Divine intervention

MANILA, Philippines - Thanks to the attention we’ve been giving to the ’80s, the thoroughly enjoyable Broadway musical Xanadu is back at the RCBC Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, with a run that extends until Dec. 5. Directed by Bobby Garcia, the play is one of a number that has taken, at-best, mediocre films of the ’70s and ’80s; and has turned them into musicals where by virtue of the familiarity of the songs to be found, and the nostlagia and recall of how crazy-simple the ’80s were, an entertaining night is guaranteed for the audience, regardless what age they may be. Given that the music and lyrics come courtesy of Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra, and renowned songwriter John Farrar, is enough of a pedigree that the music will have our feet tapping and heads nodding in bright-eyed wonder.

 The plotline is the age-old concept of having one of the gods come down to live with us mortals — in this case, it’s Greek muse Clio/Kira (Rachel Alejandro) who, descending from a mural in Venice, California, aims to inspire the struggling artist, Sonny Malone (Felix Rivera), to do greater things and fulfill his artistic dreams, even if the height of his ambition is to put up a Roller disco! And what can I say, it is the ’80s after all, and if Roller disco was the pinnacle of one’s dreams to build something that would last through the ages, who are we to put a damper on the proceedings, and explain that the longevity of that concept is Milli Vanilli in nature.

 Songs like Suddenly (yes, the one with “the wheels are in motion”), Evil Woman, Strange Magic and Have You Ever Been Mellow, all make for a night when we mouth the lyrics to songs that belong to our musical past; and if, like me, you brought your kids with you, you’ll find them enjoying these songs that have passed the test of time much better than the original movie did. Olivia Newton-John was the star of the film, and the musical’s book takes potshots at itself with humor and panache.

 Both Rachel and Felix take the cuteness quotient to the max, mining it for laughs; and the scene stealers are Chari Arespacochaga (Melpomene/Medusa) and Yael Pineda (Calliope/Aphrodite), with Leo Rialp (Danny Maguire/Zeus) coming in a very close third! It’s an airtight case of casting and producing, with multiple roles played by the cast of nine members, and as the curtain descends, we are left impressed by just how so much texture has been created with this minimal number of performers.

 Sure, this is light entertainment, musical comedy that’s frothy and self-deprecating; but when it comes as enjoyable as this, one can only smile in wonderment and be thankful.