Xanadu
Xanadu is a whimsical and vibrant musical based on the 1980 film of the same name.
Synopsis
It’s a blend of Greek mythology, 1980s pop culture, and roller disco, creating a unique and entertaining theatrical experience.
The story centres around Sonny Malone, a struggling artist in Venice Beach, California, who is disillusioned with life and on the verge of giving up his dream to create a great work of art.
His world changes when he meets Kira, a mysterious, roller-skating girl who inspires him.
Unknown to Sonny, Kira is actually Clio, one of the Greek muses, who has descended from Mount Olympus to Earth to inspire mortals.
Kira, disguising her true identity, encourages Sonny to follow his dreams.
They come up with the idea to create a roller disco, a place where arts and music converge, which they decide to call “Xanadu.” Their plans are complicated by Kira’s forbidden and growing affection for Sonny, and the intervention of her jealous sisters, Melpomene and Calliope, who plot to curse Kira to fall in love with a mortal, a forbidden act for a muse.
As Kira and Sonny work together, they face various comedic obstacles, including the machinations of the evil muses and challenges in establishing their roller disco.
Despite these hurdles, their bond deepens, and they find themselves falling in love.
Towards the end, Kira’s true identity as a muse is revealed, and she is forced to return to Mount Olympus, leaving Sonny heartbroken.
In a twist, Zeus allows her to return to Earth to bid a proper farewell to Sonny.
Their reunion is bittersweet, as they both acknowledge their love but understand the impossibility of their relationship.
Xanadu concludes with the successful opening of the roller disco and a celebration of the arts and dreams.
Kira returns to Olympus, but her spirit and inspiration remain in Xanadu, symbolising the enduring power of love and creativity.
About the show
- Written by: Douglas Carter Beane, Jeff Lynne, John Farrar
- Premiered: 2007
- Genres & themes: 2000s, Comedy, Fantasy, One Act, Romance
- Setting: 1980s, California, Los Angeles
Songs from Xanadu
- I’m Alive
- Magic
- Evil Woman
- Suddenly
- Whenever You’re Away From Me
- Dancin’
- Strange Magic
- All Over the World
- Don’t Walk Away
- Fool
- The Fall
- Suspended in Time
- Have You Never Been Mellow
- Xanadu