*** Recommended Yippee Ki Yay: The Parody Celebration of Die Hard is the perfect show for someone who thinks that Die Hard is the best Christmas movie ever made. Unfortunately, that is not me. I didn’t like the movie and don’t understand why people think it’s about Christmas. That said, Richard Marsh’s one-man re-telling of the film – all in rhyme – is quite clever. 3 Spotlights
One of my brothers is a lot like Marsh, in that he can regurgitate every line from a favorite movie, a unique ability. So Marsh does retell the Die Hard story from his own perspective weaving it into his courtship and eventual marriage to his Jen, another dork!
There were some really clever comments and observations woven into the narration. For instance, he wondered why John McClane was barefoot. I couldn’t believe it because I had just read a book in which a character talked about Die Hard and also wondered why McClane was barefoot.
When he talked about the villain, Hans Gruber, he used an awful German accent in about every third word - just like Alan Rickman. At one point, he described Rickman as a young looking Professor Snape.
Since this is a completely unauthorized parody, Marsh uses a box of Ferrero Roche chocolates – he even offers one to an audience member – a teddy bear, an oversized teddy bear, even a chair as his props. He does take off his flannel shirt to reveal a wife beater – which he insisted is called a vest. Fake blood on the vest – and the shootout commences. Dim lighting with an occasional red spot and a helicopter thump-thump and he was good to go!
Yippee Ki Yay made a splash at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as well as a successful UK tour. Although it’s played various stages here in the states, I got the sense that a pub – where fans can lubricate – would be a better venue.
Note: At some performances, Darrel Bailey will appear in Richard Marsh's place.
Yippee Ki Yay: The Parody Celebration of Die Hard runs through December 15th at Broadway in Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut, Chicago. Get your validation form from an usher for reduced rate parking in the Water Tower Place garage.
Running time is approximately one hour, 15 minutes, no intermission. Performances are Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:00 pm, with Wednesday matinees at 1:00 pm on December 4th & 11th; Fridays at 730 pm; Saturdays at 2:00 & 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 1:00 pm. Tickets range from $40-$95. FYI BroadwayInChicago.com.