Christopher Walken. The name alone conjures up the man’s unique speech pattern in the minds of anyone who has heard him speak. While nothing can truly compare to the real thing, listening to other people attempt to duplicate Mr. Walken’s vocal style is a close second. Paying tribute to the man, and those who love to impersonate him, "All About Walken," is a humorous take on the actor, the voice and the persona.
The brainchild of actor, producer and director Patrick O’Sullivan, "All About Walken" takes the audience through the iconic actor’s life story with the aid of nine performers blessed with the gift of impersonation. Opening with the obvious "These Boots are Made for Walk[en]," O’Sullivan sets the tone for the show. Coming on stage with an exaggerated Walken-esque wig, he humorously hits all the right intonations while singing the Tina Sinatra ditty, letting the audience know they are in for a fun night of Walken revelry.
For just over an hour, the audience is treated to scenes from the pop culture icon’s childhood (complete with parents who sound just like him), songs by him and about him, reenactments of his famous movie roles and more. Aside from the expected white men in the cast, impersonations also come courtesy of women, Asians and an African American, proving the man truly does speak to (and through) everyone.
Performed weekly at Theatre 68, Louis Allen, Dionysius Basso, Joe Dally, Kate Frisbee, Ariel Hartman, Lily Holleman, Amy P. Kelly, Kenzo Lee and Michelle Thorson join director and producer Patrick O’Sullivan in toasting the man so many aspire to sound like. Even though O’Sullivan stated it’s the "attempt to impersonate Walken, not necessarily the succeeding of it," all who mimic Christopher Walken’s distinct cadence in the show definitely hit the mark.
While the entire cast captures the essence of the actor, highlights of the show include tiny Lily Holleman humorously channeling a rage filled Walken from "Suicide Kings," Amy P. Kelly portraying Walken in a commercial for female hygiene products, as well as her spot on impersonations of Robert De Niro and Jennifer Tilly and Kenzo Lee’s reenactment of Walken’s infamous dance in Fat Boy Slim’s video, "Weapon of Choice."
Playing to audiences every Thursday until April 3rd, "All About Walken" is a night of hilarious fun. If you’re a fan of the man or just impersonations of him, you’ll definitely want to check out "All About Walken."
Theatre 68 is located at 5419 Sunset Blvd. Suite D in Hollywood.
For tickets and more information go to www.plays411.com or www.myspace.com/allaboutwalken.
Photos courtesy of Patrick O’Sullivan and Team Good LIfe Prods.
