By Liz Eichler
If you’re looking for a light, playful holiday outing, Die Hard Is a Christmas Story at Know Theatre delivers a goofy, nostalgia-filled spoof with heart. It’s cute, fast-paced, and full of winks to the 1988 Bruce Willis classic.
About the Story
A.J. Baldwin and Alexx Rouse’s script reimagines Die Hard as a two-layer farce. Mack (a cop and bestselling author) returns home from working on Die Hard 2 to a strained marriage and two very determined kids. Lane and Mack Jr. hatch a plan straight out of Hollywood. They plan to recreate the movie inside their house in hopes of nudging their parents back together.
Naturally, their “casting call” also draws the attention of Hans Gruber himself, who has been miraculously scraped off the sidewalk and restored by the German medical system and is eager for revenge. What follows is a mashup of family comedy, 80’s callbacks, and holiday chaos punctuated by zip-up Christmas tree costumes.
What Makes the Show Work
The cast of four keeps the energy high, with several memorable turns.
Andrew Ian Adams steals the show in every role he touches—Cashmere/Argyle, Mack Jr., and especially Hans. His physical comedy and charisma land consistently. Doing sun salutations (yoga moves) while explaining his motivation is brilliant.
Rory Sheridan (Mack) brings a tightly-wound Bruce Willis energy. He leans into the sight gags, especially during the iconic “air vent” moments.
Alexx Rouse doubles as co-writer and performer, playing Lane and multiple henchmen. Her expressive eyes and commitment to the bit keep the audience invested.
Bea Fields, in her Know Theatre debut, rounds out the cast with ease, particularly as policeman Al.
Direction & Design
Director Tatiana Godfrey keeps the show moving at a brisk pace, delivering a whirlwind of holiday silliness in just about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It’s an easy show to pair with dinner in OTR—or to head home afterward and rewatch the movie Die Hard. (And during either, discuss what makes it a Christmas movie.) The opening title sequence is clever and well blocked, really establishing the tongue-in-cheek humor of the show.
The design team supports the comedy well. Honestly, SB Hall’s set looks better in person than in promotional photos, with glittery bows and clever use of the back wall as a projection surface. Doug Borntrager’s movie clips and sound design add a layer of delight for fans. Chris Lipstreu’s lighting and Noelle Wedig-Johnston’s costumes contribute to the festive, slightly chaotic charm.
Stage Manager Rebecca Armstrong deserves great credit for juggling rapid entrances, exits, costume changes, and prop-heavy moments.
Overall
Know’s Die Hard Is a Christmas Story isn’t the most ambitious or eye-popping holiday production in town, but it offers exactly what it promises: a cheerful, campy farce built on movie nostalgia and a family trying (in hilariously misguided ways) to reconnect.
Fans of the film will catch plenty of Easter eggs, while newcomers can still enjoy the physical comedy and warm undertone about family coming together. Yes, even during a hostage situation.
Know Theatre is an accessible theatre space that is comfortable and come-as-you-are inviting, so you can bring your family or misguided friends, too.
Get Tickets to Know Theatre
Die Hard is a Christmas Movie runs various dates through December 21, 2025. Tickets and show times are available through Know Theatre’s website.
Group discounts apply for parties of 10 or more. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the Underground Bar is serving before the show.
Also at the Know this holiday season: Ain’t True & Uncle False for the Holidays!
Featuring the acclaimed storytellers Paul Strickland and Erika MacDonald, it is “Part storytelling show, part back-porch concert…where the season’s joy meets down-home ridiculousness.” Shows are Dec 7, 9, 13 and 14, with tickets also available at the Know website.
