NewsFine ArtsTheater
Eighth-grader takes lead in community production of "The Hobbit"
Nov 6, 2007 12:00 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
The stage came alive recently for Darlington’s John White, an eighth-grader who played the lead role in Rome Little Theater’s production of J.R.R. Tolkien’s, “The Hobbit.”
White played Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who dislikes adventure and anything exciting, but soon has to change his ways as he is chosen to embark on a journey that requires him to be brave and strong. Led by Gandalf, Bilbo and 13 dwarves set out to retrieve treasure that was stolen by the dragon, Smaug. While on his journey, Bilbo discovers the ring that gives him to the power to disappear. “The Hobbit” lays the foundation for J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.”
White said he was inspired to audition for the role after reading “The Hobbit,” and Bilbo seemed like a natural fit. “I now have a good reason to be short,” he said jokingly. “I enjoyed playing Bilbo, but it was difficult to learn all 249 lines for my character.”
“The Hobbit” ran the first two weeks of October and included a cast of 83, ranging in age from nine to 19. The set consisted of many scenes from the play, including Smaug’s lair and Bilbo’s home of Bag End.
While on the set, White was able to develop friendships with his fellow cast members. “My favorite part of this experience was meeting new friends and having the responsibility of the lead role,” he said.
White first became interested in acting last spring. Since then, he has appeared in “Annie Get Your Gun,” and is currently working on a musical version of “Miracle on 34th Street” called “Here’s Love.” He also plans to audition for the musical “Footloose” this month.
White’s mother, Lauren Ward, said she very much enjoyed watching her son take the stage. “It was very exciting to see John perform,” she said. “I was just so proud of him.”
White played Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who dislikes adventure and anything exciting, but soon has to change his ways as he is chosen to embark on a journey that requires him to be brave and strong. Led by Gandalf, Bilbo and 13 dwarves set out to retrieve treasure that was stolen by the dragon, Smaug. While on his journey, Bilbo discovers the ring that gives him to the power to disappear. “The Hobbit” lays the foundation for J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.”
White said he was inspired to audition for the role after reading “The Hobbit,” and Bilbo seemed like a natural fit. “I now have a good reason to be short,” he said jokingly. “I enjoyed playing Bilbo, but it was difficult to learn all 249 lines for my character.”
“The Hobbit” ran the first two weeks of October and included a cast of 83, ranging in age from nine to 19. The set consisted of many scenes from the play, including Smaug’s lair and Bilbo’s home of Bag End.
While on the set, White was able to develop friendships with his fellow cast members. “My favorite part of this experience was meeting new friends and having the responsibility of the lead role,” he said.
White first became interested in acting last spring. Since then, he has appeared in “Annie Get Your Gun,” and is currently working on a musical version of “Miracle on 34th Street” called “Here’s Love.” He also plans to audition for the musical “Footloose” this month.
White’s mother, Lauren Ward, said she very much enjoyed watching her son take the stage. “It was very exciting to see John perform,” she said. “I was just so proud of him.”
