I just can’t remember if I saw the film Xanadu in 1980.  I have to assume that I did because I clearly remember seeing the Village People in You Can’t Stop the Music, so why wouldn’t I see Xanadu?  In 2008 I saw (and loved) the Uptown Players production of Zanna, Don’t! which I assumed would be a gay-version of Xanadu. So I was only slightly interested when my friends suggested seeing the Dallas Summer Musicals production of Xanadu at Fair Park. To say that I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement, and there is nothing understated about this show.  (BTW – a “gay-version of Xanadu” is just redundant.)

I’m not a critic.  (I can hear all of my friends laughing, maybe even cackling, after all they are evil. You’ll have to see the show to understand that . . . or know my friends.) I’d suggest that you read Lawson Taite’s review in today’s Dallas Morning News.  Still, I feel the need to express my opinion of this production. After all, isn’t that what blogs are all about?

Not only did we see Xanadu, we threw ourselves into the production by getting on stage seating. On stage seating is a serious commitment.  What happens if you nod-off, or have to powder your nose, or just want to leave? To top it off there’s a sign in the lobby that says, “This production has no intermission.” Horror! Fortunately the 2-hour production went by so quickly that even someone suffering from OAB would be fine. Sure, you miss one or two of the sight-jokes, but you get to play with the cast, or rather be played with by the cast. Being on stage is just way too fun.

And what a cast! The whole show is done with only 13 cast members (including 2 understudies) who play 22 roles. They’re accompanied by a very impressive 5 piece band under the direction of Michael Sobie. Nearly everyone plays two, sometimes three characters. They are all fun-ny! They are great at poking fun at themselves, i.e. ‘limitations of double casting’ and films that are turned into stage musicals, the audience and everyone’s favorite target, Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Everyone in the cast is amazing, did I already say that? It bears repeating. It would be unfair to name names but I will anyway. The two leads, Max Von Essen and Anika Larsen are just terrific. Singing and dancing isn’t easy. But, singing, dancing and skating? I don’t know how they do it, but they make it look effortless. (Damn them!) Natasha Yvette Williams was just superb as was her side-kick Annie Golden. And the boys, what can I say about the boys? As a frustrated tap dancer from way back I was thrilled at Jesse Nager’s tap number.  Oh, and Kevin Duda (is that not a fun name?) played with my hair, so ‘yea for me’!

Xanadu is a fun, clever, campy, well executed romp to 1980 that’s full of love, music, glitter, glow sticks, mirror balls and flag boys on roller skates! Its just like being in a 1980′s gay bar (but without the poppers).

Xanadu runs through April 18 a the Music Hall at Fair Park.  Chamber Members: Click on the this link or the Xanadu graphic above for special ticket pricing.

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