12004972_992738814117737_5975077960014435829_nNot so long ago, in a theater five minutes away, the first production of Star Wars: a New Musical Hope made its debut into the Wilmington theater scene. The galaxy might have relocated to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, but the family friendly thrills and spills of the first go-around of the unofficial-parody musical have only grown to Jabba the Hut like proportions since its premiere in 2012.

Returning this time around are Shaun Yates and Ryan Mulholland in their roles of Obi-wan Kenobi and Han Solo. The familiar characters get a wacky spin for the satirical performance.

“I’m really enjoying working with the returning crowd. It’s a bit of a reunion for most of us. The new cast members bring an exciting fresh energy to the show and it gives us an opportunity to breathe new life into this work,” states Mulholland. “New songs, new choreography, new scenery and actors… this is an entirely new show. Even R2-D2 is new! The heart of the show remains the same, but fans can look forward to seeing an updated version with new characters and situations.”

Fans of the Star Wars trilogy needn’t look too far for their favorite characters: Luke, Leia, Vader, and the whole motley crew are present in all their musical glory. Those new to the production can look forward to hearing the iconic lines popularized by the original films, as well as the original narrative they fell in love with. But, that’s where the similarities end.

“I am trying to draw as much of the basics of Obi-Wan as I can—some of his character aspects remain in their purest form. He is truly a good person and cares about his companions, but this is a comedy spoof, so he is also kind of a crazy old man,” says Yates on the remounting of his role as iconic master Jedi, Obi-wan. “I am definitely making him a bit campier this time around. Last time I took the character much more seriously. This time Obi-Wan will be playing it a bit more fast and loose.”

Star Wars: a New Musical Hope is a comedy event appropriate for all ages (despite Obi-wan being “fast and loose”). Stay post show for photo opportunities with the cast, crew, and droids. There are six chances to see this intergalactic performance, so don’t miss it before it disappears into a galaxy far, far away.

 

Know Your Actors Are you a Jedi or a Sith?

Yates: I’m still waiting for my application to the Jedi academy.

Muholland: I’m a Jedi for sure. In real life, I teach basic skills classes to elementary school children and am an educational counselor… so, I guess you could say I spend my days teaching kids to use the force.

 

Friday, October 9 @ 8:00pm

Saturday, October 10 @ 8:00pm

Sunday, October 11 @ 3:00pm

Thursday, October 15 @ 7:30pm

Friday, October 16 @ 8:00pm

Saturday, October 17 @ 8:00pm

 

 Tickets:  $15 online (All Ages)   /  $18 At-The-Door (All Ages)

 

 The show runs approximately 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission.