Brightest Young Things

When you were a kid, did you ever watch a movie/tv-show and later enthusiastically recount its awesomeness to anyone who would listen? If not, surely you’re familiar with how they go: “And then the good guys totally surprised the bad guys, which wasn’t a big deal AT ALL because the bad guys had no idea that…” You get the idea. Well, Charles Ross’ One Man Lord of the Rings, now playing at Wooly Mammoth Theatre Company, is The Iliad of such breathless summaries. Condensing the 683 minute trilogy into 65 minutes is no small feat, and Ross ably succeeds with athleticism, vocal dexterity, and laughs aplenty.

Armed with a microphone and kneepads, Ross' unleashes fervent recreations at a breakneck pace. In the span of mere seconds, he rattles off strong impressions of Elijah Wood, Christopher Lee, and Ian McKellen.  Impressions of Sean Astin as Sam and Andy Serkis as Gollum are particularly striking, which is no surprise, as those actors have memorable voices. Gestures define less distinctive characters – Ross’ reference to Legolas, for example, is a great running gag. Vocal interpretations of the film score are equally persuasive, and later prove a necessary reference point.

Later Ross defines battle scenes with fierce cries and orc impressions that are borderline creepy. Other moments, such as Frodo’s offering to Galadriel, are relatively more intimate.  With such rapid-fire shifts, director TJ Dawe is invaluable, as lighting signals whether the audience should imagine The Shire, Mordor, or Helm’s Deep. Such manic intensity requires extreme physical exertion, and Ross is up to the task. Amidst the screams and snarls, he sprints, jumps, tumbles, and lunges. Considering Ross indulges in only two brief water breaks, his sustained energy is a feat to behold.

While not necessarily a weakness, it’s worth noting your understanding of the performance will be directly proportional to your familiarity with the story.  Let me put it this way: do you remember Denethor’s poor table manners when he has Pippin sing during the battle of Minas Tirith? No? Then One Man Lord of the Rings isn’t the show for you. Sure, Ross interjects clever pop culture references and obligatory gay jokes, but I’m certain you’ll be confused if you’ve only seen the movies once. On the other hand, Ross’ work is so good you may want to refresh your Middle-earth memories beforehand. After One Man Star Wars and now this, I feel comfortable saying he is the reigning master of comically spastic reductive storytelling.

One Man Lord of the Rings is playing at Woolly through August 1st. Buy tickets here!

Previously in Play DC:

• 5/9: PlayDC: The Taming of the Shrew @ Folger Theatre
• 5/3: PlayDC: God of Carnage @ Signature Theatre
• 4/25: PlayDC: "Come Fly Away" @ Kennedy Center
• 4/23: PlayDC: "Strange Interlude" @ Shakespeare Theatre Company
• 4/17: PlayDC: The Washington Ballet's Alice (in Wonderland)!
• 4/10: PlayDC: Long Day's Journey Into Night @ Arena Stage
• 3/22: PHOTOS: Behind The Scenes With PETRUSHKA's Puppeteers
• 3/21: PlayDC: Brother Russia @ Signature Theater
• 3/20: PlayDC: 12 Angry Men @ Keegan Theatre
• 3/19: PLAYDC: Ah, Wilderness! @ Arena Stage