Signature Theatre is ending its 2011-2012 season with a rousing tribute to the disco era, complete with roller skates, mirrored balls, leg warmers and glow sticks: “Xanadu,” a musical so big and glitzy it seems as though it should have an exclamation point after its name.
“Xanadu” has an illustrious pedigree, having appeared in several early cinematic guises and having won prestigious awards on Broadway in 2008. Written by Douglas Carter Beane, with music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, “Xanadu” is a tribute to the power of absurdity, fantasy and love.
The main character, the Greek muse Clio (Erin Weaver), comes to Earth in Venice, Calif., in 1980, meets a chalk artist named Sonny (Charlie Brady) and inspires him to achieve his dreams by creating a roller disco derby called Xanadu. They find a millionaire real estate mogul, Danny Maguire (Harry Winter), and convince him to go into business with them.
| Onstage |
| ‘Xanadu’ |
| Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington |
| When: Through July 1 |
| Info: Tickets start at $63; 703-820-9771; signature-theatre.org |
But two of Clio’s sisters, Melpomene (Nova Payton) and Calliope (Sherri Edelen), are jealous and let Zeus know that Clio has fallen in love with a mortal. Eventually, Clio admits the truth about her life to Sonny, she is reconciled with Zeus, then she and Sonny go back to Los Angeles.
The goofy commentary of the plot is really just an excuse for some extraordinary songs which, unlike the plot, are sincere and moving. Director-choreographer Matthew Gardiner has exaggerated the musical and physical aspects of the production so there is not one uninteresting moment in the show, visually or vocally.
Musical director Gabriel Mangiante adds energy to the production as his four-piece band sits onstage behind a scrim accompanying the action with marvelous songs: “Suddenly,” “Evil Woman,” “Strange Magic,” “Have You Never Been Mellow,” among others.
Weaver’s powerful soprano has an arresting quality, capturing both the delicate sensibility and the humor of her role. Weaver roller-skates effortlessly throughout the show, underscoring the fluidity of the music. Brady is also a distinctive singer, well cast as the earnest Sonny who doesn’t know what vaudeville is but knows how to adore Clio.
Payton’s megawatt voice is perfect for the envious Melpomene. Edelen is deliciously funny as the unintelligible, pseudo-French-speaking Calliope. Winter nicely captures the sadness of the nostalgic Maguire. The remaining singers and dancers (Jamie Eacker, Kellee Knighten Hough, Mark Chandler, Nickolas Vaughan) do a fabulous job doubling and making a chamber musical feel huge.
If you’re not afraid of silliness, satire or camp, you’ll find nothing to disappoint in this grand, glossy “Xanadu.”
