Arden Children's Theatre Presents The Hobbit
Performances Run from April 2 to May 25
April 16, 2025
We're excited to invite you to the Arden Children’s Theatre as families prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with courage, friendship, and excitement during Greg Banks’ lively stage adaptation of The Hobbit beginning April 2. Directed by Rebecca Wright, the imaginative production brings Middle-earth to life in a magical, action-packed retelling of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved classic, designed for audiences ages seven and up. Through clever storytelling and dynamic staging, audiences are drawn into the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a humble hobbit who steps out of his comfort zone and embarks on an epic quest that tests his bravery, wit, and heart. The Hobbit unfolds on the Arden's intimate 175-seat Arcadia Stage beginning April 2, opening night April 15, with performances through May 25.
The production follows Bilbo Baggins, a shy hobbit who's swept into an unexpected adventure, journeying through freezing mountains and eerie forests, where he encounters both fearsome foes and loyal friends. Though hesitant at first, Bilbo discovers that his true strength lies not in physical power but in his cleverness, bravery, and heart—transforming him from a timid hobbit into an unexpected hero. The Hobbit’s dynamic cast features five talented actors—Eliana Fabiyi, Kelly McCaughan, Nathan Alford-Tate, Ciera Gardner, and Sean Lally—who, together, play more than 20 characters throughout the 90-minute production.
With a minimalistic set that captures the woodsy, forested landscapes of Middle-earth, audiences are transported into a magical, colorful world populated by fantastical creatures, including trolls, goblins, eagles, and elves—staying true to the vivid descriptions in Tolkien’s original book. The play follows Bilbo, who would much rather be nestled in his cozy Hobbit Hole with a cup of tea and a plate of bacon and eggs. Instead, he’s swept into an unexpected adventure, journeying through freezing mountains and eerie forests, where he encounters both fearsome foes and loyal friends. Though hesitant at first, Bilbo discovers that his true strength lies not in physical power but in his cleverness, bravery, and heart—transforming him from a timid hobbit into an unexpected hero. With a cast of longtime Arden collaborators and fresh new voices, the production blends story and spectacle, bringing the audience along Bilbo’s extraordinary journey.
“A triumph of storytelling” – Milwaukee Journal
“Banks has brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s elaborate world of warring hobbits to the stage
with imaginative flair” – Star Tribune
Most enjoyed by ages 7 and up.
Special Performance Information
Student Matinees – Available Tuesdays-Fridays at 10:30am throughout the run of the show.
Want to bring a school group? Submit a Group Inquiry.
– Smart Caption Glasses – wearable, customizable Closed Captioning
Available to reserve for performances starting on Saturday, April 18, 2025
Recommended for adults and children ages 12 and up.
American Sign Language (ASL) Shadow Interpretation
ASL Interpretation where signers follow / “shadow” cast movement
Friday, May 16, 2025 at 10:30 AM and Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM
About Arden Theatre Company
Arden Theatre Company, founded in 1988, is a professional theatre company in Old City, dedicated to bringing to life great stories by great storytellers on the stage, in the classroom, and in the community. To date, the Arden has produced 46 World Premieres. The Arden has developed four distinct educational programs: Arden for All, our in-school arts education program for elementary level students; Arden Drama School, our on-site, tuition-based theatre classes for pre-K through 12th-grade students; Teen Arden, our theatre enrichment program for high school students; and the Arden Professional Apprentice program, a rigorous training program for young theatre professionals.
Box Office Hours
Monday through Friday ~ 10 am-6 pm
Saturday and Sunday ~ 12 pm-6 pm
