[Review] Get Whisked Away on A Spectacular Journey Through Middle-earth with The Lord of the Rings Musical, Now Showing at Marina Bay Sands

Stepping into the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands for the opening night of The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale felt like entering Middle-earth itself.

The air buzzed with anticipation as fans, some in elven cloaks and hobbit garbs, gathered to witness this ambitious adaptation of Tolkien’s time-tested trilogy. The actor-musician ensemble were already in character, even before the show begins. They were wielding various musical instruments from violins to cellos, simultaneously acting and singing, both on and off stage, encouraging the audience to partake in the merrymaking. This helped vastly get the audience immensed into the world of Tolkien’s Middle-earth.

What unfolded next over nearly three hours was a production of admirable ambition. The show clearly dazzles with its theatrical wizardry even as it is laden under the weight of its epic source material.

Once the lights dimmed, the actor-musician ensemble quickly transformed into narrative mode, creating a uniquely organic storytelling experience. The decision to have the cast perform all music live onstage, with no pit orchestra, pays off magnificently, making every song feel immediate and alive. From here on, you will feel like you have been whisked away into Middle-earth and forget for a while you are seated comfortably in a theatre in tropical Singapore.

There were many stellar acting delivered by the cast.

Key among them was Laurence Boxhall’s Gollum, who was nothing short of mesmerising. His physical contortions and vocal tics captured the character’s tragic duality perfectly. Each time he appears on stage, you can hear audible reactions from the audience.

Jemma Rix brings both steel and serenity to Galadriel. Her rendition of “Lothlórien” serving as the musical’s most haunting moment. Rix clearly commands a strong stage presence and it was all eyes on her when she first emerge for the first time in splendid, shimmering glamour, befitting of her character.

As Frodo and Sam, lead actor Rarmian Newton and Wern Mak share a chemistry that grounds the fantastical story in genuine emotion. They were the most important elements to string all the narratives together.

The production’s visual imagination is its greatest strength.

Towering puppetry brings the Balrog and Shelob to life, while clever staging transforms the intimate theater into everything from the cosy Shire to the fiery depths of Mordor.

It is almost crazy to attempt to condense Tolkien’s trilogy into a three-hour musical.

Some things got to give and some character depth and narratives were sacrificed. Understandably, a few of the character arcs feel rushed, particularly Legolas and Gimli, who get short shrift in the condensed narrative. The breakneck pacing, while necessary to cover so much ground, sometimes sacrifices emotional depth for plot progression.

Nonetheless, what the production lacks in narrative cohesion, it makes up for in sheer spectacle.

The battle sequences are choreographed with care, with each race from elegant elves to brutal orcs, distinguished by unique fighting styles. The creative team’s decision to use practical effects over digital projections gives the production a handcrafted charm that feels truer to Tolkien’s world.

The integration of Tolkien’s invented languages adds another layer of authenticity, with snippets of Elvish and Dwarvish woven seamlessly into dialogue and lyrics. It is these thoughtful details that will delight die-hard fans.

Overall, The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is not a perfect adaptation (something that is probably impossible to achieve), but it is a heartfelt and often stunning one that captures the spirit of Tolkien’s world in ways that will surprise and delight.

For fans, it is an essential pilgrimage. For newcomers, it’s a dazzling introduction to Middle-earth. It is now showing in Sands Theatres till 31 August 2025. Go catch it! It is worth the experience to be whisked away for three hours.

The LEGO Connection

Before the show, be sure to explore the impressive LEGO display in the lobby featuring iconic locations from Middle-earth.

The centerpiece, a massive, rotating Rivendell diorama accompanied by music from the show, perfectly sets the tone for the evening. It is a delightful addition that bridges the gap between childhood imagination and theatrical spectacle.

Now playing until 31 August 2025 at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands

Tickets from $68 at SISTIC

Duration:
2 hours 55 minutes (including intermission)