Strap on your roller skates and get ready to take a nostalgic ride to the 1980s. “Xanadu” brings back the music, the roller skates, and leg warmers.

~Review and Photos by Dana Nöllsch~

“Xanadu” The Story

Based on the 1980 movie, Xanadu, the play is a fun, vibrant musical comedy.

There is a central theme in Xanadu of the importance of creativity and our desire for love. The setting is Venice Beach, California, where Sonny, an aspiring artist, has been facing nothing but failure. Kira, a Greek muse who sets her sights on helping Sonny work through his artistic blocks; that’s what muses do. Sonny has no idea that Kira is a demigod, and therein lies the rub.

Kira helps Sonny plan for a roller disco, to be named Xanadu, and the two approach the owner of an old theater slated for demolition with their goal to revitalize the building. With a bit of elbow grease and help from Kira’s sisters, the plan looks like it will be a success, but one of her sisters has other plans, and of course, their father, Zeus, has a few things to say about it as well.

All of this is set to the high-energy music of the 1980s with a fast pace, aided by roller skates.

Many of you will remember fondly the movie starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, Xanadu. The play, also titled Xanadu, will bring back those memories of the 1980s.

Here are some photos to give you a taste of “Xanadu”

The Performances

The cast is terrific, bringing that 80s energy to the stage. With the singing, dancing, and storytelling on top of being on roller skates most of the time, the players are very busy indeed.

Ilyana Nightingale, who plays Kira, is excellent playing the part that Olivia Newton-John brought to life in the movie. Nightingale brings an added vibrancy that only a live performance can do and lends her powerful voice to the role.

Hunter Healy, who plays Sonny, shows the vulnerability of the character and the determination. Healy and Nightingale play off of each other, bringing that magic of new love to the stage.

Danny, the lovable owner of the theatre that they want to renovate, is played by Chad Sweet. We do not see Sweet often enough in stage roles. Sweet is a compelling and talented performer. It is good to see him stretching his dancing legs.

Cindy Sabatini, who plays Melonmene, is terrific as the scheming sister who can’t leave well enough alone. Sabatini is always so great in musicals.

Amy Gianos, who plays Calliope, is perfect as Melonmene’s sidekick. Gianos is so fun to watch as she adds emphasis to the interactions between Melonmene and Calliope.

All of the cast are fantastic and so much fun to watch on stage.

There is also a band; musicals are so much better with a live band. The energy of the music adds so much to the performances, and the Electric Elysium band is spot on.

Jessica Johnson directs Xanadu, and I’m sure she had her hands full with such a dynamic story to tell, but I have no doubt that this talented cast made her job a little easier.

The Set

One of the things that Reno Little Theater is known for is the intricacy and quality of its sets. The set for Xanadu is no exception; it is expansive with a few little surprises. They even found room for the band. Chad Sweet did double duty on Xanadu, playing both Danny and doing the scenic, lighting, and sound design.

The Bottom Line

Embrace the nostalgia of the 1980s, put on your roller skates, and don’t forget your leg warmers; Xanadu will take you to that place that you remember, even if you don’t remember the movie, Xanadu will entertain you and give you a glimpse of what those magical, disco filled times were like.

Xanadu