Skylight Music Theatre presents: XANADU

The cast of Skylight Musical Theatre's production of XANADU, through February 11th in Milwaukee. Photo by Mark Frohna.

By Mary Boyle

I was a child of the 80s, yet I somehow missed the 1980 film Xanadu, starring Olivia Newton John and the great Gene Kelly.  Then again, perhaps it isn't much of a surprise, since the film was not acclaimed.  In fact, it inspired the Golden Raspberry Awards, given to honor the worst films of the year.  Somehow, though, the film developed a cult following as the years went by and, in 2007, a musical version by Douglas Carter Beane, with music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, was unveiled on Broadway.  The musical, which was far more successful than the film, has developed a following of its own, and now Skylight Music Theatre has brought XANADU, in all its disco glory, to Milwaukee area audiences.

Milwaukee's own Doug Clemons, who is usually seen on the stage, makes his directorial debut with this sparkling production, where roller disco meets Greek mythology.  Sonny Malone (Mitchell Gray), an aspiring artist in Los Angeles, is so frustrated by his art that he is on the verge of commiting suicide, but is interrupted by Kira (Kaitlin Feely), the Greek Muse Clio masquerading as a trendy young Australian woman, complete with roller skates and legwarmers.  With Kira to guide him, Sonny finds an old abandoned theater called Xanadu, which he hopes to turn into a roller disco; but, the owner of the theater, a real estate mogul named Danny Maguire (Rick Richter), wants to tear the old theater down and turn it into condos.  Meanwhile, Kira's jealous sister, Melpomene (Molly Rhode), has a plan to get rid of Kira: Muses are forbidden by Zues to create, themselves, or to fall in love with the humans they choose to inspire, so Melpomene, with the help of her sister Calliope (Rhonda Rae Busch), conspires to use magic to make Kira and Sonny fall in love.

Roller Disco had its heyday in the 70s and 80s, but the culture still persists today -- in fact, it was even featured in a Peppa Pig episode!  The hobby has made an even bigger comeback since the pandemic, with a strong relationship to the Queer community.  Clemons' Xanadu is full of pride, if not a spectacular display of roller skating ability, and is a fast, funny, and fabulous 90 minutes of campy fun, featuring a few songs that everyone will recognize, such as "Evil Woman" and "Strange Magic" by Electric Light Orchestra.

Kaitlin Feely and Mitchell Gray both make a fantastic Skylight debuts, alongside veterans Rick Richter, Samatha Sostarich, and Molly Rhode.  Keep an eye out for D Eric Woolweber, who manages to steal several scenes in the production with his dancing ability, as well as his comedic skills.  A strong cast with incredible vocal talent, alongside live music played on the stage directed by David Bonofiglio, elevates the entire production.  While not to be taken seriously, Xanadu has some seriously solid performers and is a great show to bring in some love, light, and color on a Wisconsin winter evening.

XANADU runs through February 11th in the beautiful Cabot Theatre, located in the Broadway Theatre Center at 158 N. Broadway in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.  Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 414-291-7800 or by visiting www.skylightmusictheatre.org.

Don't miss Skylight's upcoming celebration of legendary songwriter Tim Rice!
An Evening with Sir Tim Rice is set for March 23, 2024 at the Broadway Theatre Center in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.skylightmusictheatre.org. Additionally, a limited number of VIP tickets are available, which include a meet and greet with Sir Tim Rice and a champagne toast following the performance.  

About Skylight Music Theatre
Skylight Music Theatre is a professional theatre company that produces high-quality musical productions that entertain, educate, and inspire. We are committed to providing a platform for local talent and showcasing the best of Broadway and beyond.  Founded in 1959, Skylight is Milwaukee’s professional Equity music theatre company and the state's
largest employer of Wisconsin actors. Skylight produces the full range of music theatre from blockbuster Broadway musicals to reimagined operas, and from exciting world premieres to contemporary off-Broadway hits. Skylight’s mainstage home is the Cabot Theatre in the Broadway Theatre Center, which was built by Skylight in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward in 1992. Considered to be one of Milwaukee’s most beautiful theatres, the Cabot Theatre is based on the design of an 18th-century French opera
house. With just 350 seats it offers audiences great views of the action onstage and an undeniable connection with the performers. Skylight Music Theatre marks its 64th season in 2023-2024. Skylight Music Theatre is a proud Cornerstone Member of the United Performing Arts Fund.