THE ORIGINAL DIE HARD CHRISTMAS PARODY IS BACK! NOW IN ITS 7TH YEAR!
A Very DIE HARD Christmas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gregory Crafts | [email protected] | (818) 849-4039
THEATRE UNLEASHED KICKS OFF FROSTYFEST WITH THE RETURN OF AWARD-WINNING HOLIDAY HIT, A VERY DIE HARD CHRISTMAS
A Very DIE HARD Christmas at The Hobgoblin Playhouse
Opening December 13th (Only 5 Performances!)
LOS ANGELES – Theatre Unleashed is once again decking the halls with chaos, comedy, and Christmas cheer as A Very DIE HARD Christmas returns for its seventh year, opening Saturday, December 13, 2025, as part of FrostyFest, L.A.’s holiday-themed theater and film festival presented by The StageCrafts.
This fast-paced, irreverent parody of the iconic action-movie-turned-holiday-classic has become a beloved tradition for audiences seeking a wildly different kind of seasonal entertainment. Packed with music, humor, puppets, explosions, and over-the-top spectacle, the show has earned a cult following and remains one of Theatre Unleashed’s most in-demand holiday events.
A New Vision at the Helm
This year marks an exciting shift behind the scenes: Veronica Carey Matthews takes the reins as director for the first time. A longtime member of Theatre Unleashed and core cast member in multiple previous productions of A Very DIE HARD Christmas, Matthews now brings her deep familiarity with the material, sharp comedic instincts, and fresh creative lens to the 2025 staging.
Director Veronica Carey Matthews shares “The holidays can be a rough time for many, me included. But it’s hard to get too down when getting to work on such a fun and joyous show. It’s become a beloved seasonal tradition, and while it might be a zany, blood-soaked R-rated seasonal tradition, the overall message of overcoming obstacles and putting differences aside to spend time with loved ones resonates loud and clear.”
Producer Jenn Crafts reflects on the show’s legacy, saying “We are thrilled to bring this hilarious show back for our seventh year with an all-new cast. Every year we have patrons who look forward to laughing along with us and we’re honored that A Very DIE HARD Christmas has become part of many holiday traditions.”
In addition to the new cast and creative team, this year marks a special milestone for Gregory Crafts, producer and director of the 6 previous productions. For the first time, Crafts will take the stage himself, joining the ensemble as the villainous Karl, a role he has always wanted to tackle. He shares that he is “thrilled to finally be on stage with this wildly talented cast.”
Calendar Details
A Very Die Hard Christmas
Written by Josh Carson, Brad Erickson, Andy Rocco Kraft, and Mike Mayket
Directed by Veronica Matthews
Produced by Theatre Unleashed
Part of FrostyFest, LA's Holiday Performing Arts Festival presented by The StageCrafts
SYNOPSIS: High above the city of L.A., a team of terrorists has seized a building, taken hostages and declared war. One man has managed to escape. An off-duty cop hiding somewhere inside. He's alone, tired…and he doesn't like Christmas. Don't miss the zaniest stage version of arguably the greatest Christmas movie of all time, complete with action, humor, Professor Snape taking people hostage, singing, dancing, the guy from Family Matters, guns, puppets, explosions, the EPA guy from Ghostbusters getting punched in the face, Christmas miracles and familiar holiday friends galore! Maybe even an appearance by the legend himself, Santa Claus! Yippee Ki-Yay, Father Christmas!
DATES AND TIMES: Performances — Only 5 Chances to See It!
• Sat Dec 13 – 8:00pm
• Sun Dec 14 – 9:00pm
• Wed Dec 17 – 8:30pm
• Sat Dec 20 – 9:30pm
• Sun Dec 21 – 7:30pm
The 2025 run is strictly limited to five performances
Seating is extremely limited.
Audiences are encouraged to secure tickets early.
Cast
- Steven Vogel – John McClane
- Claudine Pierre-Louis – Holly Gennaro
- Evan McNamara* – Hans Gruber
- Elle Shaheen* – Ginny / Lady Cop / Lucy McClane
- Gregory Crafts* – Karl / Yukon Cornelius
- Leonard J. Moore II – Argyle / Thornburg / Douche Terrorist
- Lee Pollero – Al the Snow Cop / Linus / Theo / Schnell Terrorist
*Indicates a member of Actors Equity Association, the professional association of actors and stage managers
Crew
- Director: Veronica Carey Matthews
- Assistant Director / Stage Manager: Jenn Crafts
- Intimacy Director: Ariella Salinas Fiore
- Choreographer: Soda Persi
- Lighting Designer: Gregory Crafts
- Fight Choreographer: J. Anthony McCarthy
- Sound Designer: Aaron Lyons
LOCATION: The Hobgoblin Playhouse (Main Space), 1516 N. Gardner St., Los Angeles, CA 90046
TICKETS: General Admission $25
MORE INFORMATION: For further information, please call: (818) 849-4039 or visit events.thestagecrafts.com/projects/11259
PRESS CONTACT:
Gregory Crafts
(818) 849-4039
[email protected]
