Pauline Adamek
Those clowns of The Troubadour Theater Company are back with their wacky antics, returning to the stage with one of their most explosive Holiday productions, Die Heart: The Director’s Cut. The comedy musical live show will enjoy a short run at The Colony Theatre in Burbank. Select performances are happening through Sunday December 21, 2025, playing on Thursday to Sunday eves, with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Purchase tickets here.
The Troubies’ parody‑musical is an inspired mash‑up of the beloved 80’s action-thriller-Christmas drama, Die Hard with the high-energy songs of iconic 80’s hard rock band, Heart, renowned for Ann Wilson’s soaring, emotive vocals and Nancy Wilson’s dynamic guitar work.
The troupe have taken over Nakatomi Plaza – aka The Colony Theatre in Burbank – and plan to hold audiences hostage with their hilarious spoof. The show was first staged in 2022, so this is a newly revised version featuring new songs, previously deleted scenes left on the rehearsal room floor and actual director’s commentary.
Hans Gruber and his “Bara-crewda” have an elaborate heist planned for Christmas Eve, during the Nakatomi Corporation’s Christmas party in Los Angeles. NY cop John McClane happens to show up, intending to reconcile with his wife as the terrorists take over the building.
Rick Batalla is a crack-up delivering his arch impersonation of the late great Alan Rickman’s villainous and menacing drawl, which Batalla hilariously converts to a strangled vocal affectation. Matt Walker is amusing as the heroic husband, complete with a padded costume depicting a ripped and muscular physique paired with grotesquely oversized, knobbly bare feet. The true star of the night is Chelle Denton as Holly (John’s beloved). Self-described as a “soprano belter,” Denton’s powerhouse rock vocal style delivers a performance that virtually blows the roof off as well as make you laugh your socks off. Longtime company-member Beth Kennedy is always a highlight with her perfectly-timed jokes and deadpan delivery.
The troupe’s winning formula combines absurdist humor, clowning, and fast-paced gags with dynamic musical energy courtesy of the talented Troubadorchestra. Sprinkled throughout the dialogue that parodies the original film are comedic references to topical contemporary events, including the recent demolition of the White House East Wing, the brand-new announcement of Netflix taking over Warner Bros. studios and even dark incidents such as US attacks on Venezuelan boats and personnel.
You can’t go wrong with a Troubie’s Holiday show. Pro-tip – watch the 1988 movie before you go.
DIE HEART: The Director’s Cut
Directed, Choreographed and Adapted by Matt Walker, with Musical Direction by Ryan Whyman.
The Colony Theatre
555 North Third Street
Burbank, CA 91502
Runs through Sunday December 21, 2025.
Performances:
Thursdays & Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 4pm & 8pm
Sundays at 4pm & 7:30pm
Prices range from $35-$60.00
Purchase tickets here or by calling the Box Office at (818) 558-7000
About the Troubadour Theater Company:
Troubadour Theater Company is a free-wheeling, no holds barred, Commedia dell’arte flavored, slapstick driven Los Angeles based ensemble of actors, musicians, and comedians that has been performing for audiences throughout Southern California and beyond since 1995. Their fast-paced, laugh-filled, loose adaptations (some of the lines are still there) of classic plays, literature and film, as well as their original productions and hilarious sketch material, make this company a unique and exciting experience for theater-goers of any age. For more information on the Troubies, visit www.troubie.com or Instagram @thetroubies and Facebook at www.facebook.com/troubadourtheatercompany.
ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM AND CAST
MATT WALKER (Director/Choreographer/Adaptor) Since 1995, he has been artistic director of The Troubadour Theater Company in Los Angeles, directing over 40 original productions and been honored with the Orange County Weekly Theater Award for Career Achievement, the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Sustained Excellence in Theater, and the LADCC’s Joel Hirschhorn Award for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theater. Matt has worked professionally in TV, film, theater, opera, theme parks, corporate entertainment, and circus. And most recently, Matt co-wrote the screenplay for the Garry Marshall film, “Mother’s Day,” as well as serving as on-set writer for Garry’s previous two films, “Valentine’s Day” (2009), and “New Year’s Eve.” (2011). Matt currently serves as a writer/director for Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, and has written and/or directed the entertainment shows for Harry Potter land, the Special Effects Show, and the Jurassic World Raptor Experience. In addition, Matt has worked as a Disney Imagineer on various projects both for Los Angeles and Orlando, FL.
The cast of DIE HEART: The Director’s Cut features: Beth Kennedy, Rick Batalla, Mike Sulprizio, Clinton Roane, Chelle Denton, John Paul Batista, Trey McIntyre, Philip McNiven, Lara Lafferty, Benji Kaufman, Luis Martinez, Sofia JoAnna, and adaptor/director Matt Walker.
Troubadorchestra: Piano/MD is Ryan Whyman; Piano – Alex Burke; Guitar – Nikki Stevens; Drums – Kevin Stevens; Bass – BB Kates.
The Design Team for DIE HEART: The Director’s Cut is as follows: Lighting Design by Bo Tindell; Sound Design by Robert Ramirez; Projection Design is by Rick Batalla, Costume Design by Douglas Leadwell, Wig Design is by Suzanne Joile Narbonne. The Music Supervisor is Eric Heinly. The Production Stage Manager is Corey Womack.
Terry Morgan