The seven sisters and muses are (from left) Antonella Foschi, Makena Nelson, Madelyn Regan, Macee Schmidt, Kylie Henryhand, Amelia Loht and Jules Couch. Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.
Featuring a cast and crew of 40, Centreville High’s upcoming musical is the funny and fabulous “Xanadu.” And in today’s serious and uncertain world, it may be just the good time that audiences need.
It’s 1980 in Venice Beach, Calif., and a beautiful Greek muse, Kira, descends from Mt. Olympus to inspire a struggling artist to create his dream – a roller disco. She’s not supposed to fall in love with him – so, of course, she does – while her jealous sisters create havoc.
“It’s a family-friendly show that explores finding love and celebrates sisterhood and family,” said Director Patrick McGee. “We want people to come, have fun and even feel a sense of nostalgia for the ’80s.”
The curtain rises Thursday-Saturday, May 1, 2 and 3, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, adults; $10, students, military and senior citizens at the door or via www.theatrecentreville.com. There’s a free skating event before the May 3 show; see Website for details.
“The cast members are really embracing the comedy, making bold acting choices onstage and dancing their hearts out,” said McGee. “And two brave souls are even dancing on roller skates. This year’s theater theme is ‘A Mythical Season,’ so the show is a twist on a 1980 cult film and also ties into our Greek theme.”
“I have lots of strong, comedic actors, and there’s a memorable pop score that’ll appeal to people of all ages,” he continued. “I just want audiences to have fun and laugh. This show is based on the Broadway musical that pokes fun at the movie that came before it.”
Scenes take place on Venice Beach, at an office building and, said McGee, “At a rundown roller rink that’s eventually transformed into something amazing for all to enjoy.” Costumes combine Greek styles and 1980s flair. The muses wear long, flowing, Greek gowns, while the 1980 characters sport bright, neon colors and legwarmers.
Playing Kira is sophomore Macee Schmidt. “Her goddess name is Clio, but she goes undercover as an Australian named Kira to inspire artist Sonny Malone to paint a mural and open his roller disco,” said Schmidt. “She’s the history muse, and after hearing Sonny saying he’s not good enough to be successful, she wants to make him believe in himself.
“Kira’s quirky, silly, eccentric and a bit of a girl boss and leader. She loves people and is passionate about her craft of inspiring them. But her father, Zeus, gave her three rules she must follow, or else he’ll banish her to the Netherworld. She can’t fall in love with a mortal; can’t create art herself; and can’t say she’s a muse or reveal her real identity.”
Schmidt loves her role, saying, “I’m silly like her when I’m around my friends, and she’s that way, too, when she’s around her six sisters [her fellow muses]. They also came to Venice but mainly stay in the background. Xanadu was a kingdom on the Silk Road. It represents the higher world, and Zeus will grant it to her if she inspires Sonny without breaking the rules. I really enjoy showing this through Kira’s mannerisms and sarcasm.”
Her favorite song is “The Fall,” sung when the audience realizes how much Sonny cares about Kira and how much she’s changed him. “It’s an ensemble number and is beautiful and catchy,” said Schmidt.
Calling the show a “witty and campy musical,” she said it’s also funny, silly and easy to understand. “Audiences will like the jokes, vocabulary and trends from the ’80s, plus the clothing and celebrity references,” said Schmidt. “And they’ll just love the vibe – it’s so comedic and will have them laughing throughout the entire thing.”
Sophomore Kylie Henryhand portrays Calliope, one of the sisters. “She’s kind of crazy, whimsical, not too bright and gets distracted easily,” said Henryhand. “But she’s loyal to her sister Melpomene. We’re the evil ones – haters who don’t want Kira to succeed. Melpomene was supposed to be the leader of the muses because she’s the oldest sister, but Kira took it over.”
Henryhand’s enjoying her part because “I get to be as weird as I want through strange expressions and body movements. I try to give 110 percent in what I do, and this character lets me do that. Playing a villain is fun because you get to be campy and do stuff you normally wouldn’t in real life. And villains are also some of the most memorable characters.”
She especially likes the song, “Evil Woman,” which she sings. “It’s funny, and I’m singing about Melpomene,” said Henryhand. “The song doesn’t take itself seriously and the dance number goes really well with it.”
She said audiences will like how “random and silly” this show is. “It’s very funny, with lots of jokes and moments that make you laugh,” said Henryhand. “It’s not like anything I’ve ever seen before. It plays into the stereotypes of musical theater and poses fun at it, but in a comedic way that makes you want to get up and dance with everybody.”
Portraying Danny McGuire is senior Sean Evans. “He’s a rich businessman who owns lots of real estate in Los Angeles,” said Evans. “He’s old and cranky but also has a silly side to him. He’d previously been inspired by Kira to build the Xanadu Theater, and Sonny wants to buy it and turn it into a roller disco. He’s fun to play because he’s both a comedic and mean character, and I get to yell onstage.”
“His songs are also really fun to sing,” continued Evans. “My favorite number is ‘Whenever You’re Away from Me,’ that Danny sings in the first act. It’s got this jazzy vibe to it and is really pleasing to listen to.”
Regarding the show, Evans said, “Audiences will enjoy the singing and dances and the funny jokes. They’ll like seeing a non-serious, campy and goofy show. And people will also like the way the set’s life-sized portraits of the muses spin around and then Kira and her six sisters step out from behind them.”
Junior Jules Couch plays Thalia, the goddess of comedy. “She’s one of Kira’s sisters and one of the main muses,” said Couch. “We came to Venice Beach to inspire Sonny because he painted the mural of us before he even met us. Thalia is like a mixture of Pixy Stix and Pop Rocks – she’s sweet and bubbly but also has a comedic spark. She believes a funny story can fix anything and brighten someone’s day. She doesn’t speak for herself much but, when she does, it’s for the good of her sisters.”
Couch called portraying Thalia “one of the best experiences I’ve had on stage. She has this joy in her when it comes to comedy; and when given the chance, she jumps on it. And as a person, she’s really kind and loves her sisters a lot.”
Couch especially likes the number, “I’m Alive,” sung by her and all the other muses. “It’s the show’s first song and introduces the audience to all of us,” she explained. “People get to know who the sisters are and see their singing and dancing talents. And it ties to the beauty of ‘Xanadu’ in general. You get to see the muses truly shine and be themselves onstage. And we each wear different-colored gowns that show how each of the muses has her own personality.”
Overall, she said, what audiences will like most is the music. “We pour our hearts into the songs,” said Couch. “Each song is different and involves unique perspectives of the show. And the choreography adds such a beautiful spin to each song. It’s just a fabulous show, with amazing singers, dancers and actors.”