The Father, Son and the Holy Force

Yes, I finally saw it yesterday: The One Man Star Wars Trilogy at the Apollo Theater Chicago.

I've been trying to see this for a while. Winter of 2003 was when I first heard of it, but we couldn't get it together. Last month it snowed and snowed and snowed; the theater was incredibly generous and let us reschedule. Last night, it all came together.

The cast:

Charles Ross (Luke Skywalker)

Charles Ross (Han Solo)

Charles Ross (Princess Leia)

Charles Ross (Grand Moff Tarkin)

Charles Ross (Obi-Wan Kenobi)

Charles Ross (C-3PO)

Charles Ross (R2-D2)

Charles Ross (Chewbacca)

Charles Ross (Uncle Owen)

Charles Ross (Aunt Beru)

...

Charles Ross (Red 2)

Charles Ross (Red 3)

Charles Ross (Gold Leader)

Charles Ross (X Wing Fighter)

Charles Ross (20th Century Fox Fanfare)

Charles Ross (London Symphony Orchestra)

...


Etc., etc. You get the idea. :-)

Minor annoyance: it was a little hard to hear some of the dialog. Then again, considering I (and just about everyone in the theater) know it by heart anyway, ...

SPOILERS BELOW (but only of the movies, not the play)

It was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. From the Opening Credits to the Dance of the Death Star to the end of Anakin, it was laugh after laugh after laugh, and smile after smile after smile. It couldn't have been easy to condense six hours of film into and hour and fifteen minute play, but all of that hard work certainly paid off. And the sheer amount of energy and dedication it takes to perform all of those parts solo; it was wonderful, just wonderful.

I sum it up as follows: he made great fun of the movies, in the way that only someone who really loves and enjoys them can do.

I'd love to say more, but I really don't want to spoil it for those who might get a chance to see it. And if you are lucky enough to get a chance, go see it!

His next production: One Man Lord of the Rings.

After the show, he gave us all some advice: if you have a crazy dream, do what it takes and make it happen. Inspiration for us all.