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LONDON, Ont. - The best and briefest review of MacHomer is offered by one of it's own characters. "Ex-cellent!" purrs Mr. Burns in the manic, one-man show being staged by Rick Miller at the Grand Theatre.
In 1995, the Montreal-born playwright/actor came up with the bizarre notion that grew into a popular entertainment vehicle.
During this energy-enriched 75-minute satire, characters of the hit TV cartoon sitcom, The Simpsons, present their fractured version of Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Macbeth.
Ironically, lovable bumbler Homer Simpson takes the title role in this revamped saga of the Scottish lord whose ambition to usurp a king's throne sparks his bloody spree of murders and mayhem.
Homer's wife Marge is cast as Lady M -- who refers to her hubby as "MacHomey" -- while Bart, Lisa, Mr. Burns, Smithers, Moe the bartender, Principal Skinner, cheery Ned Flanders and the other Simpson clan members portray the focal figures of "The Scottish Play."
"To beer -- or not to beer," quips Homer, lapsing into a line from Hamlet, another of the Bard's works.
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MacHomer might have been tagged an amusing offbeat theatre piece, but Miller's phenomenal talents elevate it to the level of amazing.
The self-described "vocal acrobat" mimics no fewer than 50 voices. They include those of the dysfunctional cartoon clan and comic cameos by the likes of President Bush, Sean Connery, Kermit the Frog, Elton John, and O. J., a.k.a. "that other Simpson."
Also among the plethora of "guest stars" are the Simpsons' animated rivals: Kenny, the serial homicide victim in South Park, and Hank from King of the Hill.
Miller's ability to conduct rapid conversations involving a group of characters rivals Rod Beattie's work in the Wingfield series.
While the production, directed by Sean Lynch, employs a slide-show, puppets, a few snippets of classical music and a steaming witches' cauldron, MacHomer relies on the great impressions made by its star.
And just when it appears the parody is over, Miller returns for a stunning musical encore.
The 35-year-old performer does Bohemian Rhapsody, enlisting 25 of the "most annoying singing voices." They belong to, among others, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, U2's Bono, Leonard Cohen, Aerosmith, Meat Loaf and a pair of Neils -- Young and Diamond.
That's a bonus addition in a worthy show that had already refuted a negative theatre review read earlier by MacHomer's title character.
"The London Free Press says 'It's a tale told by an idiot!' " he fumes. "Doh, that stupid rag."
Expert satirist Miller realizes it's tough for people to take offence if you keep them busy laughing.
In truth, this big Mac attack is a rollicking tale, full of sound and funny fury, signifying a great deal more than nothing.