Bethlehem Non-Profit Performing Arts Organization Will Present a Two-week Run of a Literary Treasure
Image derived from LOTRwiki
Bethlehem, Pa.— From March 15 to 24, 2013, Pennsylvania Youth Theatre (PYT) will perform the timeless classic, The Hobbit, based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, renowned author of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Shows will be performed at the Charles A. Brown Ice House on Sand Island in Bethlehem, PA.
The Hobbit tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a conservative, content hobbit. When the wizard Gandalf asks Bilbo to leave the comfort of his home and embark on a quest to recover an important treasure, the simple hobbit’s life takes a drastic turn. PYT takes the audience along this fantastic journey as they adventure with Bilbo, Gandalf, elves and dwarves while maneuvering around dark characters like the treasure-hoarding dragon and of course, the creature Gollum.
“The Hobbit was first written as an adventure story for children long before Tolkien ever wrote The Lord of the Rings,” said Mary Wright, director of the PYT production. “Tolkien wrote it for his own children. It is a story of wonder, of discovery, of playfulness and adventure. It is that world that we will be working to create on stage.”
PYT will rotate two casts throughout the show’s two-week run, named the “There” cast and the “Back Again” cast, a small tribute to the title of the book Bilbo writes on his adventures. Each cast consists of approximately 30 children — ages 6 to 17 — with just one adult featured in the role of Gandalf.
“I really enjoy working with young actors, helping them discover things about themselves and the joy of performance. It seems to me that The Hobbit is a perfect show for them to perform, because it too explores the willingness to take risks, to step outside your comfort zone to help make a difference and the adventure of discovery,” said Wright.
Written by playwright Patricia Gray and directed by Wright, this adaptation of Tolkien’s timeless tale will provide entertainment and laughter to adults and children alike.
All performances will be at the Charles A. Brown Ice House on Sand Island in Bethlehem. Show times are: 7:00 p.m. on Fridays, and 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are available now on the PYT website, www.123pyt.org.
Pennsylvania Youth Theatre (PYT) is a nonprofit performing arts organization with the mission of educating, entertaining and enriching the lives of young people and their families through the art of theatre. PYT was founded with the commitment to provide opportunities for all children to participate and learn through the art of theatre. To learn more about PYT, explore their performances and events, or purchase tickets visit their website, 123pyt.org or call 610.332.1400.