REVIEW: XANADU is Uproariously Camp-tastic at OCPAC, ends 12/27

COSTA MESA, CA-It's no secret that the 1980 Olivia Newton-John/Gene Kelly film Xanadu was such a horrendously-received crap-o-rama that it has since transcended above it's own flaws to become a surprise cult classic that people actually adore, in its own very unique way. With that in mind, the Broadway musical-that uses that vapid movie as its source material-puts that very awfulness center-stage... parodies the heck out of it, points out its cheesiness blatantly, and even surprisingly-and lovingly-pays tribute to it in a very respectful way... Well, at least, respectful in the way the best satires can.

XANADU, Broadway's multiple Tony® Award-nominated musical that launched its first national tour at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, is one funny, self-aware, hilarious musical comedy that takes absolute pleasure in its own campy delights. The uproariously bright show skates at the Center (the musical's only Southern California tour stop) until December 27.

Right from the start, the show revels in its own ridiculousness that it becomes an oh-so-meta experience, in which both audience and performers are "in" on the joke. Besides its magnificent jukebox catalog of popular songs courtesy of Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra and John Farrar (tunes many of the audience will no doubt know), XANADU's best asset is its insanely comical book by playwright Douglas Carter Beane (author of Tony nominee The Little Dog Laughed, screenwriter of Too Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar).

The film's thin plot is a bit more fleshed-out here-not by much, but, at the very least, it lets us know the show you're watching is aware of it: Sonny Malone (an adorably aloof Max von Essen), a "mellow" street artist in 1980 Venice Beach, is disappointed by his lack of artistic motivation. Rushing to his aid are the Greek muses that have sprung to life directly from his very own chalk drawing. Led by the beautiful, in-disguise Kira (the witty, comically-gifted Elizabeth Stanley), Zeus' daughters-played by both female and male actors, naturally!-inspire Sonnny to realize his dream of opening up... a roller disco. (Hey, in 1980, that's a pretty big goal).

Cognizant of the absurdities of the original movie, Beane lobs witty zingers of self-depracating moments in the show's book that are a loving send-up of the show's very existence. Particularly hilarious is Kira's not-so-covert solution to infiltrate herself into Sonny's life: first, she must don skates and leg warmers... then-and here's the most important part of her disguise yet-she "must speak in an Australian accent." That's just one of the many charming bits that are sprinkled throughout the show to let the audience know that all those conventions of structure and-lord forbid-logic one expects from your typical Broadway production doesn't belong here.

What we do get, though, is 90 uninterrupted minutes of fun and side-splitting laughs. Everything here is played for absolute comic effect: everything from the absurd pronunciations of character names, to the staging of set pieces, to the vibrant choreography. Even (somewhat) serious moments illicit snickers. If at any point in the show you find yourself asking "wait... why did she think to do that?" then you're just not with it, man.

In addition to its razor sharp wit and appealingly odd, non-sensical story points, XANADU's cast of performers are a terrific ensemble. It's no surprise Sonny falls for Clio/Kira because, as played by Stanley, you'll fall in love with her too. Stanley is one of those wonderfully game actresses that can be both drop-dead gorgeous and be bravely exuberant in her no-holds-barred pursuit of full-tilt comedy. When she sings in a playful, breathy voice, it's for pure comic emphasis... and it is downright fun to behold. Her overly-enunciated "Awwws-trail-eeee-yennnn" accent is comic gold.

As the object of her unintended affection Sonny, Von Essen is a charismatic, dim-bulb boy next door that's both amiable and sexy. He delivers his valley-boy-speak with funny panache (it gets some nice laughs throughout the show). And, FYI, for his female and gay male fans: Yes, he proudly fills Cheyenne Jackson's booty shorts pretty well. Additionally, both Broadway vets are outstanding singers with amazing pipes. And they do it on skates!

Speaking of outstanding singers, Larry Marshall (who plays Sonny's would-be partner of the Xanadu nightclub/roller disco) is an excellent singer and a wonderful hoofer. As Danny Maguire-the wealthy property owner that, in his youth, was much like the idealistic artist Sonny is now-he injects the show with heart amidst all the comical goofiness. And as Kira's scene-stealing sisters hell bent on stealing their younger sister's thunder, NaTasha Yvette Williams (the strong-voiced Melpomene) and Annie Golden (the acerbically-tongued Calliope) are wickedly devilish, filling out their enhanced roles like a pair of seasoned comediennes.

With vibrant direction from Christopher Ashley and high-spirited choreography by Dan Knechtges, XANADU is an entertainingly reverent 80's flashback that's lighthearted, winsome and eager to please. There's no need to search for deeper meanings or thematic metaphors here (unless you count the super groovy title logo or the appearance of multiple disco balls as symbols for the excess and self-importance of the decade that is at the crux of this musical comedy...um, yeah, okay...). You will, however, walk away not only with an infectious smile, but also with a pep in your step, and an inescapable score stuck in your head that you'll be humming repeatedly on your way home. Like, totally, dude.

Grade: A-

Photo: Elizabeth Stanley and Company of XANADU by Carol Rosegg.

Read BWW's Interview with star Elizabeth Stanley here:
BWW INTERVIEW: Elizabeth Stanley

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Regular ticket prices to XANADU start at $20 and are on sale now. They can be purchased on-line at OCPAC.org, by calling 714.556.2787 or at the Center's Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. To take advantage of the Kids' Night on Broadway opportunity, use promo code KIDS. For inquiries about group ticket discounts for 15 or more, call Group Services at office at 714.755.0236. On-stage seats are also available. Call the box office for details. The TTY number is 714.556.2746. The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, December 26 will be sign-language interpreted.

**SPECIAL XANADU TOUR LAUNCH EVENTS**

KIDS' NIGHT ON BROADWAY, Dec. 15, 16, 17
For families, the Orange County Performing Arts Center has three special performances worth considering. In collaboration with The Broadway League, the Center has scheduled special KIDS' NIGHT ON BROADWAY performances of XANADU on Tuesday, December 15; Wednesday, December 16; and Thursday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. XANADU is the ideal introduction to the excitement and wonder of live Broadway entertainment, and with the Kids' Night on Broadway offer, parents who purchase one full-priced ticket for themselves can receive a second ticket free for a child between the ages of 8 and 18. Starting one hour prior to the performance, kids (and their parents who remain kids at heart) will also have opportunities to join in activities such as playing '80s video games in the lobby, entering contests where cast members will be the judges, dancing in the Third Tier Lobby disco and more.

FREE SKATING RINK AT THE CENTER COMMUNITY PLAZA, Dec. 19 - 20
The Center opens its community plaza as a free roller skating rink on Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Experienced skating enthusiasts can bring their own skates, while rental skates will be available for $5. Roller skaters will be able to show off their moves on the plaza as they listen to hit songs from the XANADU soundtrack, including "Strange Magic," "All Over the World," "Suddenly," "Have You Never Been Mellow" and "Evil Woman," as well as other popular tunes from the '80s. The XANADU roller skating party is part of the Center's Free for All Series, which gives audiences opportunities to experience the Center and exciting entertainment in new and intriguing ways – and all for free.

CHALK ARTIST SHOWCASE
In the spirit of XANADU's hero Sonny, who is a chalk artist in the show, Melanie Stimmell Van Latum will create a 15x15-foot XANADU-inspired mural on the Center's plaza. Stimmell will begin working on Monday, December 14 and complete her work in time for the performance on December 16. The artist is an internationally recognized street painter with clients in Turkey, Holland, France, Canada and throughout the United States (Pending weather developments, Stimmell will work on the plaza itself or in a sheltered space visible to the public.)

SPECIAL CAST TALK-BACK, Dec. 22
Following the Tuesday, December 22, 7:30 p.m. performance, XANADU cast members will return to the stage for a special Talk Back with the audience. Patrons will have the opportunity to speak with cast members about their careers and their experiences as part of the National Touring company.

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For more information on the XANADU presentation of Kids Night on Broadway, visit ocpac.org/kids. For more information on the show, visit xanaduontour.com.