Xanadu

The music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar were written in 1980 for the film of the same name and was actually based in the 1980’s. However the musical didn’t open on Broadway until  2007.  It’s a case of ancient Greek mythology meets the 1980’s in a crazy, joyful, hilarious musical comedy on roller skates!

As we took our seats, many of the cast were already on stage having a ball at a disco, including several unsuspecting audience members who were persuaded to join in. We were then transported to Venice Beach, California, where Sonny, a struggling artist meets Clio, a beautiful Greek muse who has descended from the heavens of Mount Olympus.  Her quest is to inspire Sonny, as he dreams up the idea to create the first Roller Disco. According to the ancient rules muses have to be disguised if they want to meet mortals, so she changes her name to Kira, gives herself an Australian accent and wears skates and legwarmers. She falls in love with Sonny despite it being forbidden to love a mortal and has to decide whether to follow her heart or give up her mortality.  Charlee Bullock is Clio/Kira and is brilliant, she keeps up her accent throughout, and is a natural on skates. Daniel Mack Shand plays Sonny,  and captures perfectly the character of this all American boy. They work together well and their acting, singing and dancing are all first class.

Two of the muses  Melpomene, (Emily Watt) and Calliope (Clare Dungey)  are jealous of Clio and together they plot to curse her. Both girls really capture the comedy in their roles and are hilarious. Danny (Martin Leigh) is the businessman who owns the theatre and is not impressed with Sonny’s ideas to transform his theatre into a Roller Disco, however he soon warms to the idea. This role is a great cameo for Martin with his comedy timing and confident singing voice.

There were several new cast members to the Gallery Players and all the characters gave enthusiastic,  energetic and totally wacky performances  which I thoroughly enjoyed along with some great  singing and well performed dancing. All credit must go to Chloe Brown for her choreography along with Martin Harris and Catherine Aitchison who helped all the cast with their skating skills on what was a fairly small stage area. I loved some of the frozen tableaus illustrated by the cast when not directly involved in the action. Also congratulations to Matthew, as MD for bringing out the best in this cast and to his fabulous four piece band.

The set itself looked simple but effective beneath the large illuminated Xanadu sign. Dave Borthwick had once again worked his magic with his special effects, this time including a large wooden Pegasus winged horse which flew up and  down across the stage with Clio sitting on top of it. It was well complimented with some good lighting and  sound effects. The sound levels which could have been too loud, especially in the disco, were just right.  All the ancient Greek and 1980’s inspired  costumes looked good, including  Kira’s legwarmers. (Gosh I remember wearing them back in the day, they were great!!)

This show was certainly different and transported us all back to the 80’s. I’m sure it gave everyone in the audience that feel good factor and we all went home feeling happy and well entertained. Our thanks to Wade and all his cast and crew for this pleasurable experience!!

Catherine Dixey

NODA East, District 12 Representative

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