Stage Review: Xanadu

Is there a decade easier to make fun of than the 1980s? I think not.

Xanadu, the musical, is based on the 80's film of the same name. The movie was a flop, for a good reason - it was a bad movie. So, the question is, why would you create a musical based on a bad movie? Because it's perfect to make fun of. And because the movie had great music.

Hale Center Theater Orem's production of Xanadu is hilarious, and I don't think I've ever laughed so much at any show - play, musical, or movie.

Plot:

Sonny is an artist in Venice Beach, who thinks he in a failure, so he decides to kill himself. The seven muses, Greek demigods who give humans inspiration, come out of a chalk drawing that Sonny drew on a wall. Clio, the head muse, decides to help him. She comes to earth and disguises herself as a leg-warmer-wearing roller skater, named Kira. Oh, and she also sports an Australian accent. She helps him reach his dream of opening a roller disco (remember those?).

Review:

The choreography by Jennifer Hill-Barlow is a great throwback to the 80s. it takes the best and worst of the decade and weaves them together perfectly.

Delaney Westfall is perfect as Clio/Kira. Her acting and singing voice are spot-on for the role, and she had a little of that Olivia Newton-John look going for her, which doesn't hurt either. She also has to spend most of the show on roller skates, for which she deserves major props.

David Guy Holmes plays Sonny with an innocence that is needed for his character. His voice is perfect for the style of music, and he brings an enthusiasm that is infectious.

Another standout performance was Ali Bennett as Calliope, muse of epic poetry. Her comic timing was incredible. She made every scene she was in a joy to watch.

Not very many musicals based on Greek mythology have been hits, or even good, but this is the exception to the rule. I highly recommend Xanadu, especially if you remember the 1980s, fondly or not.