Youth theater puts new spin on ‘Hobbit’

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theatre will present “The Hobbit, A Classroom Parody,” adapted and directed by Jim Canacci.

The play is based on “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien, which follows the quest of home-loving hobbit Bilbo Baggins to win a share of the treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug.

Personal growth and forms of heroism are central themes to the story, and Canacci has emphasized these as he creates a story within a story.

Canacci describes his play as a classroom parody. “Our play uses Tolkien’s story as a way of dealing with issues children face in school — from bullying and standing up for yourself, to finding a voice and your place in the world. My hope was to create a piece that is both funny and thought provoking.”

Dylan Fitzpatrick plays Bilbo Baggins, with David El’Hatton as Smaug and Dave Wolford as Gandalf.

Snezana Jelic is the assistant director of the production, and Carolyn Berlin is stage manager.

Public performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. next Saturday. There also will be weekday performances Wednesday and Thursday for elementary and middle schools. Seats are still available.

For reservations, call 330-788-8739.