The land of J.R.R. Tolkien is coming to Pittsburgh in a new adaptation for the stage! Voice of the Arts takes a peak backstage of The Hobbit at the Pittsburgh Public Theater. In Part 1 of this 2 part series, actor Russell Saylor (Bilbo), and Director Maya Sea Kaminski talk about this fun production that draws you into the world of the Hobbit through the role-playing game of Dungeons and Dragons. Russell highlights how this adaptation straddles the line between introducing a new audience to the Hobbit in a familiar way, and telling a story many people know and love. Marya talks about the challenges this adaptation brings with a small cast to play all of its characters, and how puppets bring a new but fun element to the story. Russell hopes everyone comes out to see this fun and active play, and Marya hopes the joyful space in the rehearsal room is seen and shared with everyone. Listen to Part 2 to hear from puppet artists Matt Acheson and Jamie Agnello about their role in bringing two big characters to life, Gollum and the fierce dragon, Smaug. Visit https://ppt.org/production/94335/the-hobbit to learn more and find tickets!