HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Roll into the disco era with Wallace State Community College’s Theatre program as it presents “Xanadu” March 13-15 at the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre. Shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 13-14 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 15.
The Tony Award-nominated musical features the original hit score composed by pop-rock legends, Jeff Lynne and John Farrar and is based on the Universal Pictures cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly.
“’Xanadu’ is a musical that I have wanted to direct since it was adapted for the stage in 2007,” said Wallace State Theatre Director Angela Green. “I remember when the movie version starring Olivia Newton-John came out in 1980. I was 8 years old and roller-skated around my garage to the soundtrack. My sister and I still each have a copy of the vinyl record album. It is such a fond memory of my childhood, and I am so happy that the students have embraced this show and have come to love it as much as I do.”
“Xanadu” follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California, in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time: the first roller disco. But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation, and chaos abounds.
Sophomore Em Sharp, who plays Calliope, said her favorite scene in the play is the strange magic scene. “I get to be a little weird,” she said of the scene where she and another character possess the two main characters. “It’s a little evil, a little witchy. It’s really fun.”
The cast and crew include Jordyn Mason as Kira and Slade Turbyfield as Sonny. Reggie Warren portrays Danny, the role played by Gene Kelly in the original movie. Other cast include Alli Bess Chenault as Melpomene; Em Sharp as Calliope; Brooke Cochran as Thalia, Aphrodite and Siren; ReAnna Rusk as Euterpe, Hera and Siren, Yvonne Wakaimba as Erato, Hera and Siren; Rebekah Clas as Terpsicore and Siren; Trae Baker and Zeus; Jay Lee as Hermes and Centaur; Jake Myers as Medusa; Eli Bard and Cyclops; and Ariel Jacobs as Cupid and Eros.
The Greek Chorus is made up of Eli Baird, Bella Baker, Cade Reid, Halen Talley, Trae Barker, Ashley Barker, Jay Lee, Ariel Jacobs, Jake Myers CJ Stroud and Illora Goodwin.
The Andrew Sisters include Tehauny Cleghorn, Angela Green and Tiffany Richter.
Live music will be provided by Dale Moore and Duke Cleghorn on keyboard, Evan Bradford on drums, Julian Skinner on bass guitar and Todd Graveman on guitar.
The production team includes Green as director, Conner Carter as vocal director, Tahauny Cleghorn and Green as choreographers, Cade Reid as assistant director, Jake Myers as dramaturg, Ella Gibb and Vella Richter as stage managers, Gibbs on costumes and makeup, Allie Bess Chenault with props and publicity poster, Lana Gibson as scenic artist, Mark Eccleston for set design, Aaron Johnston for lighting design and Wes Clabo for sound design.
Admission is a $10 donation for adults and $5 for students and children younger than 12. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.wallace-state-theatre-xanadu.cheddarup.com, at the door or through www.wallacestate.edu/fpa.
Other performances planned by Wallace State Fine and Performing arts this spring include:
- “The Great American Road Trip,” March 27-29
- Solo & Chamber Ensemble Recital, April 9
- Big Band Dance, April 17
- Spring Under the Stars and Stripes, April 23
- Broadway Night, April 30
- “I Am a Pilgrim,” July 23-25
