Modest budget doesn’t deter creators of ‘Star Wars Live’
By: Christina Troup
Special to The Examiner
December 17, 2008
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| “Star Wars” stars: From left, Damien Chacona, Joe Gorman and Nancy Bower play the iconic characters in a low-budget stage show at the Dark Room Theater. (Courtesy photo) |
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SAN FRANCISCO — Long, long ago — OK, maybe not that long ago — in a galaxy far, far away — and by galaxy far, far, away, we mean the Mission’s Dark Room Theater — Jim Fourniadis had the ingenious idea of recreating the epic space drama “Star Wars” for the stage.
A lofty feat, considering the timeless saga of good versus evil is a force to be reckoned with, given its universe of adoring, yet oh-so discerning, fans — not to mention the powers that be at Lucasfilm having the final say in everything that carries the franchise’s name.
Since “Star Wars” has long been heralded as a special effects marvel, one can’t help but wonder how successful a small-scale theatrical adaptation with little more than a $100 special effects budget could possibly be. In the case of Fourniadis’ interpretation: very, very successful.
“Star Wars: Live on Stage,” which runs Fridays and Saturdays through December at the Dark Room Theater, is an unbelievably hilarious romp through the outer reaches of space with Luke, Leia and Darth Vader all in fine form.
The small cast, both alive and inanimate, truly delivers, capturing the spirit of “Star Wars” in a way that appeals both to die-hard enthusiasts as well as fans of off-kilter community theater.
The Dark Room Theater, after all, is known for irreverent stage versions of cult classic films like “Clue,” “The Wicker Man” and “The Princess Bride.” It’s no surprise that “Star Wars: Live on Stage” also shines.
The moments of particular note, where the laughs come heartily, involve the non sequiturs thrown in by Han Solo (Damien Chacona) and the bumbling Stormtrooper duo played by Dan Foley and John Halfacre.
Then again, there’s also the realization that beloved droid R2-D2 is really nothing more than a cylindrical-shaped garbage can.
The live stage adaptation, which is sanctioned by Lucasfilm, may lack the blockbuster gusto of the actual film — don’t expect too much from the zero-gravity dogfights — but that doesn’t mean the light saber duels are any less titillating or that Darth Vader (played by Dave McKew, who also holds double duty as Chewbacca), is any less imposing — even if his attire happens to be a pair of faded black sweats and a cheap Halloween cape.
THEATER REVIEW
Star Wars: Live on Stage
Where: Dark Room Theater, 2263 Mission St., San Francisco
When: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; closes Dec. 27
Tickets: $20
Contact: (415) 401-7987; darkroomsf.com/starwars/
