The beautiful, precocious Greek muse Clio journeys from Mount Olympus to Los Angeles in order to help dim-witted, struggling chalk artist Sonny Malone rediscover his creativity. Despite assistance and intrusion from her fellow muses, Clio (disguised as an Australian named Kira) eventually helps Sonny achieve his dream of opening a roller disco.
The breezy pop songs by Jeff Lynne (of ’70s rock group Electric Light Orchestra) and Academy Award nominee John Farrar (“Hopelessly Devoted to You”) include “Suddenly,” “Magic,” “I’m Alive,” “All Over the World,” “Don’t Walk Away,” and the upbeat title number. As an added treat, the show incorporates such classics as ELO’s “Strange Magic” and “Evil Woman” as well as Farrar’s “Have You Never Been Mellow.”
“This show is simply hysterical,” said director Tina McPhearson, who staged an excellent “1776” for the Playhouse last season. “The movie was really bad, but the musical version spoofs the film lovingly. I also love the music, which certainly brings back memories of my younger days.”
“As a child of the ’80s and a theater artist, ‘Xanadu’ appeals to me on both fronts,” said Amy Askins, who portrays Melponeme and notably appeared last season as Jessie Mae Watts in Dayton Theatre Guild’s production of “The Trip to Bountiful.”
“I love the nostalgia of the fashion, especially leg warmers, and the music. ‘Magic,’ ‘Suddenly’ and ‘Xanadu’ are tunes I heard at Skateworld growing up,” she said. “As an artist, I enjoy the idea that creativity and true love are the ultimate human experiences. Money may make the world go ‘round, or so we’re told, but what is the point without art of any kind to nudge us toward openness, kindness, connection, inspiration, and hope.”
The cast includes Ellie Krug as Clio/Kira, Desmond Thomas as Sonny, Tamar Fishbein as Calliope, Adee McFarland as Euterpe, Shanna Camacho as Erato, John Nussbaum as Thalia, Richard Waldeck as Terpsicore, and David Shough as clarinetist-turned-real estate mogul Danny Maguire. The artistic team includes musical director Judy Mansky and choreographer Annette Looper.
McPhearson and Askins agree “Xanadu” arrives at an opportune moment for feel-good entertainment.
“Doing this show right now has been a wonderful escape from the current political climate and an exuberant trip back to what many people now think was a simpler time,” Askins said.
“Historically, particularly in times of political uncertainty, the theater has been an escape,” McPhearson said. “During World War II, people went to the movies to escape the realities of life and the same is true now. The cast of ‘Xanadu’ is great. They’ve worked so hard and are ready for an audience.”
WANT TO GO?
What: "Xanadu"
Where: Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton
When: Through Feb. 5; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays
Cost: $18 for adults; $16 for seniors, students and military.
Tickets/more info: Call (937) 424-8477 or visit online at www.daytonplayhouse.com
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