XANADU - The Musical

The movie flopped but this XANADU’s got wings!

All the songs are the same but the reworked stage version is a parody of the movie. What joyful entertainment! No serious world issues, just a whimsical story about a mortal and a Greek muse who fall in love.

With a well-drilled cast (Michael Skelton’s inspired direction, with Allison Nipperess), a simple set designed by the director with Phillip Maas, a supportive combo of six instruments down front under Christine Leah on keyboards, and the hard-working cast of eighteen (choreography by Shelley Scott with Stewie Matthews), the show carries us along, tapping our toes to already familiar songs. Some of the dialogue is corny, cheesy, full of puns but always fun.

Charismatic Isaac Tibbs plays the artist, Sonny Malone, who has lost his mojo. Katya Bryant (Clio on Mt Olympus, Kira on Venice Beach, LA) comes down to be his muse. Both shine in their duet “Suddenly”.

Ian Moore (Danny Maguire, whom Clio inspired a generation ago) brings a rich baritone to his few songs.

Muses are central to this show: Allison Nipperess (Euterpe); Brendan Dieckmann (Thalia); Carly Quinn (Calliope); Della Kidd (Melpomene); Douglas Rumble (Zeus); Gavin Drogemuller (Terpsicore); Kaitlin Carlton (Eros); Nicole Harrison (Erato); and Phillip Maas (Hermes).

Memorable magic moments: the production number with peacock- feather fans and shawls; the Pegasus sequence; Stewie Matthews’ tap routine; and romance destroyers Melpomene and Calliope.

Thoroughly professional musical entertainment.

Jay McKee

Images

Top: Vincent Swift Photographic

Lower: Allison Saunders

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Xanadu skates into Beenleigh