Xanadu The Musical

This is the glitziest looking co-op musical you could ever care to imagine.  From diamante tiaras, to gorgeous classic style dresses and tunics in bright 1980’s colours, to imposing Greek columns that fence an amphitheatre, turned disco roller rink - it’s an exquisite production to watch.

The musical opens with the fiendishly clever projection of nine muses of Greek mythology on a wall (yes in Venice California in 1980) who dissolve like magic before our eyes. Who said you can’t afford fancy looking special effects in a little production?

Xanadu began as a musical movie starring our own Olivia Newton-John. It struggled at the box office but became a surprise Broadway musical success.  The musical is a 90 minute roller skating adventure through Greek mythology and 1980’s retro.

Whereas the movie (described by one critic as mushy and limp) took itself too seriously, the musical and this production have barrel loads of fun. The Director/choreographer Nathan Wright milked the cutest moves from the sprightly cast.

Looking perfect as Olivia Newton-John’s character Kira was Jaime Hadwen. With bouncy curly blonde hair and personality to match she got surprising regular laughs in the switch from an American to an Australian accent.

Warming up to ride a magic carpet as Aladdin in the soon to open Disney musical was Ainsley Melham as Sonny Malone. He zoomed around the stage like he’d just leapt out of a 1980’s video clip.

The only time the fun paused was when the musical got unexpectedly serious for a scene on Mount Olympus as the Greek Gods return to cast judgement on the wayward muses.

Helping us along was the score. The music from the ensemble and four piece band newly orchestrated by Andrew Bevis was always zippy. A few well-known pop songs are sprinkled through the show ending with a rendition of - you guessed it - Xanadu.

 It was sugary sweet like the cupcake with sparkly bits offered to the opening night audience. Thank you they were delicious.

David Spicer

Images: Frank Farrugia