Columbia College Chicago Theatre alum Michael Kurowski (second from left) plays Samwise Gamgee in Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s U.S. premiere of “The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale,” playing July 19-September 1, 2024. (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. 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 Ring, the first book in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, on July 29, 1954. Here’s a promotional video for the production:
Michael Kurowski
Kelan Smith
David Castellanos
Susan Gosdick
In addition to Kurowski, the show’s company includes Columbia College alum Kelan M. Smith ’20, a graduate of the Theatre Department’s BFA Program in Musical Theatre Performance, who is an understudy. Columbia College Theatre Department faculty member David Castellanos is the production stage manager, and faculty member Susan Gosdick is the dialect and vocal coach.
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.
