Story and photos by Melissa Buckley
GUIDON staff
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This summer, the Pulaski Fine Arts Association is bringing the literary classic “The Hobbit” to life at the Theatre on the Square in downtown Waynesville.

This isn’t PFAA’s first adventure into the realm of fantasy fiction. After 2009’s production of “Narnia,” director Natalie McCart said she was approached by several people asking her to do a similar production, and the stage version of J.R.R. Tolkien’s first literary foray into Middle Earth challenged her and the cast to re-create a world of goblins, trolls, dragons, wizards, dwarfs, elves, hobbits and more for area audiences to enjoy.

“I love bringing fantasy fiction alive on stage,” said McCart. She added her favorite part of directing the play has been watching the different characterizations unfold. 

“It is amazing to work with each actor and watch as they take their part,” she said. “Together, we create this fantastic person or creature.”

Dylan Balestraci plays Thorin Oakensheild. Balestraci said he is currently perfecting his character and memorizing his lines.

    “Thorin is the leader of the dwarves. I didn’t expect such a major role, as this is my first time doing a play,” Balestraci said.

    Balestraci is interested in comedy and is happy that his character has some chances to let loose. 

    “There are several moments when Thorin gets to step out of his serious role and have fun. I like that,” Balestraci said.

    In all, about 50 people are working on this production. With 25 actors and actresses and 33 costumes to design, several people play more than one role.

    “I start preparing months in advance of actual auditions because of the enormity of the play,” McCart said. “Stuff like stage design, special effects and costuming ideas all have to be thought out to some extent before you begin casting. We rehearse five nights a week and some Saturdays for eight weeks, so we started rehearsals in early April.”

McCart said this play is suitable for all ages to enjoy, as there are adults and children in the cast and a lot of action, to include a battle scene they are working on. She said the audience can expect to be “mesmerized.”

  “Between the costuming, acting, constantly changing scenery, special effects and lots of action, we have put together a quality show that will keep the audience excited and leaving satisfied,” McCart said.

Opening night is set for June 1. The house opens at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Additional dates are June 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday matinee is scheduled June 10 at 1:30 p.m. with house opening at 1 p.m. Tickets outlets are located at the St. Robert Tourism Bureau, Charmed Cakes in Waynesville and Reznicek Dental Office. 

“Some tickets will be available at the door, but they sell out pretty fast,” McCart said. “All the hard work that is put into a show means nothing if there isn’t an audience to appreciate it. As a 100 percent volunteer organization we don’t get paid for what we do. Our payment is performing for you the audience, as together, we share the experience of a wonderful show.”

For more information, visit www.pfaa-tots.webs.com.