Review: Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale at The Civic Auckland

I’ll admit it. I’m not usually someone who gets excited about musicals. But as a fan of movies, especially The Lord of the Rings, I thought this adaptation might be worth a shot. Could the battles, characters, and depth of Middle-earth really translate well into a stage musical? After watching Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale, I have to say, that it surprised me in the best way possible.

First Impressions

At three hours, including a 20-minute intermission, this is a long one. Longer than Avatar 2, Les Mis and Oppenheimer, however, it didn’t “feel like it”. Walking into the theatre, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would it feel too over-the-top? Could it really capture the magic of the movies? Walking in, we were greeted with a celebration of music, the preshow was lively and gave a seamless introduction into the show. The production managed to take the spirit of Tolkien’s world and turn it into something fresh, while still feeling familiar.

The Music

One thing I was nervous about was the music. I wasn’t sure how a story with orcs, wizards, and battles could work with singing in between. But the music and singing actually worked. The songs ranged from fun and lighthearted (hobbits enjoying life in the Shire) to deeply emotional.

The ensemble pieces were especially impressive. The harmonies during scenes like the Council of Elrond were powerful, and the way music was used to build tension in darker moments, like the journey to Mount Doom, was really clever.

The Visuals

Visually, the show was stunning. The set design and special effects transformed the stage. One moment, we were in Rivendell with shimmering waterfalls, and the next, we were in the dark, fiery landscape of Mordor. The transitions were seamless, and the use of projections and lighting and set was brilliant.

The costumes also stood out; they were detailed and story and movie accurate, which made the characters feel grounded in Tolkien’s world.

My Takeaway

If you’re a die-hard fan of the books or movies, you might notice some parts of the story a bit condensed or adapted. But honestly, it didn’t bother me. The musical still captured the heart of the story, friendship and the struggle between good and evil.

At three hours long, the production might feel daunting, but it’s worth every moment. I went in unsure about how I’d feel, the run time and I left really impressed (and wondered how it suddenly turned from 6:30 to 9:30). If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings and curious about seeing it in a new way, this musical is worth checking out. Even if musicals aren’t usually your thing (like me), this one might just change your mind.

9 / 10

A big thank you to the team for sponsoring our tickets to this magical experience!