Entertainment

Welcoming you back to the fab '80s

November 15, 2010 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - Enjoy another entertaining escape with lovable characters on skates as Atlantis Productions welcomes back into town the fabulous ’80s musical that is Xanadu. Running from Nov. 19 to Dec. 5 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City, the musical will surely leave you in stitches as you gape at the lovestruck leads roller-skating in and out of each other’s paths.  The story is set in 1980. When beautiful Greek muse Clio disguises herself as Kira and descends from Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California to provide inspiration to struggling artist Sonny Malone she doesn’t expect to fall in love. As Sonny struggles with reaching for his ultimate star (which is to put up his own roller disco), he falls for her as well, much to the chagrin and dismay of Clio’s jealous sisters. These sinister siblings plot against Clio and cook up a magical spell that turns Mt. Olympus and Venice Beach topsy-turvy. It is a hilarious spin and twirls the inspiring message of how you can reach your dreams despite limitations set out for you.  Guaranteed to captivate and bring you back down memory lane are the beautifully-written hit songs by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar that evoke not only that familiar ’80s vibe (like Magic, All Over The World, I’m Alive, Evil Woman and Have You Even Been Mellow) but that weak-in-the-knees sentimentality and sweetness of falling in love, perfectly played in Suddenly.  The musical is based on the cult-classic film Xanadu starring Gene Kelly and Olivia-Newton John. Topbilled by pop star and theater actress Rachel Alejandro (as Clio/Kira) and Philippine theater’s golden boy Felix Rivera (as Sonny Malone), the repeat run of Xanadu also stars Noel Trinidad, Leo Rialp, Chari Arespacochaga, Bea Garcia, Anthony Ong, Alys Serdenia, Glen Llanes and Yael Pineda (Disney’s The Lion King West End). Local stars sighted in the audience during the show’s previous performances continue to rave about the show, and are more excited to catch it again. Read their reactions, and see for yourself what an entertaining spectacle Xanadu truly is, and why there’s such a clamor for this fantastic musical to be shown again: Cherie Gil: Xanadu is delightful! Adorable! Rachel Alejandro’s voice is the bomb! And that wicked witch Chari Arespacochaga you love to hate but love to love. Let’s not forget her alter ego too and Felix’s gorgeous legs! Most of all it was great seeing Noel Trinidad back on stage in his element! I had so much fun. Xanadu is what entertainment is all about! Jett Pangan: Xanadu The Musical is the funniest thing to happen for musical theater fans and non-fans alike! Jackie Lou Blanco: Xanadu was fantastic! Brought back wonderful memories from the ’80s. I realized how beautiful the music was then. Walang kupas. Even though my kids didn’t know all the songs, they loved it! Fantastic! Rachel was a delight to watch. Felix is so funny and sexy in those short shorts. Hahaha! And my kids and I loved Chari and Noel Trinidad. I enjoyed it so much! Dawn Zulueta: I had a blast watching Xanadu!  Brought me right back down memory lane and I loved every minute of it. I’ll definitely watch it again! Xanadu is directed by Bobby Garcia with set design by Lawyn Cruz, costume design by Twinkle Zamora, choreography by Cecile Martinez, musical direction by Ceejay Javier, lighting design by Jonsy Reyes and vocal coaching by ManMan Angsico. Make sure not to miss this fantastically funny musical… you’ll be strolling, or perhaps skating down your own memory lane and falling in love with the ’80s all over again for sure! (For tickets, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.)