SOLO MUST DIE: A Musical Parody Premieres at Hudson Backstage 5/4

Stidley Theatricals presents the world premiere of "SOLO MUST DIE: A Musical Parody" * with book by Jordan Stidham & Ari Stidham, music and lyrics by Hughie Stone Fish and Ari Stidham, directed by Ari Stidham, produced by Steven Brandon. In an untold adventure somewhere in between "A New Hope" and "The Empires Strikes Back," Han Solo crash lands in Cloud City and is torn between his smuggler past and his new status as a galactic hero, as he sings and dances his troubles away, all while trying to make it out alive. The play runs May 4 through May 27 at the Hudson Backstage Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.

Before the release of the highly anticipated film "Solo: A Star Wars Story," Star Wars fans will have an opportunity to revisit their favorite space smuggler as he sings and dances his troubles away in this new musical comedy.

Solo's crash in Cloud City disturbs one of Vader's underlings, Grand Moff Levine, who hopes to rise above his station, replace Lando Calrissian, and impress Darth Vader by killing Han Solo.

See Han navigate through his past lovers, the Empire, and visions of Leia - he must find himself and make it out alive because no matter what... Solo Must Die!

And wait, there's more...Solo Must Die: A Musical Parody features 9 original songs!

About the Creative Team

Ari Stidham (Director/Co-Writer/Plays Grand Moff Levine & Jabba The Hut) You may know Ari best as genius Sylvester Dodd on CBS's "Scorpion" fourth season just completed, or possibly as Ian Schonfeld from ABC Family's "Huge". Other TV credits include "Insecure", "Mick and Molly", and "Glee". You may also know his music which he releases as DRTV. Ari has also produced films that have premiered at Fangoria Fear Con ("Curse of the Siren") and Sundance ("Clara's Ghost"). Original plays include Theatricus Americanus (Pack) Dick Duquesne Radio Plays (Open Space).

Jordan Stidham (Co-writer/Plays Han Solo) Jordan couldn't be prouder to be a part of this project. Other credits include: Jon Snow in Thrones! A Musical Parody, Bill Clinton in Kings of America (Sacramento Theatre Company), Arthur Nicholls in The Three Sisters Bronte (Rubicon Theatre), Prince Topher in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (PCPA), Jim O'Connor in The Glass Menagerie (PCPA), Slim in the World Premiere of Bubble Boy: The Musical, Alf in Raw Sill Productions Peter and the Starcatcher.

Hughie Stone Fish (Music Writer/Play Obi Wan & Droidberg Jr.) Hughie Stone Fish is a Berklee College of Music graduate and a music director at Second City Hollywood. Hughie performs with the comedy band Lewberger, and has produced albums for Ari Stidham, Lewberger, "What is America", and can be seen regularly at The Ice House, Second City, and Io West. Hughie wrote the music and lyrics for Afros & Ass Whoopins, which celebrated a year and a half Sold Out Run at Second City in Hollywood.

Steven Brandon (Producer) Hailing from Australia, Steven was a successful theatre producer in Sydney with productions of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, A Funny Thing... Forum, Rent, Lend Me A Tenor, Closer, Urinetown and Noises Off. After moving to Los Angeles, Steven co-wrote and directed Lost: The Musical and then co-wrote and produced Game of Thrones: The Musical which played in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Off-Broadway in New York City.

Tevyn Cole (Choreographer) Tevyn started his professional dance career in South Korea after appearing on a Korean dance show called "Dancing9". This lead to his success as a Korean pop backup dancer. Coming to LA to be mentored by the late Andre Fuentes, and now with several music videos under his belt, Tevyn works consistently with the iconic music video director Paul Boyd. He's had the pleasure to with Mackenzie Sol, Mark Thomas, Luna Blaise, Tinashe, Alicia Keys, Zendaya, Chris Brown and others.

About the Cast

Jordan R. Coleman (Colm/R2D2/Rogue One Leia) Actor, Improvisor, Sports Fan! Originally from Humble, TX, Jordan R. Coleman is a man of much depth and numerous talents. In addition to his stage work, he has found success in commercial and theatrical acting. You can see him flexing his comedic muscles in Funny or Die's production: "Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal", alongside Johnny Depp and Ron Funches. As well as Darrell, ballistics scientist, in BET's cop drama, "Rebel."

Sean Draper (Luke/Darth Vader) Sean has been acting intentionally and accidentally since childhood. With experience in a wide range of productions, styles, and practices, Sean is always excited to collaborate on new projects both traditional and unconventional.

Zach Green (Chorus/Grand Moff Levine alternate) Zach moved west from Austin, Texas, to study Film Production at Chapman University and linked up with Ari Stidham shortly after. They have been collaborating ever since. Past theatre credits include: A Midsummer Night's Dream (Flute), The Producers (Leo), Urinetown (Cladwell). Film: "Love & Air Sex" (SXSW '11), "Lovers of Hate" (Sundance '10), "Window Licker". Zach is a graduate of The Groundlings, Second City Hollywood, and UCBTLA's improv programs.

Cooper Karn (Chewbacca/Swing) Cooper has been acting professionally for 6 years after graduating from The Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts. Some of his most rewarding and exciting theater work has been with Ari, Jordan, and Hughie on It Looks Like I'm Headed Back To School & Theatricus Americanus both written and directed by Ari Stidham plus A Midsummer Night's Dream directed by Ari Stidham. Cooper recently finished writing a play of his own titled Edge.

Selorm Kploanyi (Galaxia) Selorm is delighted to be playing Galaxia in Solo Must Die. She studied theater at Whitter College and since then she has acted in a variety of web-series and unscripted internet content. Selorm is a working singer and songwriter who regularly performs and shares her music through videos. She is also known for the work that she has done as a video producer and personality for BuzzFeed Video.

Alex Lewis (Greedo/Leia2/Kylo Ren) Alex Lewis is so excited to be in Solo Must Die. You can also see him in the upcoming "Valley Girl", and lots of cool stuff on the internet with his band Lewberger. Theatre: Lost: The Musical, Game of Thrones: The Musical. TV: "This Is Us", "Episodes", and "Dexter".

Keenan Montgomery (Lando Calrissian) Keenan made his theatre debut as Assistant Director for Afros & Ass Whoopins, a comedic musical exploring a brief history between African-Americans and the police, where he also understudied the lead role. Keenan is a musician who goes by the name, Keenan The First, and his music video for "How It Goes" was recently selected as a Vimeo Staff Pick. He rarely makes plans, but when he does, they're lit.

Rachel Rios (Swing) Rachel is thrilled to be part of this stellar production! Most recent credits include films "Curse of the Siren" and "Caged". She also created the upcoming web series "See You Next Tuesday". Rachel is currently working towards her M.F.A. in playwriting at the Catholic University of America.

John Ryan (Hugh/C3P0/Jar Jar Binks) John is a writer/actor born and raised in Montebello, California. He's a graduate of The Second City Conservatory, IO West, and UCB. He wrote and appeared in A Donald Trump Christmas and The Second City Premium show Purple Mountain Travesty. He has written sketches for YouTube seen by millions and has performed comedy throughout the US and Canada.

Kaitlyn Tanimoto (Annie Levine) Kaitlyn is a writer and actor all the way from Orange County California. She performs regularly at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater on the Maude team "The New Deal" and is an alumnus of the CBS Diversity Showcase. Credits include" Adam Ruins Everything", HBO's "Camping" and many wacky sketches on Funny Or Die, most notably "Soon Yi Previn (Woody Allen's Wife) Does Stand Up! Check her out every first Wednesday on Maude Night at UCB!

About Show Times and Tickets: Solo Must Die: A Musical Parody runs May 4 - May 27, 2018. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm. Tickets: $30-$40. Buy tickets/ information: www.plays411.com/hansolo or (323) 960-7788. Hudson Backstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd, LA CA 90038.

*This production is independently operated by Stidley Theatricals. It is not sponsored, endorsed or affiliated with Disney, Lucasfilm, or anyone associated with Star Wars.

To post a comment, you must register and login.