Ghostbusters One Man Show
Grindstone Comedy Theatre and Bistro
5 Stars
Sean Bedard’s Ghostbusters One Man Show is proof that some cult classics never die.
The St. Albert improv actor has taken the daring step of creating a solo show about the 1984 pop culture phenomena acting out all the roles with different voices, gadgets and costumes. And the audience loved every bit of his energetic performance, cheering him on and giving him a standing ovation at the end.
Bedard brings back all the major characters: Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Akyroyd), Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) and Louis Tully (Rick Moranis).
In a plot refresher, Peter, Ray and Egon are fired from Columbia University after the dean dismisses their paranormal research. Only one avenue is left. They establish Ghostbusters, a paranormal investigation service operating out of a deserted fire station.
A spirit infestation is happening in New York City and soon the trio are getting more calls than they can handle. However, they haven’t properly tested their equipment and energy streams from their proton weapons can cause an explosion.
They successfully capture a ghost and deposit it at an eco-containment unit in the firehouse basement. Suspicious of Ghostbusters, the Environmental Protection Agency comes knocking on their door.
Meanwhile Dana is possessed by Zuul, a spirit servant of Gozer, a shapeshifting God of destruction. Gozer has opened a portal to Dana’s apartment building and wishes to bring about an apocalypse.
Orchestrating a one-man show can be a minefield for an actor especially with all the crazy dialogue. However, he has help from all the wacky props on stage that are either pulled out of mysterious trunk or wheeled in from behind black curtains.
Basically, Bedard puts a fresh spin on 1980s cliches, jokes, goofiness and cynicism that were prevalent in the movie. And he leaves us wanting more.
Another interesting feature is that Bedard is a member of the non-profit Ghostbusters Cosplay Society. Since 2016, the society has donated $120,000 to charities. This year, all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Stollery Children’s Hospital.
