Article Text

Centreville High School is preparing to transform a rundown roller rink into a neon-lit dream as a 40-member cast and crew stages the musical comedy “Xanadu.”

Set in 1980 on Venice Beach, California, the family-friendly show follows Kira, a Greek muse who descends from Mount Olympus to inspire struggling artist Sonny Malone. His unlikely dream is to open a roller disco—and Kira’s efforts become complicated when she falls in love with him, violating one of Zeus’ strict rules.

Jealous sisters, elaborate musical numbers and plenty of roller-skating chaos add to the trouble.

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, May 1-3, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students, military members and senior citizens. They will be available at the door and through the Theatre Centreville website. A free skating event is also planned before the May 3 performance.

Director Patrick McGee said the production celebrates love, sisterhood and family while offering audiences a nostalgic escape into the 1980s.

“The cast members are really embracing the comedy, making bold acting choices onstage and dancing their hearts out,” McGee said. Two performers will even dance on roller skates.

The musical fits Centreville High theater’s “A Mythical Season” theme by combining Greek mythology with a playful take on the 1980 cult film. McGee said the stage version is based on the Broadway musical, which pokes fun at the movie that inspired it.

Scenes move from Venice Beach to an office building and a deteriorating roller rink that is eventually reborn as a place everyone can enjoy. The costumes similarly blend two worlds: flowing Greek gowns for the muses and bright neon colors, legwarmers and other unmistakable ’80s touches for the mortal characters.

A Muse With Three Rules

Sophomore Macee Schmidt plays Kira, whose true identity is Clio, the muse of history. Disguised as an Australian woman, she sets out to help Sonny believe in himself, paint a mural and pursue his roller-disco vision.

Schmidt describes Kira as quirky, eccentric and passionate about inspiring others. But Zeus has imposed three rules: She may not fall in love with a mortal, create art herself or reveal that she is a muse. Breaking them could send her to the Netherworld.

Kira is accompanied to Venice Beach by six sisters, although they largely remain behind the scenes as she guides Sonny. If she succeeds without violating Zeus’ commands, she will receive Xanadu, described in the show as a higher world.

Schmidt said she enjoys revealing Kira’s personality through sarcasm and physical mannerisms. Her favorite song, “The Fall,” captures how deeply Sonny has come to care about Kira and how much their relationship has changed him.

She expects the production’s vocabulary, fashions, celebrity references and other ’80s details to connect with audiences. Above all, she said, its witty and campy tone should keep people laughing.

Sisters Stir Up Trouble

Sophomore Kylie Henryhand portrays Calliope, one of two sisters determined to derail Kira. Calliope remains devoted to Melpomene, the oldest muse, who resents Kira for taking the leadership position she believed should have been hers.

Henryhand describes Calliope as whimsical, easily distracted and “kind of crazy.” The role gives her room to use exaggerated facial expressions and movements while embracing the freedom of playing a campy villain.

Her featured song is “Evil Woman,” a comic number about Melpomene that pairs its deliberately unserious lyrics with energetic choreography.

Henryhand said the production embraces the familiar stereotypes of musical theater and turns them into jokes. Its unpredictable, goofy style, she said, may leave audience members wanting to get up and dance.

Junior Jules Couch plays Thalia, the goddess of comedy and another of Kira’s sisters. The muses travel to Venice Beach after Sonny paints a mural depicting them before he has even met them.

Couch characterizes Thalia as sweet, bubbly and full of comedic energy—a personality she compares to a mixture of Pixy Stix and Pop Rocks. Thalia believes humor can brighten anyone’s day and speaks up when doing so will help her sisters.

Couch called the role one of her best experiences onstage. Her favorite number is the opening song, “I’m Alive,” which introduces the muses and showcases their individual personalities through singing, dancing and different-colored gowns.

A Cranky Businessman Holds the Key

Senior Sean Evans plays Danny McGuire, a wealthy Los Angeles businessman with extensive real-estate holdings. Although Danny is old, cranky and sometimes mean, Evans said the character also has a playful side.

Danny was once inspired by Kira to build the Xanadu Theater. Years later, Sonny hopes to buy the property and convert it into his roller disco.

Evans said the mix of comedy and hostility makes Danny enjoyable to portray—and gives him an opportunity to yell onstage. His favorite song is the jazzy first-act number “Whenever You’re Away from Me.”

The production also includes a visual surprise involving life-size portraits of the muses. The portraits rotate before Kira and her six sisters emerge from behind them.

Couch said the score may be the show’s biggest attraction, with each song offering a different perspective on the story. Combined with the choreography, singing and acting, the cast hopes the music will deliver an exuberant celebration of romance, mythology and roller-disco joy.