Xanadu

Directed by Julie Paice

Musical Director – Jem Sherwill

Choreographer – Donna Johnston

Producer - Amanda Watson

Band:  Keyboard – Jam Sherwill, Bass Guitar/Double Bass – Peter Cocklin, Drums – Con Mah, Guitar – Sophie Cox, Trumpet – Darren Milligan, Tenor Saxophone/Clarinet – Lucy Harrison, Keyboard/Alto Saxophone/Trombone/Flute – Sue Morris

Cast:  Bethany Foletta, Ray Maddocks, Jarrod Catt, Casey Withoos, Felicity Legg, Eve Lynch, Liana Petruccelli, Nikita Scott, Jess Ryan, Lauren Smedley, Melissa Barclay, Alex McMurray, Pam Lenders, Marie Darmos, Wade Dinning Nicholas Bingham, Jacob Elliott, Jenny Vanderzweep, Caitlin Bush, Nicole Chappell, Louise McLay, Amber Hemmes, Pennie Hume, Suzy Sliwczynski, Brooke Moorehouse, Liam Tran.

Mt View Theatre

Until June 4 - 2016

Xanadu is surprisingly cheeky, fully of jokes and has an edge of witty irony.  This production, featuring a vibrant cast of mixed ages and talents, has been skillfully brought together by Director Julie Paice.   There is never a dull moment. 

It is based on the 1980s film that was apparently a box office flop but the memorable soundtrack was understandably a big success with songs such as ‘Magic’, ‘Suddenly’ and ‘Xanadu’ that were performed by Olivia Newton-John and The Electric Light Orchestra. 

This fun and very funny production opens on a delightful painting by Marg Mulheim projected onto a scrim, behind which, an extremely tight and exhilarating band headed by Jem Sherwill plays the overture with aplomb. 

When the scrim is lifted we are introduced to nine gorgeous Muses and the magical scene is set through a strikingly hand drawn Mural of Mt Olympia by highly respected local artist Robert Wallace.

The basic narrative is about forbidden love.  It is premised on a theory that Muses are expected to inspire human artists but are prohibited to fall in love with them.   However Clio/Kira the Olivia Newton-John role, played here by Bethany Foletta, seems unable to avoid Cupid’s arrow.

Choreographer Donna Johnston works with 80s themes to and elicits  excellent work from all performers who, universally, appear to be comfortable and happy when dancing.  The dance ensemble of Jess Ryan, Melissa Barclay, Nicole Chappell, Suzy Sliwczynski, Brooke Moorehouse and Caitlin Bush is a particularly impressive testament to some of the great dance schools in the local area and Ms. Johnston’s choreography.  And the tap routine of a flashback to the Air force of the 40s (The Andrew’s Sisters routine) is impressive and really enjoyable for the audience.

Liana Petruccelli and Nikita Scott are standout performers as Euterpe the Muse of Music and Irato the Muse of Lyrics and Erotica respectively.  Petruccelli gives a lovely ‘centered’ performance and Scott has a divine singing voice.

Felicity Legg as Calliope the Muse of Epics and most particularly Casey as the Muse of Tragedy ‘steal the show’ with their clear characterization and strong resonant singing voices.  They are a delight to watch and hear.

 

The two young leads, Bethany Foletta (Clio/Kira) and Roy Maddocks as Sonny Malone are appealing young performers who look perfect for the roles.  They are both ‘great movers’ - who would now do well to, breath deeply and, let it rip as far as their singing is concerned. 

Jarrod Catt makes an awesome Danny Maguire.  His singing and dancing is very cool and characterization spot on.  He has some great lines like; “Nothing turns around a crappy neighbourhood like the arts.”

One thought I had whilst watching this show, was concerning our contemporary approach of having directors pass shows over to stage managers and let them go on opening night.  I know directors who tighten and polish their work as the season is progressing.  In amateur theatre I think this could be good as young performers gain in confidence form being appreciated by an audience.  Therefore a few performances into a run much more can be drawn out of them and timing can be tightened because they are over the anxiety of opening.

It is always a treat to attend shows at Mountview Theatre where the atmosphere is generous warm and inclusive.

Suzanne Sandow

(For Stage Whispers)