Columbia College Chicago Theatre Alum Featured in U.S. Premiere of ‘Lord of the Rings’ Musical at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre July 19-Sept. 1

Michael Kurowski (center) plays Sam in Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s U.S. premiere of “The Lord of the Rings.” (Photo: Liz Lauren)

Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department alum Michael Kurowski ’16, a graduate of the Theatre Department’s BFA Program in Musical Theatre Performance, is featured in the highly anticipated U.S. premiere of The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale.

Based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien, the family-friendly production runs July 19 through September 1 at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, located on Navy Pier at 800 E. Grand, Chicago. For tickets, click here.

Michael Kurowski

Kurowski plays Samwise Gamgee, the trusted sidekick of the story’s Hobbit hero Frodo, in this musical adaptation of the epic saga, which originated last year in the United Kingdom. As reported in an article posted on WBEZ Chicago’s website, the show requires the actors to play musical instruments onstage and wear them during treks and fight scenes. The show’s Chicago run coincides with the 70th anniversary of the publication of The Fellowship of the Ringthe first book in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, on July 29, 1954.