The Civic — Attraction in Waitematā

Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale

If you ever dreamed of journeying through Middle-earth while sitting in a plush theater seat, then "Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale" is your golden ticket to adventure. Held at the beautifully preserved Civic Centre in downtown Auckland, this production is a must-see for J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga fans. I can confidently say that this experience will be etched in my memory forever.

The entire performance turned my expectations to stardust from the moment the curtain rose. The cast was nothing short of extraordinary, exhibiting astonishing talents that left me captivated. Not only could they sing like Elves with harps, dance like Hobbits at a feast, and act with flair befitting the greatest of the Fellowship, but many also played instruments with a skill that would make even the greatest bards of Rivendell proud!

Frodo, portrayed with a remarkable touch of Elijah Wood-esque charm, instantly whisked me away on a nostalgic adventure. However, it was the performances of Gandalf and Gollum that genuinely struck a chord. Their voices resonated with an unforgettable authenticity, transporting me straight into the heart of Tolkien’s world. I must confess, Gollum was my favorite; his portrayal brought to mind the brilliance of Andy Serkis in a way that would make even Sméagol proud. I wished for more of his sinister antics throughout the show!

The songs and choreography, neatly crafted and easy to digest, swept the audience into an atmosphere beautifully reminiscent of the land of Hobbits, elves, and epic battles. The intricate dance numbers were a fresh take on the significant scenes in the movie trilogy.

But perhaps the pièce de résistance of this production was the costume and set design. The costumes had the perfect nostalgic touch for devoted fans, capturing the essence of Middle-earth's vibrant color palettes. Each character was adorned with attire that brought forth their unique identities, making the entire cast visually alluring.

And then, there was the set design. It was nothing short of a breathtaking spectacle that seemed to dance to the rhythm of the play. The ingenious use of a rotating floor and elevating platforms added dynamism to the scenes, transforming mere moments into magical experiences. With every act, I felt as if I was transported to a different corner of Middle-earth, whether it was the cozy Shire or the depths of Mordor. A kaleidoscope of lights, colors, shapes, and sounds kept me at the edge of my seat.

Even the thoughtful use of props and lighting breathed extraordinary life into various locations, setting the stage for memorable moments long after the applause. Each new scene felt like a fresh chapter in a grand tale, altogether avoiding the pitfalls of stagnation.

In conclusion, "Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale" is a beautifully crafted homage to Tolkien's work, filled with humor, heart, and a touch of magic. As the curtain fell and the applause erupted, I realized I had been on a grand quest with the cast, which I would gladly embark upon again. Whether you travel by foot, horseback, or through the ether of music and imagination, do not miss this production when it returns to Auckland. It may be the best thing since the dawn of...

Every time I go to The Civic, I am in awe of how beautiful it is. The detail is spectacular, especially in the foyer and the actual theatre. We went to the elephant room bar (I think that's what it was called), which was a bit dowdy and run down in comparison to the rest of the theatre. It had no atmosphere at all, but as they didn't open up our seating area until 30 mins before the show, we needed a place to hang out. Unfortunately, it became very crowded and a bit stampede like when it came to finding your seat. It also meant that the show started 15 mins late while they tried to seat everyone. A quick tip for when you book tickets - don't choose seats that are in the front row of a level that has other levels below it (up in the gods). We thought we had booked a great spot in a front row but it's hard to know from the seating plans just how high we would be. It was an okay place despite the height, but it was ruined every time someone walked up the stairs in front of us to go the bar or the toilet, which was every 5 minutes or so. I would be keen to go back and do a tour of the theatre and learn...

Absolutely love attending any event at The Civic. However, went on a tour today and was a little disappointed. While the tour guide was informative on some counts, I felt he could have concentrated a little more on the fact that this is a classic Art Deco building. There were no photos or hall of fame on Freida Stark and the dance troop which was rather dismissive, given their story and the attention they attracted in the day. The tour guide was friendly enough, but his sarcastic quips on certain facts, including Russian dancers and a certain radio personality were totally unnecessary. He needed to remain unbiased in his views. All in all, a little too expensive at the grand price of $50 per ticket. I must add that this will not deter me from supporting future shows in Auckland. This theatre is fabulous and holds many wonderful memories. The starlit sky above, the elephants and other Art Deco features are...