This December, Know Theatre of Cincinnati has decided to address a decades-long debate with the World Premiere of the play Die Hard is a Christmas Movie. Written by A.J. Baldwin and Alexx Rouse, this spoof-parody of the 1988 blockbuster hit tells the story of a family willing to risk it all to make it Christmas morning – or die trying. For those who may be wondering: no, you do NOT need to have seen the film – but you’ll get some extra laughs if you have.
The Production Team
Director Tatiana Godfrey adeptly leads the way for a stellar group of artists. While pacing does lose its way a bit in Act II, it is mostly very steady in its forward progression. Ms. Godfrey also ensures that every single bit of space is used to its utmost which is no easy feat. Her direction really does make one forget that only four actors are playing a plethora of roles.
Back in Cincinnati for the holiday season is Scenic Designer Sarah Beth Hall and she isn’t messing around! The set has so many moving parts without being overwhelming. It is bright and colourful and extraordinarily useful. Brava, Ms. Hall! Complementing her excellent work is Lighting Design by Chris Lipstreu as well as Sound & Projection Design by Douglas Borntrager. Both designers have made it easy for the audience to concentrate on the exact right parts of the stage at the exact right times. All in all, the aesthetics of this one are unlike the usual things seen at Know or even in the area!
The Performing Artists
It is only fitting a play incorporating the ideals of a huge action film would have a huge amount of talent in its four cast members. Returning to Cincinnati temporarily to play the role of Mack, our paternal figure and would-be hero, is Phineas Clark. Mr. Clark is an excellent choice to play a character similar to Bruce Willis’ John McLane. His physicality is quite the asset in this role and he finds an excellent balance between understanding a spoof while giving us genuine emotion.
Playing the roles of Bonnie, as well as Al (the cop) is Beasley. We’ve seen a lot of them in Cincinnati, but these roles are some of the best they’ve tackled. Beasley’s juxtaposition between their two very different characters is seamless and impressive. While there is a tongue-in-cheek moment alluding to both characters being portrayed by the same actor, the joke is especially funny as neither portrayal is at all alike.
Doing the bulk of the heavy lifting, character-wise, are artists Andrew Ian Adams and Alexx Rouse. These two switch characters like nobody’s business and still manage to find both the humour and professionalism in the process. I can only imagine the energy and discipline it must take to make these transitions look so easy. Bravx to each of these exceptional performing artists!
The cast of Know Theatre’s Die Hard is a Christmas Movie. Photo credit to Mikki Schaffner Photography.
The Sweet and Lowdown
While I don’t celebrate Christmas, I am partial to some of its ideals. At the heart of this holiday is a beautiful tenet of love, family, and happiness. While this show is rife with laughs and good-natured ribs, its theme of two children wanting their parents to stay together so they can remain a family is not only touching, but highly relatable to many. Die Hard is a Christmas Movie is a sweet and funny tale of an everyday family struggling with the fact that they are not perfect, but love each other just the same. That, my friends, is universal.
Tickets
Die Hard is a Christmas Movie presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati runs now through December 22nd. Tickets are going fast, so be sure to get yours here.
- Rated: PG-13
- Running time: 1 hour and 45 minutes + intermission
- KNOW THEATRE: 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Monday, December 16 @ 7:30pm – SPECIAL Arts & Service Industry Night: $20 tickets
- Wednesday, December 18 @ 7:30pm – SPECIAL Welcome Wednesdays: $15 advance reservations & pay-what-you-wish walk-up tickets (available one-hour prior to performance)
- Friday, December 20 @ 7:30pm – ASL Interpreted
- Doors & Underground Bar open one hour prior to start time
