Muses, magic and '80s nostalgia: Xanadu's neon lights will shine at Titusville Playhouse
The neon lights of the 1980s are dancing at Titusville Playhouse's Shuler Stage, where the roller disco extravaganza "Xanadu" takes the stage on Friday, May 17 for a run through May 26.
With a book by Douglas Carter Beane and music by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, this vibrant production promises no end of nostalgia. The show combines Greek mythology with 1980s pop culture in a campy musical confection.
Set in Venice Beach, California, "Xanadu" is a whimsical tale of love and the power of music, inspired by the cult classic 1980 film of the same name starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. The story follows Sonny Malone, a struggling artist who is visited by Kira, a mysterious Greek muse disguised as an Australian roller girl.
Like most struggling artists, Sonny dreams of opening a roller disco. As Kira inspires Sonny to realize his dreams, they find themselves falling in love, but their romance is threatened by jealous interference from Mount Olympus.
"The stage show, while still staying true to the source material, is fully aware of the absurdity of its premise and the '80s in general," said Jordyn Linkous, the show's director and choreographer. "It has a lot of fun satirizing its original source material."
With its soundtrack featuring hits from the film like "Magic," "I'm Alive," and "Xanadu," this musical is a celebration of all things '80s, including additional music by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), like "Fool" and "Evil Woman."
Sarah McKinney leads the cast as the magical muse Kira.
"Her vocals are on full display here and her comedy chops are finely attuned for the role of Kira," Linkous said. "Her nods to Olivia Newton John are great, and her ability to ground herself amidst all of the over-the-top comedy make her such a great anchor for the show."
Opposite McKinney, Kyle Sullivan plays Sonny Malone. "He has some great vocal moments," Linkous said. "He and Sarah work so well off of each other, I think audiences will be pulled in by the chemistry these two have."
Rounding out the principal cast, Broadway veteran Patrick Ryan Sullivan plays Danny Maguire, the role played by Gene Kelly in the film.
"His effortless charm, humor, and heart in this role I think will resonate with anyone who has ever had regrets of walking away from a relationship, or putting a dream on the back burner."
"Xanadu" is a story about embracing the magic of creativity. It's a message that resonates, reminding us that with a little determination and a lot of heart, anything is possible.
"I think people will be surprised how much heart the show sneaks in between all the camp and jokes," Linkous said.
"At its heart it is a love story about loving yourself and whatever your 'art' is, for that is when one reaches the ethereal state of 'Xanadu.'"
If you go
'Xanadu'
Where: Titusville Playhouse's Shuler Stage, 316 S. Palm Ave., Titusville
When: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through May 26
Tickets: $35
Call: 321-268-1125
Website: titusvilleplayhouse.com
Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'Xanadu' delivers '80s fun, roller skates and a little magic