XANADU – THE MUSICAL

Fans of the Olivia Newton-John movie Xanadu should be in for a treat as the stage spoof of the 80’s roller-disco film comes to Sydney.

First performed in 2007, the latest production of the smash-hit Broadway musical comedy is directed and choreographed by Nathan M Wright who was associate choreographer on Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby.

The stage version embraces the original music and lyrics by Jeff Lyne and John Farrar, and audiences will be toe-tapping to favourites including ‘Magic’, ‘Suddenly’, ‘Suspended in Time’ and ‘Alive’. Additional songs including ‘Strange Magic’, ‘Evil Woman’ and ‘Have You Never Been Mellow’ were not in the film and have also been incorporated.

The story follows Kira (Jaime Hadwen), a Greek muse who comes to Earth to aid a disheartened young artist called Sonny (Ainsley Melham) in realising his dream of opening the first roller-disco.

Actress Francine Cain, who plays one of the jealous muses named Calliope, says she hasn’t seen the film as she’d like a fresh take on her character.

“My character is jealous that Kira is the leader of the pack and she wants to take leadership. She’s not evil – she’s just along for the ride”.

“We’ve had a short rehearsal period – it’s been hard work, six days a week, a very intensive regime learning the music and the roller-skating, with so many tricky entrances and exits off stage but we’ve had a complete and utter ball,” explained Cain. “We’ve had so much artistic freedom and the whole show is very 80’s – it takes the mickey out of the 80’s and is very tongue-in-cheek”.

“This show is very creative and the stage is breathtaking. It’s a fun night out for everyone with a sense of humour and you don’t have to be from the 80’s to enjoy this show,” she concluded. (MMo)

Until Jun 12. Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point. $54-$60. Tickets & info: hayestheatre.com.au or 8065-7337