Dwarves: Cody Summerville. Ryan Johnson, Austin Koska, Travis Michie, Nicole Johnson

The Hobbit, opening July 28th and running through August 14th at Hill Country Community Theatre is a charming, musical adaptation of J.R.R Tolkien’s classic novel. Fantasy intertwines with reality in this rich piece of theatre, enticing both young and old alike to follow in one fantastical adventure, reminding us that the heart of a hero may be found inside the most unexpected creatures.

This whimsical story begins when the dwarves of Middle Earth decide to undertake a quest to reclaim their ancestor's treasure from the thieving, people-eating dragon Smaug. They feel that a Hero is needed so they descend on hobbit Bilbo Baggins at his home in Bag End and express their dire need of his assistance. However, Bilbo Baggins is a respectable hobbit, who really has no taste for adventure, dear heavens no! Convincing Bilbo of his magnitude in this quest is a match for none other than Gandalf the Grey, a great and mysterious wizard who insists that he is just what they need to overcome their plight. So before the comfort-loving Bilbo, has even had a proper breakfast he is off on the greatest adventure any hobbit has ever known. And it is one daring escapade after another, as he outwits trolls, spiders, elves, goblins and even the riddle-loving Gollum.

J.R.R Tolkien first received his ideas for The Hobbit while he was working with school certificate papers at home. Looking at a blank page he suddenly got this notion; “In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit.” So, he scribbled the sentence down on the piece of paper. Later, in typical Tolkien fashion, he then decided he needed to find out what a Hobbit was, what sort of a hole it lived in, why it lived in a hole, and so on. "I took the idea of the hobbits from the people and the children. The hobbits are just what I should like to have been, but never was." -J.R.R. Tolkien. From this investigation grew a tale that he told to his younger children, and even passed around to friends. In 1936 an incomplete typescript of The Hobbit came into the hands of Susan Dagnall, an employee of the publishing firm of George Allen and Unwin. She approached Tolkien, asked him to finish it, and presented the complete story to Stanley Unwin. He tried it out on

Hobbits - Nikki Thompson, Caitlyn Freitag, Annan Morelli, Taylor Koska, Ocean Fillinghim, Lindsey Phillips, Frank Adams

his 10-year old son Rayner, who wrote an approving report, and so it was published as The Hobbit in 1937.

In the years to come J.R.R. Tolkien wrote two books the world will remember him for: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Few can deny that J.R.R. Tolkien is the 'father' of modern fantasy literature. It is unusual for a modern work to become a classic so quickly, but Tolkien's "ring" stories, which began with The Hobbit, clearly are in this very special category. They stir the imagination and intellect of everyone they touch. and the hearts of those children and adults who continue to enjoy this kind of magic. His was the first, and for many, the best. The Hobbit, and to a greater extent, The Lord of the Rings, combine the 'feel' of ancient mythology, with captivating characters, and an intensely rich sense of history; a history which Tolkien spent more than 50 years creating. It is estimated that The Hobbit has sold in 35 million copies making it the best selling fiction novel ever.
The intricacies of Tolkien’s imagination provide for a few structural difficulties within the play, but with the creative genius of director Cranston Dodds, an amazing production team, and phenomenal actors ranging from ages 7 to 56 those obstacles will be easily overcome and provide for a fun family musical that will long be remembered at Hill Country Community Theatre.

The Hobbit (Original Lyrics by David Rogers, Music by Allan Jay Friedman and Libretto by Ruth Perry) will open Thursday, July 28th with a delightful wine and appetizer reception and will close on Sunday, August 14th. Box Office hours are weekdays and Saturdays from noon until 4:00 pm. The box office phone number is 830-798-8944. Information and group reservations can be obtained by calling 830-798-8944 or by using the www.hcct.org website. Tickets can also be purchased at Franklin Bank (previously Highland Lakes Bank) on HWY 1431 in Kingsland and Century 21 Keiser & Co Real Estate on FM 2147. Curtain is at 8:00 pm nightly Wednesday through Saturday with Sunday matinee performances at 2:15 pm. Adult ticket prices are $20.00. The ticket price for children under 12 is $9.00. However, for Wednesday evening performances only, tickets are two for one with your donation at the Theatre to The In Harmony Thrift Store. HCCT

Caitlyn Freitag, Annan Morelli, Lindsey Phillips, Ryan Johnson

is located at 4003 W. FM 2147 in Cottonwood Shores between Marble Falls and Horseshoe Bay.

The Production team consists of Assistant Director Sallye Johnson, Musical Director Barbara Bend, Vocal Director David Bend, Choreographers Alicia Sommer and Chandra Irvin, Stage Managers Jennifer Jones and Taylor Smith, and Dramaturge Clair Baker,
The stellar cast of The Hobbit will include long time Hill Country favorites; such as, Mark Fernandes, the dazzling duo of Kevin and Cyndi Pool, Taylor Smith, Sarah Laycock and Ocean Fillingham. Also starring in The Hobbit is Frank and April Adams, Ritchie Fernandes, Caitlyn Freitag, Alexandra and Anson Hahn, Tanner Illing, Nicole and Ryan Johnson, Austin and Taylor Koska, Lauren Manske, Travis Michie, Annan Morelli, Lindsey Phillips, Claire and Sharon Sembera, Cody Sommerville, and Nikki Thompson.

Set Design: Mark Fernandes Crew: Neil Younker, Frank and April Adams, Andrew Sembera, Chuck, Nathan and Travis Michie, Cranston Dodds, Jack McAndrew and Taylor Smith.
Costume Design: Elly Huysman Coordinator: Ruth Gilchrist Crew: Audrey Chase, April, Adams, Oleta Keysler, Jennifer Fillingham, Mildred Landrom, Mike Morelli, Sharon Sembera, Taylor Smith
Make-up and Hair Design: Clair Hardisty Baker
Lighting Design: Mark Fernandes
Properties: April Adams and Taylor Smith
Box Office Coordinator: Louraine Robertson
Host Coordinator: Sally Stemac

Reminder: Auditions for HCCT's fall production of, The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 will be held on Monday August 1st at 7:00 pm at the theatre. Mike Morelli, Executive Director at HCCT, will be directing The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. Auditions will consist of cold readings and theatre games for adults. If possible, bring a recent photograph to leave with your audition sheet, which will be available at the theatre. Scripts are available at the theatre for early check out. The play will run September 29th through October 16th. Everyone, regardless of experience is encouraged to audition and will be seriously considered. For more information, please call 830-693-2474.

For more information on memberships or for volunteer opportunities (box office, costumes, make-up, props, lighting, set building and painting as well as hospitality hosting) or for upcoming auditions, please call Mike Morelli or Jennifer Jones at 830-693-2474. This season sponsored in part by Horseshoe Bay Corporation, The Picayune, Kirby Eye Center, Verde's Bistro and NightScapes.