Broadway in Chicago presents YIPPEE KI YAY The Parody Celebration of Die Hard.
Bruce Willis’ iconic performance in “Die Hard” and “Die Hard II” created cult-classic Christmas movies. In both films, the terrorist plots utilized the holidays as an opportunity to attack. Willis played a NYC cop meeting up with his wife. His signature sarcasm turned the action adventures into box office blockbusters.
Nearly four decades later, Playwright and Performer Richard Marsh brings the John McCane hero to the stage. He has developed a clever one man show as an unauthorized parody of “Die Hard.” Marsh weaves together the story of his courtship of his now wife with McCane fighting terrorists to rescue his wife and all the hostages. The British actor gives distinct voice to McCane, Holly, Hans, Carl and others. He’s most impressive mimicking the late Alan Rickman (Hans) with Professor Snape undertones. Marsh is also a poet. His narration is all done in verse. The show is one epic poem
Under the tight direction of Hal Chambers, Marsh never leaves the stage. He uses well-placed props to support his storytelling. A watering can serves as a fountain. Dusting powder smudges his ‘vest’. And a teddy bear provides for an endearing exchange.
Marsh retells the familiar story with a personal twist. His interpretation amuses on multiple levels. He pokes fun of the inconsistencies of the movie and of relationships. A couple times, he nods out to life beyond the 1988 feature film. And he gives us a glimpse into the life of a bespectacled English bloke with dreams of embodying a hero. YIPPEE KI YAY is for both McCane fans and Nakatomi novices. It’s one man’s delightful tribute to his own Die Hard obsession.
Running Time: Eighty minutes with no intermission
At Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut
Unauthorized parody of the movie “Diehard”
Written and performed by Richard Marsh
Directed by Hal Chambers
Performances are:
Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7pm
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 2pm
Sundays at 1pm
Thru December 15
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Rod Penn
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