Dobama Theatre’s ‘The Hobbit’ brings the magic

Way back in the 70s when Trolls, Wargs, Dwarves, Elves, Dragons, Men, Hobbits and other assorted mythical creatures walked Middle Earth there was a series of books by T. R. R. Tolkien. From 1925 to 1945 Tolkien was the Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon and a Fellow of Pembroke College, both at the University of Oxford. He was in truth a linguistic expert.

His four most popular novels included “The Hobbit” and what came to be known as the “Ring Trilogy” (“The Fellowship of the Ring”, The Two Towers” and “The Return of the King”. Tolkien did for the youth of that generation what J. K Rowling did for their children...that is to excite a desire to read complex and engaging novels.

I was introduced to Tolkien by a college chum and began reading in earnest. An interesting sidelight, during the summer of ‘72 I was serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster of a local Boy Scout Troop in Southern Ohio. We were on a planned back packing trip of the Buckeye Trail. In my pack was a copy of “The Two Towers” thinking that I could catch some short reading time after hiking most of the day. I found out that there was actually more time to read than I had anticipated and ended up finishing the book on the second day of an eight day trip somewhere in rural outback.

At the end of this particular book we find the main characters are all in what seems to be insurmountable trouble. Each and every one of them is in danger and there I was with the third book safely back home. I learned a lesson that day. Currently, Dobama Theatre is staging their production of T. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” (the first introduction to the series). The script was adapted by Greg Banks.

Bilbo Baggins (Cody Swanson) lives a quiet life in his house within a hill cottage as a respectable, reserved ad well-to-do hobbit (a race resembling humans only shorter with furry leathery feet. His serenity is shattered when Gandalf the Wizard (Matthew Wright) pays him a visit. He is needed for a quest and grand adventure along with thirteen dwarfs. Bilbo’s “job” is that of “Burgler” (one that he is convinced he is not qualified for in any way).

The troop of Dwarfs are on a journey to their homeland under The Lonely Mountain. Many years ago, Smaug the dragon (Danny Simpson) attacked and decimated the dwarfish community and took up residence in the great gold filled halls. The task for the fourteen is to kill the dragon and retake the gold, silver and precious gems that had been stolen from their grand parents.

Thus the crew sets out made up of Thorin (Danny Simpson), Dwalin and Balin (Rob Grant III, Kili and Fili (Chelsea Cannon), Dori, Nori and Ori (Ariana Starkman), Oin and Gloin (Jasmine Renee) and Bombur (Chennelle Bryand-Harris). They are in search of a secret door that when a secret key hole is revealed opens to a passage into the depths of the mountain and the treasure.

Along the way they encounter various characters including the Elven queen (Matthew Wright), Gollim (Danny Simpson), Smaug (Danny Simpson), Goblins (Chelsea Canon, Ariana Starkman and Jasmine Renee), Wolves (Chelsea Cannon, Ariana Starkman and Jasmine Renee) and Trolls (Chennelle Bryant-Harris, Ariana Starkman and Jasmine Renee) and a large spider (Chennelle Bryant-Harris).

All total there are twenty-five characters that are portrayed by eight actors. Costumes range in complexity from removing a hat to full outfit change. Jasmine A. Golphin’s projections add a new dimension to Ben Needham’s complex scenic design. Maya Michele Fein’s lighting design is spot on as well as Angie Hayes sound design. Inda Blatch-Geib is superb with her costuming of the various characters. Dred Geib’s props and puppets help sell the show. The production is expertly directed by Erin E. Dolan. Rachel Gold is the fight director and brings a high degree of realism.

This is definitely the show to gather the entire family for. Children of all ages will marvel at the stage set, costumes, character changes and delightful story of cooperation and friendship. Bring the entire clan and share a wonderful holiday treat as you root for the good guys and boo the bad ones. This is a treasure not to be missed.

Dobama Theatre’s production of “The Hobbit” will be on stage at 2340 lee Road in Cleveland Heights, Ohio through January 4, 2026. For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://www.dobama.org/ or call (216) 932-3396.