“Yippee Ki Yay” The Parody of Die Hard reviewed by Frank Meccia

*** “Yippee Ki Yay” Brings the Iconic Die Hard to Life—One-Man Style
If you’re a fan of Die Hard—or just someone who loves clever storytelling and innovative theater—you’re in for a treat with “Yippee Ki Yay”. This one-man parody show, written and performed by the brilliant Richard Marsh, is currently captivating audiences at the Broadway Playhouse. Whether you’re a die-hard fan (pun intended) or new to the franchise, this unique performance is a celebration of creativity, nostalgia, and wit.

A Die-Hard Fan Takes the Stage
Marsh, a British performer and self-proclaimed Die Hard superfan, takes on the ambitious task of portraying all the iconic characters from the 1988 action classic. From John McClane’s gritty, wisecracking heroism to Hans Gruber’s suave menace, and even to Holly Gennero’s no-nonsense poise, Marsh brings them all to life with remarkable precision and charm. Over 75 action-packed minutes, he seamlessly shifts between characters, voices, and even personalities, leaving the audience in awe of his versatility.

But what makes Yippee Ki Yay more than just a comedic re-enactment is the way Marsh interweaves his own life story into the narrative. Fans will love hearing how Die Hard shaped his life, from meeting his wife (also a fan) on Christmas Eve, to navigating the ups and downs of marriage and family life. It’s a clever, heartfelt layer that gives the parody unexpected emotional weight.

A Minimalist Masterpiece
Despite its simple set, Yippee Ki Yay never feels lacking. The production makes ingenious use of lighting, sound effects, smoke, and timing to recreate the thrilling action sequences of the movie. Lighting designer Robbie Butler deserves special praise for crafting dynamic effects that keep audiences engaged while challenging them to use their imagination.
This minimalist approach proves that you don’t need a blockbuster budget to deliver high-quality entertainment. Instead, the show relies on sharp writing, expert timing, and Marsh’s magnetic stage presence to keep the energy high and the laughs rolling.

Accessible and Enjoyable for All
Even if you’ve never seen Die Hard (or don’t remember it well), the show is accessible and thoroughly enjoyable. For fans, it’s a nostalgic celebration; for newcomers, it’s a hilarious introduction to the iconic story. Either way, you’ll leave with a smile—and maybe even a newfound appreciation for John McClane’s enduring legacy.
 Performance and Ticket Details
“Yippee Ki Yay”  runs through the holiday season    (December 15th)at the Broadway Playhouse. Showtimes are:

Tuesday–Thursday: 7:00 PM                NO PERFORMANCE ON THANKSGIVING
Wednesday Matinees: 1:00 PM (Nov. 27, Dec. 4, Dec. 11)
Friday & Saturday: 7:30 PM, with Saturday matinees at 2:00 PM and one Friday matinee at 1:00 PM (Nov. 29)
Sunday: 1:00 PM, with one evening performance at 6:30 PM (Nov. 24).

Final Thoughts
Directed by Hal Chambers, Yippee Ki Yay is an imaginative, heartwarming tribute to one of America’s most beloved action films. Richard Marsh’s brilliant performance, paired with clever production design, makes for an unforgettable evening at the theater. Whether you’re reliving McClaine’s heroics or experiencing them for the first time, this parody is the perfect holiday outing. Don’t miss your chance to yell, “Yippee Ki Yay!” along with the rest of the audience.
Grab your tickets now and prepare to laugh, reminisce, and be thoroughly entertained!

Tickets range from $40–$95, with a daily digital lottery offering $25 tickets for those looking to snag a deal. The Broadway Playhouse’s intimate design ensures that there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house.

The Broadway Playhouse is located at  175 East Chestnut ( Right by Water Tower Place) parking in Water Tower Place can be validated at box office to save $

To order tickets visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com or visit any Broadway In Chicago Theater box office.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at ” Yipee Ki Yay”.

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Whether you are a Die Hard fan, or you’ve never even heard of the movie, this is one show you don’t want to miss! Yippee Ki Yay (the parody celebration of Die Hard), stars acclaimed writer, actor and poet Richard Marsh in a genre-bending stage show retelling of the 1988 action hit from the perspective of one man, alternating with the other “John McClane” Darrel Bailey throughout the month long run. Will you get Rich or Darren, will they wear shoes? Only one way to find out!

In this atypical Behind the Curtain interview, we step into the mind of a Die Hard superfan with a twist! In the first of its kind, Marsh is interviewed by two people, one being a self proclaimed “die hard Die Hard fan” and the other having never seen the film before opening night. You’ll be surprised to find out which is which!

Come out to Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, get tickets together, have a few laughs, and learn just what exactly a TV dinner feels like from now until December 15th!

The Link to watch/listen:

‘Yippee Ki Yay’ is a one-man ‘Die Hard’ show unlike any other at Broadway Playhouse until December 15th! | WGN Radio 720 – Chicago’s Very Own