Special

Reviewed by Julia Stier
Ol’ Bait Shop Productions
Through January 13

The year is 1978, and the executives at CBS think they have a brilliant idea on their hands. The galaxy had been rocked the year before by the arrival of Star Wars, George Lucas’ epic space fantasy/adventure film. In an attempt to make money off the film’s popularity, CBS wants to create The Star Wars Holiday Special. And let’s just say, the force is NOT with them. Between reluctant cast members, budget cuts, and one very embarrassed George Lucas, The Star Wars Holiday Special was a disappointment to both the studio and avid Star Wars fans alike. Now, Andrew Osborne’s comedy Special — directed by Kerr Seth Lordygan — gives us an imagined behind-the-scenes look at the creation of that infamous variety show fiasco.

Six talented actors play practically half of Hollywood as they slip into the personas of various actors, directors, writers, producers and executives (a total of 44 characters). Jennifer Hugus plays a level-headed Marcia Lucas as well as the bubbly, songwriting Mitzi. Paris Benjamin portrays a young, glassy-eyed Carrie Fisher, and Lance Guest takes on a moody Harrison Ford. Alex Elliot-Funk plays the flamboyant comedian Bruce and also acts as the story’s unofficial narrator. Marty Yu is particularly exciting to watch as his ten characters differ most broadly. His best scenes are when two of his characters engage in a dialogue — it’s quite the comical achievement. Finally, Rich Lehmann is hilarious in his nuanced portrayal of a stony-faced George Lucas.

Aaron Saldana’s video design helps set the scene right off the bat. As you enter the theatre, old commercials from the 70s are projected onto the back wall. An army of costumers and prop masters — Heidi Appe, Erin Treanor, Kerr Lordygan, Amy Jeglinksi-Osborne, Marty Yu and Andrew Osborne — provide clever wigs, props and costume pieces to distinguish the various characters from one another.

The show is a good time for fans of Star Wars. You do not have to have seen The Star Wars Holiday Special to enjoy it, but a love for the franchise is a must. So sit back, relax, and — as they say in this show — “May the Force Bea Arthur.”

Theatre of NOTE, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood; Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m.; through Jan. 13. https://www.baitshop.org/stage. Running time: two hours with a 15-minute intermission.