Thy Hard: A Shakespearean Reimagination of Die Hard
By Michael Shaeffer
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Company Name: Michael Shaeffer
City/State: Estherville, IA
Genre: Comedy, Theatre
Ratings: Parental Guidance
Premiere: Yes
Warnings: Adult Language, Gunshots
Venue: Center for Spiritual Living
Show Times:
6:00 PM Saturday, July 20
4:30 PM Sunday, July 21
6:00 PM Tuesday, July 23
7:30 PM Friday, July 26
6:00 PM Saturday, July 27
Description:
Forsooth! National Poetry Slam poet Mike Shaeffer pitches a Shakespearean adaptation of Die Hard! Makeshift air vents, fire-hazard policies, and a budgetary cap on Twinkies rear their ugly, cream-filled heads as a desperate playwright navigates a Nakatomi Plaza of pitfalls and pentameter. Mike gets all meta, weaving sonnets and soliloquies for all the major players: Sgt. Powell, Takagi, Karl, Argyle, Holly, the villainous Hans Gruber, and Detective John McClane. Yippee kay-yay, muckle rucker!
Cast/Crew:
Michael Shaeffer
Charlie Pautler
Past Fringe Shows:
CaddyShakes, Writer, Actor 2019
From Alphabet St to When Doves Cry: A Haiku Companion for Prince, Writer, Actor 2017
Zeus’ Cuckoo, Writer, Actor 2015
Hot Lava!, Writer, Actor 2013
Bear Hugs and Bingo Balls, Writer, Actor, 2009
All Rights Reserved: A Libertarian Rage, Ensemble, 2008
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As a die-hard Shakespearean, I give this play five Yoricks. Michael is always charming, even when he’s just shooting the shit with the audience, and the depth and breadth of his Shakespeare rolodex (and his ability to retrofit it to just about any plot situation) is relentlessly impressive.
If you like Die Hard, you’ll find this show endlessly amusing. I’m only acquainted with Die Hard, but appreciate some Shakespeare and found the show very smart with clever crafting of verse; it was also darn funny with a sprinkling of poignant moments. Top notch performance!
Michael Shaeffer does it again with humor and wit.
Plus his combining of Die Hard and Shakespeare is sheer genius.
Well use of props also.
Michael has always been fun watch and he doesn’t disappoint in this show.
This was a very unique take- both on Shakespeare and Die Hard! I was pleasantly surprised by all of the lesser-known sonnets referenced in this piece, meanwhile certain bits like the bear and the “forced-perspective” finale absolutely sent me.
I am always amazed at Michael’s creativity and so glad he is back in KC! Perhaps now that he lives a tad bit closer than Alaska, we will get his brilliance every year. Thy Hard is Michael in smashing form – props, costumes, wit & words!