What I liked
The raw fun of it all! The whole cast (the villains in particular) are just so over the top.
What I didn't like
This production is a tiny bit rushed, but that seems unavoidable given the Fringe. And I really doubt many folks would notice it if they hadn’t seen one of the regular performances at Christmas.
My overall impression
This show has a simple but delicious conceit—adapting the hit action movie not only into a musical but a Christmas musical, taking music from a variety of holiday specials and movies. This alone works. Add to that a tiny mountain of pop references, easter eggs, wonderful theatrical flourishes worthy of farce and the recipe then waits only for a good production. Wisely, TU keeps changing up the cast each year, which helps keep in fresh—especially in terms of the villain Hans Gruber, as juicy a chance to chew up scenery as anyone could as for! Comedy is a strangely delicate thing. One misfire can set off a cascade of deadly silence. Likewise start off right and keep the right momentum going and even a flub becomes part of the overall hilarity. A Very Die Hard Christmas makes for a fine example of boisterous, clever fun. When I’m not laughing watching this I’m nearly always grinning. (Note: If you have not seen the movie, though, you probably won’t “get” this show—just sayin’)
