Xanadu is the campest, kitschiest musical you will ever see … and it’s great.
Xanadu is the campest, kitchiest musical you will ever see … and it’s great.
More of a parody than a tribute to the awful 80s movie of the same name that starred Olivia Newton-John, Xanadu tells the story of Clio (Christie Whelan) a Greek muse who disguises herself as a roller-skating Australian called ‘Kira’ in order to inspire a struggling street artist Sonny (Sam Ludeman) on Miami’s Venice Beach. However, cursed by her evil sisters Kira/Clio starts to break all the Muses’ laws falling in love with a mortal.
Using the unforgetting 80s hits of Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), the original Broadway production was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical in 2008. The Australian production, directed by Christopher Ashley, reinvents the production by setting it in a big top circus tent formally known as ‘XanaduLand’. The glaring pink tent is an absolute eyesore at the very (very, very) back of the Docklands but suits the tone of the production perfectly.
If you’re a fan of the original movie (if there are any actual fans?) then it may be best to steer clear from the musical adaptation. Nothing escapes the show’s humour, from Kira’s awful Aussie accent (“by the fires of all the shrimp on the barbie”) to the less than subtle digs at the movie’s large gay following. Even the show itself is targeted, with jokes being made at the expensive of the show’s cast size and running length of 90 minutes (“Mary Poppins hasn’t even flown yet!”). Full on one-lines and overly slapstick comedy that would usually make an audience cringe, the musical renounces any sense of seriousness having the audience in hysterics throughout the show.
The Melbourne production of Xanadu is only improved by an incredibly talented cast who manage to perfectly balance professionalism with the silliness of the show. Christie Whelan (who won an Helpmann Award for her performance in MTC’s The Drowsy Chaperone) in the lead role of Clio/Kira is an absolute stand-out and a definite emerging star on the Australian theatre scene. With her strong belt, well rehearsed comedic timing and Barbie-esque looks Christie won over the audience from the moment she stepped on stage. While it took a while for Sam Ludeman’s (appropriately) cheesy depiction of Sonny to settle in, he seemed comfortable in the role and was a talented match to Christie.
John McTernan as the older Danny (played by Gene Kelly in the movie) as well as Susan-Ann Walker and Cherine Peck as the evil sisters of Clio support the two leads well, as do the experienced supporting cast of muses and professional skaters. The on-stage band had some sound level problems in the beginning, either overpowering some of the voices, or fading out in parts but this smoothed out after the first few songs.
The costumes and set aren’t anything too impressive, but they’re not meant to be. Basic painted sets and a costume wardrobe that consists mainly of short-shorts perfectly match the show’s atmosphere. The same goes for Kelly Abbey’s choreography which in a usual blockbuster musical may be considered overly basic fits well with the corny-80s theme and is obviously well thought out and researched. Specials mentions must go to Luke Alleva’s impressive tap sequence during ‘Whenever You’re Away From Me’ and the roller-skating stunt filled finale.
No, it’s not perfect but Xanadu provides a good night out at the theatre and features some of Australia’s best theatrical talent. At about $60 a ticket it’s a cheaper option than some main stage musicals and should please crowds regardless of their theatre knowledge.
As a side note, don’t fall into the trap of the cheap on-stage tickets. Unless you’re really up for it. The people on stage seemed to often have their view blocked by performers and some seemed a little anxious as they were touched, talked to and generally surrounded by the cast while the rest of the audience looked up at them.
Xanadu is running until April 3 at The Grand Xanadu Marquee, Docklands. You can book via Ticketek.
