Last week, my friend, Deb and I ventured to Broadway in Chicago for a night of Yippee Ki Yay—a one-man parody celebration of the legendary 1980s Christmas movie, Die Hard. Yes, I said Christmas movie, and no, I will not be taking questions at this time. It is a Christmas Movie 😀
Going in, I knew the basics: it was a parody, it was Die Hard, and it was a one-man show of physical comedy. But what I didn’t know? Just how uproariously funny, cleverly heartfelt, and inventive this show would be. Brace yourself, because this isn’t your average parody—it’s Die Hard reimagined as poetry, blended with tender personal storytelling, and sprinkled with more hysterical accents than you’d find at an international improv convention. (Hans Gruber and Karl? Perfection!)
And then there’s Richard Marsh. A British Talent, Fringe Festival Winner, London Poetry Slam Champion, comedy scriptwriting wizard—and now, my unofficial nominee for the “Can You Believe One Person Can Do All This?” Hall of Fame. Marsh doesn’t just perform this show; he transforms it into a rollicking, laugh-out-loud joyride that somehow weaves together action, romance, family drama, and comedy gold. His ability to embody every character (terrorists and all), while leaping between accents and emotions, left me both in stitches and in awe.
Let me back up. If you’re unfamiliar with Die Hard, first of all: shame on you. Rectify this immediately—it’s an essential piece of holiday cheer! For those who need a refresher, here’s the gist: Terrorists take an LA skyscraper hostage. Off-duty cop John McClane (played by the iconic Bruce Willis) becomes the unlikeliest of heroes, fighting to save his estranged wife and a host of innocent partygoers. Explosions, catchphrases, and bad guys falling off buildings ensue.
Now imagine all that action distilled into a single, endlessly entertaining performance. Marsh captures the movie’s adrenaline-pumping essence while adding his own poetic twist, crafting a story that’s not just a parody but a celebration of love, reconciliation, and the sheer joy of storytelling.
Pro tip: If you rewatch Die Hard before the show (as I did last weekend), you’ll catch even more of the clever nods to the movie. But honestly, even if you go in blind, Marsh’s brilliance will keep you laughing—and maybe even tearing up—ahead of the holiday season.
In short, this show is a must-see. Whether you’re a longtime Die Hard fan or just someone looking for something fresh and wildly entertaining, Yippee Ki Yay is the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
I will end this review with the words “Yippee Ki Yay ************”
