XANADU THE MUSICAL @ THE HAYES

Xanadu The Musical - main

For the hottest tickets in town you can’t go past seeing XANADU THE MUSICAL which is a satire of the 1980s film. The book to the musical has been written by Douglas Carter Beane with music by Jeff Lyne of Electric Light Orchestra fame, and John Farrar, Olivia Newton- John’s producer. This current revival has been produced by Matthew Henderson and Matthew Management, directed by  Nathan M. Wright and musical direction by Andrew Bevis.

The production draws on Greek mythology which is evident in the costumes and the set which comprises Corinthian columns, creating Mt Olympus.

The first scene opens with Sonny and his mural of muses in Venice Beach California. He is frustrated with his efforts, –“I ruin everything I do. Guys like me shouldn’t dream anyway.” The mural comes alive and Kira the goddess a.k.a Clio, disguised as a mortal, arrives – “There is an artist who needs our inspiration to achieve really great work…the stars are aligned.” Until this moment Sonny wanted to end his life. Kira says, “You’re angry and hurt because you doubt your own artistic abilities.”

Sonny aspires to open up a roller disco called Xanadu and Kira quips, ‘’It is timeless.” Zeus has given Kira the gift of Xanadu to which she says, “Whatever that is.” Sonny tells Kira that she is the best thing that ever happened to him. She replies, “You’re probably right.”

Melpomene (“I dress simply and let my personality be the star”) and her sister, muse Calliope, discuss placing a curse on Kira so she falls in love with a mortal, something that is forbidden.

Sonny finds out about  an auditorium he can rent and at the landlord’s – Danny’s office- he is told, “You’re wearing roller skates to a business meeting. You’re either an idiot or a genius.” Danny remembers Kira as someone who had previously inspired him to open a nightclub. Danny offers them 25% if they can renovate the venue by the late afternoon and after thinking it is improbable they eventually agree to the deal.

What unfolds is in the lap of the gods….

The themes of XANADU centre around over love and the creation of art.

The cast do well in bringing this colourful story to life. Jaime Hadwen plays Kira, leader and youngest of the muses, with an over the top Australian accent and her acting sparkles like a diamond.

Ainsley Melham plays Sonny Malone and demonstrates his character’s eagerness and love and passion for the arts.

Josh Quong Tart plays the initially hard hearted real estate mogul, Danny Maguire.

Jayde Westaby plays the part of Melpomene, Muse of Tragedy rather melodramatically.

As Calliope, Muse of Epics, Francine Cain is scatterbrained, and amusing to watch.

Dion Bilios gives his character Thalia, Muse of Comedy a distinctive personality.

James Maxfield is quite animated as Terpsichore, Muse of Dance.

The show features the hit songs I’m Alive, Evil Woman, Suddenly, Strange Magic, Have You Never Been Mellow, and of course the musical’s title – Xanadu.

Nathan M. Wright’s production sees  novel techniques used for the cast’s entrances and exits and there is an  innovative uses of the props.

A scene that stands out as a show highlight is when the  muses enter dressed as mermaids lying on boards with castors and afterwards exit jumping on their fishtails.

The show’s impressive four piece band is situated off-stage.

My recommendation. Get your skates on and make a date with fate to see XANADU THE MUSICAL, light hearted entertainment of the highest calibre. The show runs 90 minutes without interval.

XANADU THE MUSICAL is playing the Hayes Theatre, Potts Point until the 12th June.