Review: XANADU at the Paramount Theatre

Seattle's Paramount Theatre is currently presenting the US tour of "Xanadu".  And let me tell you the show is stupid, ridiculous, pointless, over the top and has no redeeming value what so ever.  And boy will you have a good time at it! 

Based on the cult classic Olivia Newton-John movie, the show follows Kira who is one of the muses from Greek mythology.  She has come down to Earth to inspire Sonny, a down on his luck artist, to create the most spectacular art installation ever - a roller disco!  But as a muse, Kira cannot create art herself, tell anyone she is a muse or fall in love.  And big surprise, she does all three.  Partially due to the help of two of her conniving sisters who place a curse on her to fall in love so she will fall out of favor with Zeus and be put to death.  Just a fun little prank for these envious muses who are jealous that Kira may achieve Xanadu (which none of them know what it actually is, but they all want it).  And that's really all there is to this "story".  But then as I said, this show has no redeeming value.  It's just fun.  And how can it not be when you mix roller skates, disco, campy humor or REALLY short shorts? 

ElizaBeth Stanley is lovely in the role of Kira (the Olivia Newton-John role).  She skates in and out of the humor with ease and has no problem belting those classic pop hits.  Larry Marshall is wonderful as Danny (the Gene Kelly role), the former recipient of Kira's inspiration and now owner of the building they want to reopen as the roller disco.  His endearing charm combined with his powerhouse voice made him a joy to watch.  Round that out with NaTasha Yvette Williams and Annie Golden as the scheming sisters Melpomene and Calliope who gleefully add to the outrageously giddy fun and boisterous performances.  I especially loved their rendition of "Evil Woman".  Who'd have thought a cheesy 80's pop song could actually convey a story?  Oh and a side note for all you Broadway-philes out there.  Golden was Jeannie in the movie version of "Hair" and the original Squeaky Fromme in "Assassins" on Broadway.  I'm so glad to see her again. 

But the standout of the show had to be Max von Essen as the lovable dreamer Sonny.  He plays the brilliantly dense Sonny with humor, joy and tremendous heart (and really tight shorts).  With a stunning voice and winning spirit he completely owns the stage.  I've heard him on a few compilation albums and can't wait to hear and see more of him as he makes a name for himself on Broadway.  

The show manages to take a really bad movie and turn it on it's ear.  It becomes more of a parody of a wonderful piece of kitsch than anything and that ain't bad.  And with 80's pop classics from the movie such as "Have You Never Been Mellow?", "I'm Alive" and of course the titular "Xanadu" you're bound to have a good time.  Oh, and if you're up for it you could end up being a part of the show.  Like a few other shows of late ("Spring Awakening", "Spelling Bee", "Equus") you can actually get seats on stage.  If that's your thing, be sure to ask for it when buying your tickets.  So break out your leg warmers and glitter and check out the campy "Strange Magic" of "Xanadu".  It's a FABULOUS time in every sense of the word. 

"Xanadu" plays at the Paramount Theatre through January 24^th.  For tickets for information call 877-STG-4TIX (877-784-4849) or visit them online at www.tickets.com, www.stgpresents.org, or www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

 

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