Charlie Ross claims to have seen the original Star Wars more than 400 times since the age of 10. He created a tribute to Star Wars via the One-Man Star Wars Trilogy, in which he hustles solo through famous lines and scenes of Episodes IV through VI in just over one hour. Since the show’s 2002 debut at the Toronto Fringe Festival, Ross has toured the production worldwide. The show’s atmosphere at Toronto’s Bluma Appel Theatre was very cozy as he shared his history with us and joked that as an actor from Canada, he needed to develop something new because “If you’re going to make it as an actor in Canada, you have better luck climbing Mount Everest using only your lips.”
Ross varies his voice and deftly uses hand gestures to differentiate between characters as he re-enacts key scenes from the original trilogy: Star Wars: A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, condensing the three plots into just sixty minutes. His ability to deftly switch between characters is stunning. He single-handedly plays all the characters, sings the music, flies the ships, and fights the battles!
I confess I haven’t seen Return of the Jedi and found that part of the show a bit of challenge to follow, but it still made me laugh. There were audience members who attended the show, but never saw the movie. I don’t know how well they grasped the story. I would guess that it would be very difficult to follow if you haven’t seen the movies, but perhaps worth trying if you are into testing your wits. I was amazed at how sound effects are smooth and effortless – Ross’s R2D2 beeps and squeals and light saber sounds are impressive. There’s also some biting, yet subtle, commentary.
One-Man Star Wars Trilogy is a true delight for fans and those of us who are more casually interested. The extremely talented Canadian actor Charles Ross will amaze you with his One Man Star Wars Trilogy. Suitable for Star Wars fans from ages six to Yoda, the One Man Star Wars Trilogy is a hysterical performance.
Catch Charles Ross in One Man Star Wars Trilogy in Toronto at the Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front Street East, from April 27 – May 1, 2016. Tickets are $37-$77 and can be purchased online.
