a highly entertaining adventure for both cast and audience.
Costume designer Deb Cerniglia was on the money, as each character was brought to life through wardrobe.
I recommend, before you go out and buy your DVD of the blockbuster take a trip to the Ice House and see this classic tale brought to life from the heart.
Public performances run through March 24.
For information, visit 123pyt.org.