Xanadu

Two productions of Xanadu in less than six weeks? Yes, please.

But can this show work with only five actors? You betcha

My thoughts on Xanadu or…roller disco redux

That most a”muse”ing of shows has popped up again about a mile south. After a celebrated run at Uptown Players, Xanadu gets a new incarnation at Theatre Three with Joel Ferrell at the helm directing and choreographing the 2007 musical with music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar and book by Douglas Carter Beane based on the 1980 film.

In Ferrell’s wildly creative take on the play it becomes a celebration, a laugh a minute and, at times, almost a phantasmagoric party where sensory overload leaves you giddy. Haze and bubbles fill the air as colored ribbons unfurl and twirl in the hands of the muses who dance and sing to the pop rock score filled with Electric Light Orchestra tunes played by Music Director Vicky Nooe and her fabulous on-stage band who rock the Hades out of the place. Film clips and image projections designed by Jeffrey Schmidt barrage your eyes on huge curtains adorning the set also designed by Schmidt. They happen so quickly that it’s difficult to remember any of them, but I think I saw Farrah Fawcett go by once or twice. And there are four poles, one in each corner of the performance area. So, a little pole dancing, just for good measure.

Costume Designer Ryan Matthieu Smith bedecks the muses in gorgeous, vibrant gowns and gives the Sonny and Kira characters a spot on 80’s vibe. And, as for his costume for Zeus, let’s just say Smith deserves a big hand. (IYKYK). There’s outstanding lighting from Aaron Johansen and Claudia Martinez delivers the sound that makes the Xanadu disco pulsate..

When I first heard that Director Ferrell was doing Xanadu with only five actors, I was skeptical. Then I remembered his marvelous The Music Man which managed to populate River City with only ten people, and I knew I would be in for an exciting, reimagined trip to 1980’s Los Angeles and Mount Olympus.

For the most part, the book is unchanged. The muse Clio still comes to Earth to inspire the depressed chalk artist Sonny Malone and adopts the persona of Kira, a roller skating Australian. They still fall in love. Her sister muses still plot against her, and Zeus still gets angry. Of course, there is still the happy ending. The only difference I noted is when Sonny comes to Olympus to find Kira. I won’t spoil it as it is one of the funniest scenes in the musical.

Ferrell casts the show with five of DFW’s top actors who give Olympian performances here and make this quirky, cheerful frolic of a musical soar like Cupid’s arrow.

Lauren LeBlanc is Kira, the muse Clio in disguise as a hip Australian on wheels. LeBlanc, a vision in pink and looking like she stepped out of a 1980’s copy of “Muse Monthly,” is an irresistible Kira. She’s a charmer, touching on almost every Aussie cliche with her amplified accent. LeBlanc has a strong, smooth pop sound that is a perfect match for the score with songs like “Magic” and “Have You Never Been Mellow” and blends so well in her duets with Max. J. Swarner’s Sonny Malone.

Sonny is a handsome, hardworking 80’s totally rad dude. He’s not the brightest bulb, but he’s dedicated to his chalk art. Sonny is an endearing character and Swarner, in headband and blue jean shorts, is sweetly goofy. Swarner’s keen comedy skills are well used here with lines like, “I feel that I am on the brink of complete and utter artistic fulfillment! I could use a Fresca!” Swarner is also blessed with a chill inducing tenor that fills the arena. Furthermore, Swarner does an impression of Dame Maggie Smith that is so uncanny that I hear he’s been tapped to lead the new PBS series “Violet Crawley: The Early Years.”

Laura Lites brings all the sharp tongue and sharp wit to the wickedly funny Melpomene, Kira’s eldest and jealous sister muse. and mother of the Sirens and does she ever tear up “Evil Woman.” I have been a fan of Laura Lites for almost 8 years now. In fact, she was the first DFW theater person I ever met, six months before I even moved to Dallas. All these years later, I am still stunned by what a powerhouse performer she is.

Hannah Arguelles is the muse Euterpe and other characters and serves as Assistant Choreographer of the production. Arguelles has a lovely soprano and appealing stage presence. I enjoyed how Ferrell kept Arguelles’s character popping up unexpectedly around the arena. Arguelles is also an excellent Aphrodite and Cupid.

Ferrell’s biggest coup here is casting L. Walter as Zeus and others. Walter is a wonder, garnering constant laughs as they change genders and ages with impeccable comic style. Walter, whether as the tough talking Danny Maguire, a beautifully adorned muse, or as Zeus himself is a riot. Walter has that chameleon like Robin Williams sort of comedic skill that is as fascinating as it is hilarious, and they are a dynamic singer to boot. I must say that their Zeus is “hands down” the best ever. (IYKYK)

Theatre Three’s Xanadu is a campy, sexy, nostalgic joyride back to the days of leg warmers and disco mania. It’s a 90 minute party that you’ll want to attend more than once. Roller Disco Rules! Later, dude.