arts & entertainment

Riverside Theatre for Kids presents the cult musical classic Xanadu July 19-21, 2024.

Based on the 1980 film starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, in his last role, Xanadu tells the story of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California in 1980. She is sent to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first ROLLER DISCO! But, when she falls into forbidden love with mortal Sonny, her sisters take advantage of the situation and create comical chaos.

“That hardly sounds like the making of a successful musical,” said Kevin Quillinan, Director of Theatre Education at Riverside and Director of this production. “But that’s what makes Xanadu so much fun!”

The film was panned by critics when it was first released and could have been quickly forgotten had it not been for the incredibly successful soundtrack with hit songs by Olivia Newton-John and the Electric Light Orchestra. Five of the songs in the soundtrack reached the top of the charts with “Magic” and “Xanadu” reaching number one.

Over the years, the film became a cult classic with audiences embracing the silliness of the plot. In 2007, a musical version opened on Broadway and became a huge hit running for almost 600 performances followed by a very successful national tour.

“The genius of the staged musical is that it firmly embraces all the good stuff about the film and lovingly mocks the sillier stuff in it,” said Mr. Quillinan. “It’s a knowing satire, still filled with all of the great songs from the movie, with a few more ELO classics added to it.  It was nominated for Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Actress for Kerry Butler.

“We are thrilled to be doing the full-length show as an intensive production camp for our teens, giving them the taste of a summer stock rehearsal process culminating in a production with full sets, costumes, lights, and props.  We’ve had a blast delving into the show, as well as the movie and the history of theatre that is intertwined with both.”

Performed by students ages 13-18, Xanadu is a moving, electrifying tale of endless fun that will keep audiences in stitches while the original legendary, chart-topping tunes lift them out of their seats. 

Under the direction of Kevin Quillinan, the cast for Xanadu is: Avery Kissam (Kira/Clio), Timothy Cicco (Sonny Malone), Joshua Irby (Danny Maguire), Kaitlin Simmons (Calliope), Danielle Rustay (Melpomene), Ivy Engle (Thalia), Ava Cook (Euterpe/Thetis), Zadie Diniz (Erato/Eros), Giselle Fernandez (Terpsicore/Centaur), Amelia Lewis (Zeus), Aalaya Allen (Hera), Mars Capra (Aphrodite/Siren), and Jacqueline Anding (Medua/Siren).

The design team includes: Deborah Quillinan (Music Director), Ellie Hennequin (Choreographer), Devin LaPointe (Scenic Designer), Corey Brittain (Costume Designer), Genny Wynn (Lighting Designer), Emily Luongo (Props Designer), and Rhiannon Blanchette (Sound Designer).

Xanadu performances are:

Friday, July 19 @ 7pm

Saturday, July 20 @ 2pm & 7pm

Sunday, July 21 @ 2pm

Tickets for Xanadu are $20.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Riverside Theatre Box Office 772-231-6990 or online at www.riversidetheatre.com.

Riverside Theatre is located at 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963. Riverside Theatre programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Riverside Theatre is a member of the Cultural Council of Indian River County, the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, and the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.