J.R.R. Tolkien had no idea what he was starting when, as a professor of languages at Oxford, he began creating his own language. That imaginary language set the stage for a world that existed vividly in his mind. It became known as Middle Earth. Then he created “The Hobbit.”  Now the movie version of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” directed by filmmaker Peter Jackson who directed “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, is coming to Connecticut. Here’s a list of five ways to celebrate Middle Earth in Connecticut.

Regal Cinemas Brass Mills Center 12
495 Union St.
Waterbury, CT 06706
(203) 757-2244
www.brassmillcenter.com/movies
 
Midnight has always been the bewitching hour and that’s when the magic will happen at the Regal Cinemas Brass Mills Theatre on December 13 into December 14. Expect fans to show up dressed in full costume for this exciting event. To get fans even more excited, there will be a “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy marathon on December 8. Special rates are available for the trilogy and “The Hobbit” showings. Call the theater for details.

The Warner Theatre Costume Shop
68 Main St.
Torrington, CT 06790
(860) 489-7180
www.warnertheatre.org

Leave it to Aurora Montenero, costume supervisor of the Warner Theatre in Torrington, to anticipate the midnight openings of “The Hobbit” at area theaters. In celebration, she is offering a special rate for “The Hobbit” fans who want to attend theater openings in proper costume. “We’ve got everything here,” said the vivacious costumer. “We’ve got the knickers, the long coats, the collarless shirts and even the hairy feet. What we don’t have, we’ll make,” she said with a laugh. Anticipating a lot of Middle Earth parties and events, she’s offering just about all of “The Hobbit” costumes in the shop at a price of $50.

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The Phoenix Stage Company
686 Rubber Ave.
Naugatuck, CT 06770
(203) 632-8546
www.phoenixstagecompany.org

The Phoenix Stage Company also has a costume shop. It’s smaller than the Warner’s Costume Shop, but Ed Bassett, president of the theatre company, said they would certainly have costumes suitable for “The Hobbit” and all things Middle Earth. “I’m sure we could come up with something for eager fans,” he said. For prices and information, contact the theater at (203) 632-8546.

 
Regal Stratford Stadium 14
411 Barnum Ave. Cutoff
Stratford, CT 06614
(203) 381-9100
www.fandango.com

Tolkien fans in Stratford will also have an opportunity to partake in the trilogy marathon. The movie house will show “The Lord of the Rings” (LOTR) trilogy on December 8, the week before the big opening. According to the movie administrators, “The Lord of the Rings” will have three showings: “The Fellowship of the Ring” at 11:15 a.m.; “Two Towers” at 3:30 p.m.; and “Return of the King” at 8 p.m. “The Hobbit” will open on December 14.

Stratford Library
2203 Main St.
Stratford, CT 06615
(203) 385-4164
www.stratfordlibrary.org
 
“The Hobbit” fans will want to check in with the Stratford Library, which will be featuring J.R.R. Tolkein books from December 8-15. Tom Holehan, the programming director at the library, is sure to have a great display. The library will have an exhibit of “The Hobbit”-related books on display in conjunction with the new film. “Our children’s department is also hosting a special ‘Hobbit’ program for youngsters on Saturday, December 8 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.”

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