EDMOND —
Some people go to the theater to be inspired and moved, and all of us go to be entertained. There is a line in “Xanadu” near the end of the show where one of the characters says, “The human experience rendered incomparable by art.”
This show doesn’t really compare to the movie, which, if you had teenage daughters in the last two decades, you will know every song. I didn’t even know I knew this bit of information until they started singing. “Xanadu” was, by all comparisons, a pretty lousy movie, but it is a fun show. The plot is ridiculous but acceptable that these Greek mythological muses come out of this mural on a wall in time to save a young artist from suicide, inspire him to greatness and of course, to fall in love.
University of Central Oklahoma graduate Lexi Windsor plays Kira, the main muse opposite mere mortal Sonny Malone (Adam Levinskas). Levinskas looks a little like Jim Carrey and is appropriately funny with a beautiful voice. Windsor looks like a movie star queen and camps about with a great tongue-in-cheek performance playing up the comedy wherever she can. She also does a good job of skating. Yes, I said, skating — most of this show is done on skates. I guess that’s the closest thing we have to floating on air.
It was the muses who stole the show, especially Melpomene (played by Sheran Keyton) mother of the sirens and a bit of a sparkly siren herself, and her hilarious sidekick sister muse, Caliope, (played by Edmond’s Renee Anderson, a Memorial High School graduate).
They slayed the audience in “Evil Woman” and “Strange Magic.” Edmond North graduate Eloise Kropp (Siren, swing dancer and Hera) played her role well with bumps and grinds to the beat of the music.
UCO professor Stephen Hilton plays Danny Maguire, a millionaire businessman who fell in love with Kira long ago, as well as the Greek god Zeus. He does a good job with both characters. Edmond’s Jacob Chancellor (Danny’s younger self, swing dancer, satyr and minotaur) displayed a lot of talent and versatility.
Past UCO dance education major Christopher Castleberry did an excellent job on the choreography. Comedic choreography is much tougher to do and he did this well with a bunch of very talented actors. Christopher Domanski of Edmond designed a set that is simple and easily adaptable. I liked the scrim where the muses came to life from the mural. Edmond Memorial grad Rickelle Williams was assistant stage manager, which must have been fun with this crazy bunch of skaters zipping on and off stage.
Go see “Xanadu” and take those former teenagers who will hum along with all the songs. You might even find yourself knowing the words. The show runs through Feb. 11 at the Plaza Theatre. The theater is small and intimate, so get those tickets while they last. Contact Lyric at 524-9310 or go to www.LyricTheatreOKC.com.
VICKY RICKS is an Edmond resident.
Arts & Entertainment
Related Photos
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PHOTO PROVIDED | WENDY MUTZ University of Central Oklahoma graduate Lexi Windsor plays Kira, the main muse in Lyric Theatre's "Xanadu."
Discussion
'Xanadu' is sheer silliness — and sheer delight!
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