Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The show feels a lot like something you could see at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or above a London pub as closing time otherwise beckons. It's overmatched by the Broadway Playhouse; the show would be far better in a space about half this size, ideally with tables for drinks, this being one of those attractions likely funnier to those who have pregamed their experience."
Chicago Sun Times
- Recommended
"...Richard Marsh, a UK-based actor and poet, doubled down on the otherness of “Die Hard” by transforming it into an award-winning one-person stage show presented almost entirely in rhyming verse. “Yippee Ki Yay: The Parody Celebration of ‘Die Hard,’” named for a quotable line from the film, has arrived in Chicago for a limited run in the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and reframes the story as a meditation on loving a piece of pop culture so much that it ages alongside you, for better or worse."
Chicago Reader
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Yippee Ki Yay is an admirable undertaking and right up the alley of a Die Hard hyperfan, but lacks in its ability to captivate. It’s fine enough, and lots of quips get giggles, but if you aren’t obsessed with damn near every line of the original film, as well as its pop culture references, you might want to pass on this production."
Around The Town Chicago
- Recommended
"..."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."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Recommended
"...For fans of the original “Die Hard” action film, this is the perfect companion piece. With commentary about its bizarre plot, its 1980’s fashions and its melodramatic acting style, the laughs come fast and furious. Amiable Richard Marsh’s skill as a writer and talent as a performer will bring back memorable moments of the film, while offering laugh-out-loud humor about the movie. Even for those who, like myself, aren’t too familiar with the Bruce Willis film, there’s enough to enjoy in this delightful parody to please even the most Die Hard Critic."
The Fourth Walsh
- Recommended
"...Nearly four decades later, Playwright and Performer Richard Marsh brings the John McCane hero to the stage. He has developed a clever one man show as an unauthorized parody of “Die Hard.” Marsh weaves together the story of his courtship of his now wife with McCane fighting terrorists to rescue his wife and all the hostages. The British actor gives distinct voice to McCane, Holly, Hans, Carl and others. He’s most impressive mimicking the late Alan Rickman (Hans) with Professor Snape undertones. Marsh is also a poet. His narration is all done in verse. The show is one epic poem"
Chicago Culture Authority
- Highly Recommended
"...In 75 action-packed minutes, Marsh not only reimagines John McTiernan’s 1988 action film from a decidedly off-kilter perspective, he also takes us through his relationship with wife Jennifer from their first meeting to their wedding (performed by an officiant dressed as Hans Gruber who proclaimed it “a Nakatomi matrimony ceremony”) to becoming parents to navigating a near-breakup. Rather than feeling tacked-on, these sections of the show are by turns amusing and affecting. Marsh is quite charming and elicits genuine interest in his romantic ups and downs. It’s like a Mike Birbiglia show if Birbiglia were to weave action-movie parodies into his relationship storylines."
Splash Magazine
- Recommended
"...Yippee Ki Yay is Richard Marsh's one-man twisted tale of Christmas. Die Hard has always had controversy swirling about as to whether it is a Christmas film. After all, this action-packed film starring Bruce Willis was released on July 15, 1988, not during the holiday season. Of course, despite its summer release, Holiday Inn, starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Marjorie Reynolds, is considered a solid, non-controversial Christmas movie."
