Officially endorsed by Disney and Lucasfilm, his “One-Man Star Wars Trilogy” doesn’t make fun of the beloved films or their devoted fans. Ross’ penchant for quick wisecracks and improvisations serve him – and the audience – well. Even after disco is dead,” he bandied in his Obi-Wan Kenobi way. Lighting effects occasionally help set the place – from Vader’s bleak private chambers to Yoda’s swampy home world of Dagobah – and a disco ball adds dazzling drama to the Death Star explosions. “Those four years of mime school really paid off,” he quipped as he arranged his arms and torso into X-Wing and Y-Wing starfighters for the Battle of Yavin. When the wampa ice monster attacks Luke Skywalker on Hoth, Ross takes the hit and rolls dramatically across the stage, and moments later, the way he adapts the scene where Luke and fellow pilot Wedge use cables to tangle up and take down a towering four-legged Imperial walker shows off his significant acting chops. The physicality of the performance separates it from its standup comedy origins. Ross performs in just a plain black jumpsuit with knee and elbow pads, and the latter aren’t just for show. Acting out both sides of the dramatic duel between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ross supplies the masked villain’s mechanical breathing and deep voice, the old Jedi’s British accent and the swish and crash of the two light sabers. Without sets, props or costumes, he zips through the bulk of all three films at near-light speed, recreating some of the most famous moments in cinematic history with striking accuracy. He has condensed all three original “Star Wars” movies - “A New Hope,” “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” – into about an hour, which means he’s constantly chattering, moving and mimicking from the time he feigns the first famous opening crawl, cracking wise about why we need that yellow lettering to explain the film we’re about to see, anyway.Īfter an astonishing 16 years of touring with it, Ross has honed his “One-Man Star Wars Trilogy” into a cosmic theatrical feat. Ross, 43, launched a return engagement in Oklahoma City Wednesday night at the Civic Center’s Freede Little Theatre, where he first premiered his long-running “One-Man Star Wars Trilogy” in 2014 and his “One-Man Lord of the Rings” in 2015.Ĭontinuing through Sunday, Ross’ latest OKC run commemorates the 40th anniversary of the May 25, 1977, theatrical debut of “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” as well as the 15th anniversary of his local production partner, Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre (aka CityRep).īut it’s the speed and accuracy of Ross’ impersonations that confirm that he’s a master, not a learner. It’s a safe bet that even most casual “Star Wars” fans have sung the familiar opening chords to John Williams’ now iconic score.īut it’s everything that comes after the initial “Da-da-da-da-dum, da-da-da-DA-dum” that makes Charles Ross’ “One-Man Star Wars Trilogy” impressive. Review: Charles Ross proves a master with his 'One-Man Star Wars Trilogy' To read my recent interview with Charles Ross, click here. Learn more about Opening Night 2019 here.A version of this review will appear in the Sunday Life section of The Oklahoman. Wristbands are $8 in advance and can be purchased at MidFirst Bank locations and 7-Eleven stores across the city, as well as on our website. And make sure you stick around after Take Cover’s last performance for the countdown to midnight and fireworks extravaganza! Adults 21+ can make a toast with wine, beer, or champagne in our New Year’s Cheers tent in Bicentennial Park facing the Finale Stage. In between performances grab a bite and drink from one of our 11 local food trucks in Finale Alley. Norick Downtown Library, 4th Floor Theatre Type: Classical to contemporary string trio Venue: Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Founders Hall Type: Classical to pop fingerstyle guitarist New Conductor Alexander Michelthwate Venue: Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Noble Theatre Venue: Civic Center Music Hall, Freede Little Theatre Venue: Civic Center Music Hall, Hall of Mirrors (Children’s Area)

Performer: Moetowne Alex & The NightView Band There is plenty of time to catch a little bit of everything throughout the night, and we’ve put together information about each performance to help you plan the best NYE possible! Norick Downtown Library, City Hall, and Bicentennial Park.

Oklahoma’s best talent is showcased on 9 different stages across 5 venues at this year’s Opening Night celebration! From 7-11pm, experience live music, Broadway theater, dazzling illusions, and creative comedy in the Civic Center Music Hall, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Ronald J.

Freede little theatre