Theatre News Wire

Wrapping up the 2022 - 2023 Season at Metropolis Performin Arts Centre is the beloved film classic turned musical comedy, Xanadu. The sparkling spectacle is directed by Kevin Wiczer, featuring choreography by Kristine Burdi and music under the baton of Kenneth McMullen. The sneak peeks of Xanadu will kick off on Thursday, July 13, and the show will continue its run until August 13 at the Metropolis Theater.

Xanadu, a Tony Award nominee, is an uproarious musical about the pursuit of dreams. The show turned heads and wowed both audiences and critics when it turned the 1980 film featuring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly into a Broadway sensation in 2007.

The plot of Xanadu revolves around a mystical muse named Kira, who leaves Mt. Olympus (accompanied by a Greek chorus) to motivate a struggling artist, Sonny, in creating the most extraordinary piece of art - a roller disco set in the 1980s!

However, when Kira unexpectedly falls in love with the human Sonny, her envious sisters exploit the opportunity, and pandemonium ensues. With a medley of catchy pop tunes and a script that pays homage to musical theater satire, Xanadu is a heartwarming, electric roller-coaster of endless enjoyment that promises to leave the audience in fits of laughter as the iconic, chart-dominating songs get them on their feet.

"The first time I saw Xanadu, my face hurt from smiling so hard," says Artistic Director Brendan Ragan. "It's an outrageously fun, goofy satire of the famously bad film, but it also manages to honor the era well with lively power ballads and endearing pop hits. And did I mention they do it on rollerskates? It's really the perfect show for summertime." 

Tickets, ranging from $10 to $45, can be purchased at MetropolisArts.com or by calling (847) 577-2121.