In an unprecedented move, the provincial government of Ontario has signed on to become an investor in the massive new musical production of The Lord of the Rings, set to open in Toronto in 2006. “Taking on a role traditionally played by impresarios, idealists and other theatrical gamblers, the provincial government will contribute some $2.5 million of the show’s $23 million budget, betting that the production’s global appeal will justify a unique, and risky, public-private partnership.” The province stands to gain a great deal from a successful run – Toronto will have exclusivity for the show through spring 2007 – and while there is some risk involved, government officials expect the show to turn a $40 million profit.