Xanadu: The fun is far from over

MANILA, Philippines - Just when you thought the fun was over, Atlantis Productions brings back the inspiration-filled and hilarious musical Xanadu on Nov. 19 to Dec. 5.

Based on the Universal Pictures film starring Olivia Newton-John, on a book by Douglas Carter Beane, with music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, Xanadu, The Musical will tug at your heartstrings and tickle your funny bone again.

The preview night of its first run was packed with an audience excited to be brought back to the richly enthusiastic era of the ‘80s, and director Bobby Garcia and his cast and crew did not disappoint.

The formidable team-up of the show’s leads, Rachel Alejandro and Felix Rivera was simply scorching in chemistry.  It was so obvious how fantastic these two actors have gelled and have seemingly mastered the art of a compelling partnership on stage, having worked together in another previous production, Avenue Q.  Now, with Rachel as Clio/Kira and Felix as Sonny Malone in Xanadu, expect another delightful tandem from these two.

Rachel has always been a wonderful singer and theater actress, but this time, even with a few tentative steps in the beginning, she was able to put a fantastic (rollerskating) spin to the dual roles of Clio and Kira, originally portrayed by Newton-John, with her sweet portrayal, honeyed vocals, dance moves, and more importantly, intriguing accents (Australian and Southern) that left the audience smiling and laughing.

This girl most certainly knows how to push the envelope when it comes to embracing challenges, her latest one donning a pair of rollerskates and overcoming her own fears of being uncoordinated onstage.  Watch out for her doing I’m Alive, Strange Magic, Fool, and of course, the popular song Xanadu.  You’ll know why she is truly a Muse for theater lovers and audiences everywhere.

Felix stepped up to the rollerskating challenges with fervor and aplomb, and made his Sonny Malone such an endearing and loveable character, leaving a lot of women in the audience swooning at his heartfelt rendition of Don’t Walk Away, his passionate play of emotions, and hot moves on those skates.  His tight short-shorts may also have heightened the girlish reactions from the ladies in the crowd.  His vocal training (with coach Matt Farnsworth) and skating lessons (with skating guru Lezly Zeiring) in New York paid off mightily. This guy could do no wrong onstage.

If you’ve always appreciated the song Suddenly (popularized by Newton-John and Cliff Richard), you will most certainly love the version performed by Rachel and Felix…pure and utter romance, sandwiched between unexpected titters and laughter.  Watch the show to see what this writer means.

Noel Trinidad was perfectly cast in the dual roles Danny Maguire and Zeus.  A theater veteran and seasoned performer who needs no introduction, Trinidad’s natural acting, perfect ease and presence was just so delightful to watch.  There is a reason why he has always been among the much-admired entertainers of his time, and this man only keeps getting better and better.  No one could take their eyes off him.  His proud son, theater actor Joel, was in the audience, clapping as loudly as anyone as his father owned the stage. You’re going to love Dancin’ with Noel.

Other noteworthy scene-stealers are Chari Arespacochaga (who plays Melpomene and Medusa) and Yael Pineda (who portrays Calliope and Aphrodite) who do more than grace the theater stage with their magnetic presence.  They stir up the hornet’s nest every single time the spotlight sets on them, and quite frankly, the audience couldn’t get enough of them.  If there was ever an award for the Best Pair of Comedic Villains, Chari and Yael would surely share this honor.

Playing the perfect foils who each enjoyed endless giggles and applause from the crowd were Bea Garcia (watch out for her Eulerpe (Siren, Andrew’s sister, Thelis), Anthony Tarrosa Ong (Thalia, Siren, Young Danny, Tubes Singer, Cyclops), Glen Llanes (Terpsicore, Siren, Tubes Singers, Hermes, Centaur), and Alys Serdenia (Eralo, Siren, Andrew’s Sister Eros, Hear). You will surely gawk at Anthony Tarrosa Ong’s tap-dancing, and clap loudly for each and every cast member.

As cloudy skies and storm clouds threatened to release a heavy downpour outside, it was all bright-lights, rainbow-colored leg warmers and disco-ball fever inside the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at the RCBC Plaza. And the standing ovations throughout the run were cause for Atlantis Productions to announce that Xanadu will be back for a second run.

A whimsical and comic musical, Xanadu is all about Greek Muse Clio, who sets out to inspire a struggling artist Sonny to reach his biggest dream of creating a roller-disco.  After donning a disguise of Australian roller girl Kira, Clio unexpectedly falls in love with the mortal Sonny, catching the ire of her jealous sisters who take advantage of the situation, leaving Clio to risk banishment to the underworld for her forbidden love.

It’s a must-see musical for all ages, with an abundant serving of popular songs from the ’80s, a lighthearted yet inspiring script, and surprisingly eye-popping rollerskating moves that’ll leave you dancing in your seat.

It was no surprise the audience gave the cast a standing ovation during preview night, with laughter echoing the halls even as the crowd made their way home.

If you missed it during its first run or you simply want to see it again, catch the repeat run of Xanadu, The Musical, and relish your own memories of sweet love suddenly coming into your life, right smack at the same time you’ve also set sights on dreams suddenly so close and within reach.

(For details, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.)