BWW Reviews: Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre's Funny Production of THE ONE-HOUR STAR WARS TRILOGY:LIVE!

I was thirteen when Star Wars came out in May of 1977, and it made quite an impression on this particular teenage boy. The profits also made Hollywood aware of the potential of science fiction movies on the big screen, and so a slew of goofy knock-offs glutted the market immediately afterward. I was a little older when The Empire Strikes Back came out, and even more so by the time Return of the Jedi premiered, but I found them to be enjoyable romps as well, although I personally could have done without the Ewoks in the latter. Nevertheless, the films have made quite an impact on our culture, as well as spawning three more prequels that aren't even worth mentioning. Now, it's thirty-three years later, and I get to witness the Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre's production of  The One-Hour Star Wars Trilogy: Live!. I'm happy to report that it's a fond, fast and funny trip back in time for a fan like myself.

The plot is unimportant, and if you haven't seen the movies first, then I suggest you rent them because you'll probably find even more to laugh about that way. Suffice to say that there is an evil empire that's building a "death star" that will have the capability of blowing up an entire planet. The good guys, in the person of the rebel alliance, are bound and determined to defeat them. At least, that's the basic breakdown of the first and third films. And, it all plays out in the form of an old time serial cliffhanger.

Joshua Payne amuses with his overacting and overreacting as Luke Skywalker, while Amy Kelly exaggerates the sarcastic qualities already inherent in the character of Princess Leia to good effect, and Ben Ritchie brings the proper amount of swagger to his turn as Han Solo. Chris Jones does fine work as Obi Wan Kenobi, but really shines channeling Frank Oz's voice while he manipulates an altered Kermit puppet as Yoda. Andrew Keller delivers the expected gurgling throat noises as Chewbacca, and David Morehead imbues his C3PO with a haughty stuffiness.

Nick Kelly is a lumbering Darth Vader, complete with mysterious chest electronics that actually conjures up his theme song when the right key is depressed. Roger Erb is a riot as Lando Calrissian, working the "Billy Dee Williams as spokesperson" angle to milk laughs from the material. James Slover is especially good as an imperial commander who can't seem to get a word in edgewise with Vader.

A solid supporting cast includes: Adam Flores, Blaine Adams, Mike Juncal ("It's a trap!"), Jimmy Krawcyzk and Beth Wickenhauser.

Donna Northcott directs with a light touch, and keeps the action humming on hyper drive. Linda Lawson-Mixon's simple star field and planet background is appropriate, and Amanda Handle and Amy Kelly provide the silly, but effective costumes, which make great use of plastic buckets. Handle, Jon Elkins and Chris Jones come up with some interesting prop choices, in particular the imperial walkers. Lori Peeples adds to the fun with a clever sound design, and Natalie Smith provides the lighting scheme.

The Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre's entertaining presentation of The One-Hour Star Wars Trilogy: Live! continues through May 8, 2010 at the Regional Arts Commission on Delmar Boulevard.

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