FELLOWSHIP OVERVIEW:
“FELLOWSHIP!” is a musical parody of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” specifically focusing on the events of “The Fellowship of the Ring.” It’s a comedic take on the epic fantasy, incorporating original songs and poking fun at the characters and plot.
The book by Kelly Holden-Bashar and Joel McCrary
Music by Allen Simpson
Lyrics and additional material by Brian D. Bradley, Lisa Fredrickson, Kelly Holden-Bashar, Joel McCrary, Edi Patterson, Steve Purnick, Cory Rouse, Allen Simpson, Ryan Smith, Peter Allen Vogt and Matthew Stephen Young.
ONE RING TO MAKE THEM SING!
What else would happen when you bring together Hobbits, Wizards and Elves! This over-the-top retelling of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel will delight avid fans and those unfamiliar with Lord of the Rings.
Fellowship! The Musical features 12 original songs performed by an epic cast of 10 actors. With a budget that could barely afford Gandalf’s pipe, the Maverick promises the actors will be clothed and the music will be jolly. One doesn’t simply walk into Mordor you’ve gotta sing and dance!
Directed by Brian Newell and performed at the Maverick Theatre in Fullerton California from April 4-May 17 2025
Ashton’s credits include Lisa the Hobbit, The Inn Keeper of the Prancing Pony, Black Rider, and Gimli the Dwarf
Reviews:
Fanboy Nation (Author RC Samo)
- Highlight: Then there’s Ashton Haugen as Gimli—this production’s showstopper. From the moment she stomped on stage, it was impossible to look away. Her physical comedy, earnest delivery, and fully committed dwarf energy was amazing. Her costume however, had me singing, ‘Diggy Diggy Hole‘ in my head wishing to hear her breakout into the song mid-scene. Her performance had me fixated and belly laughing the entire time she was on stage.
Orange Curtain Review author Daniella Litvak
- HighLight: Fellowship! is a lot of fun. There is a clear affection for its source material. It included some deeper cuts – like a Tom Bombadil reference. It was not afraid to poke fun at plot points or the character dynamics, such as the relationships between Frodo and Sam (Enrique Munoz Jr.) and Legolas (Samantha Green) and Gimli (Ashton Haugen).
Connie and the Theatre (Instagram reviewer)
- Highlight: The cast brought incredible energy, fully embracing the show’s quirky humor. Jonathan Haidl, Ashton Haugen, and Brian Cook each had great moments, like Jonathan nailing Boromir’s iconic line, Ashton shining in a duet as Gimli, and Brian’s Gandalf hilariously falling into Moria.
Photos by Austin Bauman:
Photos by Knicole Haggins
