From Movie to Musical 从电影到音乐剧

Did you like the film ‘The Lord of the Rings?’ Are you a performer who can sing and dance? And most importantly, are you less than 1.7 metres tall with big,hairyfeet?

If the answer is yes to all of these questions then maybe you shouldauditionfor a part in the newstage productionof themusical versionof the Lord of the Rings.

Hundreds ofaspiring actorshave descended upon London’s Theatre Royal hoping to be cast ashobbitsin the new musical version of JRR Tolkien’s classicfantasy novel. The show, which will open in June 2007, will be the most expensive everstagedin London, costing an estimated ￡12.5 million.

Competition isfierceto get a part in thelavishproduction with actorsqueuing round the blockjust to get a few seconds to impress theaudition panel.

However, the show’sproducerKevin Wallace has said that he is sure he will find some actors in the open auditions.

“From everyopen callI have ever done, people haveended upin the show," Mr Wallace said, "We will not go through this process and not find anyone to join the show, I am absolutely confident of that."

The Lord of the Rings musical is the latestWest End showto be adapted from Hollywood movies.Theatre-goersin London can enjoy a wide variety of musicals based on films - The Producers, Mary Poppins, Dirty Dancing and Billy Elliot all began life on thesilver screen.

If thetrendcontinues, perhaps we will soon see King Kong the Musical or Spiderman’s Song and Dance Show on the London stage.

What about you? Which film would you like to see as a musical? Send your ideas and suggestions to chinaelt@bbc.co.uk or use the comments form at the top of the page.