PREVIEW
The One Man Star Wars Trilogy
with Charles Ross
Friday, Jan. 23, 8 p.m.
Eagle Eye Community Theatre
Sure, there are some die-hard Star Wars fans who have no trouble memorizing the many intricacies of life in a galaxy far, far away.
But performance actor Charles Ross does all that and more, playing each and every role and producing his own sound effects of the first three films - alone.
Yes, one man alone brings you Star Wars, the entire first three episodes, to a bare black stage next Friday (Jan. 23) at 8 p.m. at the Eagle Eye Theatre.
No mind-blowing computerized special effects, no eye-catching light shows, no elaborate sets or costumes, just one man with an amazing grasp on all things intergalactic.
The One Man Star Wars Trilogy is a one hour, high energy, non-stop blast through the three films: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.
"Even those who have never seen a stitch of Star Wars will find Charlie Ross' frantic recitation of the first three classic movies entertaining," says the Toronto Star.
A professional actor and graduate of the University of Victoria with a BFA in performance, Ross has worked extensively in British Columbia at various theatres and playhouses.
A native of Prince George, Ross got the idea for the show from spending much of his childhood entranced by the likes of Darth Vader, Jabba the Hutt and Yoda the wise one. Ross plays all of the characters, recreates the effects, sings the music, flies the ships, and fights both sides of the battles.
How does he do it alone? Well for starters, you try watching a movie 475 times, as Ross has done with the original Star Wars episode. Chances are you'll be able to remember every word out of every character's mouth.
"We're talking about a lot of wasted time in my childhood," said Ross. "But I've managed to turn it into something positive. It's prepared me to perform in front audiences in a small town like Kaslo to huge crowds in Chicago - it's been an incredible experience."
Ross estimates he has also seen the Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi each more than 100 times.
"Doing it alone is also just more economical. I can show up in any city with my black costume and CD and I'm ready to go."
From the opening music to the droids, aliens, X-wings, special effects and cheesy dialogue which made the whole thing so memorable in the first place, Ross manages to recreate the Star Wars universe so faithfully that you'll find yourself laughing in recognition from the get-go, says a review in the Toronto Star.
"It's Ross's own frenetic energy (and obvious passion for the material) which fuels this show as he powers at light speed through all three of the original films. So authentic is his delivery that there's never the slightest doubt who you're watching, be it Luke, Leia, Han, Yoda, Darth Vader or Chewbacca," John Threlfall from Victoria's Monday Magazine.
"It's clear Ross, who also wrote the script, has watched Star Wars obsessively - some of his body movements exactly mimic certain cinematographic moments in the films," says Threlfall.
"I jump from character to character and try to be a chameleon - it's really quite bizarre to watch," said Ross.
Tickets for this rollicking galactic romp are available at Mostly Books, Billie's Bouquet and Highland Video at $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students.
