Ross Talks (and Mocks) Tolkien in One Man Lord of the Rings
Charles Ross.
Ross, as some may recall, introduced himself to the D.C. stage with his One Man Star Wars Trilogy, which made two stops at Woolly Mammoth theater in 2006 and 2007. Now he's back at Woolly to woosh, leap, hum, charge, and imitate his way through an abbreviated version of another classic: the One Man Lord of The Rings.
Ross's take on the trilogy, much like with Star Wars, is largely a faithful, if truncated (the show clocks in at just over an hour), recreation of the immensely popular fantasy films. His source material here is the movies, not the book -- though he encourages the reading of the latter and offers a few references here and there (including an amusing nod to The Silmarillion). Still, don't expect an appearance from Tom Bombadil or anything. The focus on the film adaptation still provides Ross with plenty of material for mimicry and homage, whether it be Legolas' hair, Gollum's raspy delivery (Ross does an impressive Andy Serkis impression) or the movie's dialogue, both its moving and mockery-worthy moments.
It's amazing how quickly and convincingly the three films fly by, and Ross hits the major plot points, while teasing the audience with amusing asides -- why is Arwin's fate inexplicably tied to the ring? Liv Tyler-related contractual obligations, natch -- and slight editorial tweaks here and there. He's a master of the physical, throwing himself around the stage as swords clash and Orcs ravage (and Woolly has surely gotten him a better mic at this point, as issues with his amplification plagued him throughout Tuesday's show). Only a few jokes feel obligatory, but come on -- is he supposed to not make a reference to Frodo and Sam's homoerotic love?
Ross's Lord of the Rings is appreciative of the films, while still irreverent enough to cater to those beyond the fanboy contingent. Those uninitiated to the works will leave the theater dazed, but Ross makes no bones about this: he says frankly to the audience that his shows should not be someone's first exposure to the world of Tolkien. Come to One Man Lord of the Rings to marvel at Ross' skills and laugh at his antics: his show is not a place for an education in all things Middle Earth.
One Man Lord of the Rings runs through Aug 1 at Woolly Mammoth Theatre. Tickets are available online.