“Toronto’s stage adaptation of The Lord of the Rings will not only transform the entire inside of the Princess of Wales Theatre into Middle-Earth, but it is being billed as the city’s biggest hope to restore its theatre and tourism industries to their pre-SARS financial health… In addition to the $3-million Ontario government loan, the trade and travel group Tourism Toronto is committed to provide $3-million in marketing support. And although [the play’s lead producer] said the production will have ‘no problem’ raising the rest of the money needed, he is campaigning hard for a $3-million loan from the federal government, which he described as crucial for financing a production of this size.”