The Factory Theater’s “Die Hard 4 Your Luv,” 2024, with Marisa Macella (front) as Meg and Whitney Ann Bates (rear) as Mercenary/Photo: Logan Conner
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For the fictitious band BWBB (Boys Will Be Boys) there is the suave front man J Swizzle (Jeffrey David Thomas), bad boy Chuckie Bones (Liam Ryan), the aptly named Authentic (Matt Chester) and… Todd (Chase Wheaton-Werle). Every boy band has their Todd. The Todds of the music world cannot sing. Or dance. They are the ones always photographed in the way back. They also do not speak up much in interviews. The Todd’s purpose is mostly to keep the band from becoming a trio because boy bands are meant to be a foursome. But on New Year’s Eve 1999, with the world on the verge of Y2K madness, it is up to Todd and a bad-ass pregnant security guard to save the world’s most famous boy band from a band of evil Russian mercenaries.
There is a lot to like in what is the Factory Theater’s one-hundredth production (a truly remarkable feat worth celebrating). Director Becca Holloway’s full-throttle direction along with Jillian Leff’s impressive choreography results in a very physical and fun production. It is just not every day you see a heroine choke out a villain with her pregnant belly. Also entertaining is Brittany Ellis’ portrayal of an evil Russian mastermind that comes complete with an over-the-top Natasha-like accent that exudes silly fun. There are many little things to appreciate, such as Katy Campbell’s take on an annoying MTV video host, as well as a music video (featuring the members of BWBB and shot around Chicago) that is presented before the actors take the stage.
The Factory Theater’s “Die Hard 4 Your Luv,” 2024, with (left to right) Chase Wheaton-Werle as Todd, Liam Ryan as Chuckie Bones, Jeffrey David Thomas as J Swizzle and Matt Chester as Authentic/Photo: Logan Conner
At the same time, however, it is not always clear what exactly the script is attempting to parody. Is it the “Die Hard” franchise? Boy Bands? Or maybe the nineties? The script (written by Kirk Pynchon and Mike Beyer) pokes a little fun at each of these genres but lacks the focus to effectively roast anything. There is also a bit too much exposition front-loaded into the play. Still, this production is able to deliver the big laughs in large part due to the energy of the cast members. The ninety-minute runtime is ideal for this farcical nonsense and so is the theater’s BYOB policy. Together it makes up the perfect opportunity to relive the spectacle of Y2K.
“Die Hard 4 Your Luv” is running through July 13 at The Factory Theater, 1623 West Howard. Showtimes are Friday-Saturday at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm. On June 27 and July 11, there is a special Thursdays presentation at 8pm. Tickets are $25 and are available at thefactorytheater.com or by calling (312)275-5757.
