Roller disco and Greek mythology come together in Xanadu: The Musical which Uptown Players opened last week. Based on the 1980 cult classic film – or as some might call it, a stinker – Douglas Carter Beane’s stage play spoofs the movie as a playful homage to its campy nature. Onstage it’s an entirely different beast – it’s ridiculous as hell but also, so enchanting.
The premise of a Greek muse determined to help a painter build a roller rink as an arts center seems straightforward, but Beane’s book fills the show with outlandish narrative that gives the show its enjoyable energy.
Put that in the hands of director Michael Serrecchia and the result was basically a Pride parade onstage only without the actual queer pride. For all its flair, the show is very hetero, but with its classic disco numbers and Dennis Canright’s colorful set and Suzi Cranford’s costumes, like, come on now. We’ll allow it.
Serrechia brought to life a festive production with a cast that understood the homework. A range of over the top performances and understated irreverence proved a strong mix for the show. Paired with Adam C. Wright’s musical direction, the actors found the right notes to deliver the numbers while mixing in comedy, dancing and skating.
The actors pulled that off effortlessly in the opening night performance. After a slightly tepid opening number that felt slightly flat, the cast found its groove to pull off the show’s outrageous schtick.
Ally Van Deuren delivered goddess vibes and impressive comedic talent as the demi-goddess and muse Kira. A strong singer, she beautifully performed songs in her natural voice and then adopted an Australian dialect, a nod to Olivia Newton-John’s original portrayal. This, combined with her excellent comic timing, provided some of the show’s funniest moments.
Kira’s arrival in Venice Beach sparks Sonny’s much-needed inspiration. Luke Weber delivered a proper portrayal of the dimwitted yet adorable artist. Sonny, a character who doesn’t demand significant depth, was captured perfectly by Weber’s disarmingly lovable performance. This was further enhanced by Cranford’s 1980s costuming, featuring tube socks and remarkably short denim shorts that look like they were painted on.
Calliope and Melpomene, two of Kira’s sisters, were played by Leslie Marie Collins and Tiana Shuntae Alexander respectively. Jealous of Kira, they set a curse on her to fall for Sonny which is against demi-god rules. Collins and Alexander were two dynamos set loose onstage and simply, they ate it up with magnificent comedy.
Apart from a brief scene as Zeus, Bradley Campbell primarily played Danny McGuire, the magnate who agrees to finance Sonny’s endeavor. Campbell was cocky as the guy with money but conveyed a quiet tenderness as the man who longed for the lady who changed his life – who might’ve been Kira!
Hey, it’s a shitty world right now so Uptown Players offers this gift of a delightful escape in Xanadu. The satisfying and upbeat roller skating finale earned big time applause and an ovation and maybe even approval by those there for the film’s initial release. Whether evoking nostalgia or providing a wholly new psychedelic experience, the sheer joy found in this magical roller rink heaven makes this Xanadu a worthwhile indulgence.
The show runs through Sunday.