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11/14/2025

Funhouse Lounge Presents: Die Hard the Musical Parody at Portland Center Stage on 11/13/25 - Review

 By MATT HANSEN // Beloved holiday action film gets the musical treatment for the first time at Ellyn Bye Studio Theater now through November 23rd

There was once a fierce debate on the legitimacy of the 1988 film Die Hard as a Christmas film. But what has never been questioned is if Die Hard can be a legit musical. Now in its 9th annual production, Fun House Lounge's Die Hard the Musical Parody is making the jump to the Ellen Bye Studio at Portland Center Stage, no fire hoses needed. 

If the staying power of almost a decade isn't enough to convince you, the show features over 40 references to other Bruce Willis projects. Don't worry they count them for you. But if you're expecting Sean Ryan Lamb's performance of tough NYC cop John McClane to include a Seagram's Gold Wine Cooler jingle, alas, that may be the only reference not heard in the show. Lamb's exaggerated Bruce Willis mannerisms although, are hilarious, as he pays tribute to a man of action inconvenienced by a bearer bond heist in jocular fashion. You can tell Lamb wears the soiled tank top with pride, and the show's villain, a fake beard worn with pride. 

Landy Lamb brings a fun comedic detour in opposition to the very serious portrayal of Hans Gruber by Alan Rickman in the film. A move which seemed utterly welcomed by the audience as this more wacky version of Gruber is a laugh a minute and has taken liberties with Gruber's West German accent. Die Hard the Musical Parody is itself a take on Die Hard that remains largely true to the spirit of the film, and makes great use of the musical talents of the shows cast. Particularly when their voices meet the highly capable keys of James Liptak, whose reworking of Run-D.M.C.'s "Christmas in Hollis" goes under the name "Super Fucking Awesomely."

If you're ready to experience a holiday action classic from a different angle, then Die Hard the Music Parody will give you a new appreciation for all things Die Hard. Just try not to trip over all the dead bad guys on your way out.  

Running now through Nov. 23rd with some matinee dates (Tickets)

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