"The Hobbit" Play Adaption

[Hirilaelin]

I don't know if this is the right place, but "The Hobbit," is a book, so...

I am currently working on a play adaption of "The Hobbit," (Yes, I know that there is already one.) and I was wondering if anyone would like to help me with the project. I have already written Gandalf's meeting with Bilbo, and Bilbo's meeting of the dwarves, and I am working on the dinner. I'll post Scene One of Act One.

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The Hobbit
a play adaptation

Cast:
Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit
Gandalf, a wizard
Thorin Oakenshield
Balin
Dwalin
Fili
Kili
Ori
Dori
Nori
Oin
Gloin
Bifur
Bofur
Bombur, all dwarves
Tom
Burt
William, three trolls
Elrond, Master of Rivendell
Goblin King
Gollum, a creature
Beorn, a skin-changer
spiders
Elven King of Mirkwood
Master of Lake Town
Bard, man of Lake Town
Smaug, the dragon
also, various elves, goblins, dwarves, and men, and Narrator

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Act One, Scene One
Introduction, and Bilbo's meeting with Gandalf
This scene takes place outside of Bilbo's hobbit hole, on a fine spring morning.

Narrator: In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy, hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit hole, and that means comfort. The door was perfectly round, and was painted green with a shiny yellow brass knob right in the middle. Inside, it was very comfortable, with tiled and carpeted floors, many windows, and furnished with many polished chairs, and many pegs for hats and coats, as this hobbit was fond of visitors. The hobbit that lived in this hole was one well to do and quite respectable Mister Bilbo Baggins. But now I suppose, you are wanting to know what exactly a hobbit is. They are a small folk, and shy of "The Big People," as they call us. Their height is, of average, three and a half feet, and they are inclined to be rather stout, being fond of eating and drinking. The clothes that they wear are of bright colors, generally green and yellow, and they wear no shoes, for their feet are thick soled and leathery, with thick brown hair, like that of their heads, growing on top. And, they do not like adventures, preferring peace and quiet, and good food. And, it is on this note that I begin my story…

*fade to Bilbo outside his hobbit hole, smoking his pipe, and blowing smoke rings*

Bilbo: *at this moment, Gandalf walks up, and stops in front of his doorstep* Good morning sir!

Gandalf: *sternly* What do you mean? Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or do you feel good this morning; or that it s a morning to be good on?

Bilbo: *rather surprised* Why, all of them at once! And, I might add, a fine morning for a pipe of tobacco out of doors. You are quite welcome to join me, there is no hurry, we have all day!

Gandalf: *still sternly* I thank you for the invitation, but I have no time this morning to share in a pipe. I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very hard to find anyone.

Bilbo: Well, I should think so, at least in these parts. We plain folk have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can't think what anybody sees in them. *takes out his letters, and reads them, pretending to think no more of Gandalf* *Gandalf continues to stand there, leaning on his stick* *Bilbo looks up at him again*

Bilbo: *in an annoyed tone* Well, good morning! We don't want any adventures here, thank you! You might try over The Hill or across The Water.

Gandalf: *rather amused* What a lot of things you do use Good Morning for! Now you mean that you want to get rid of me, and that it won't be good till I move off!

Bilbo: *getting rather flustered* Not at all, not at all, my dear sir! Let me see, I don't think I know your name?

Gandalf: Yes, yes, my dear sir! -and I do know your name, Mr. Bilbo Baggins! And you do know my name, though you don't know I belong to it. I am Gandalf, and Gandalf means me!

Bilbo: *surprised* Gandalf! Gandalf! Good gracious me! Not the very same wandering wizard of the wondrous fireworks, the very same responsible for sending so many respectable lads and lasses off into the Blue for mad adventures? I beg your pardon, but I had no idea that you were still in business.

Gandalf: *chuckling* Well, you certainly seem to remember my fireworks, even if you do not remember my name. I used to be quite well known in these parts you know. But anyhow, I will give you what you have asked for.

Bilbo: I beg your pardon, I haven't asked for anything!

Gandalf: Yes you have! Twice now. My pardon. I give it to you. In fact I will go so far as to send you on this adventure. Very amusing for me, very good for you-and profitable too, very likely, if you ever get over it.

Bilbo: *much alarmed* Sorry! I don't want any adventures, thank you. Not today. Good morning! But please come to tea-any time you like! Why not tomorrow? Come tomorrow! Good bye! *turns and scuttles into his hobbit hole and closes the door*

Gandalf: *continues to stand outside, and laughs quietly* *after a time, he stops, scratches a queer mark on Bilbo's door, and strides away* *end scene one*

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Tell me what you think, and please contribute and correct! Everyone is welcome.