Overview
Synopsis
Slap on your roller skates, pump up the glitter, and get hip to the muses in Xanadu, the laugh-out-loud musical stage adaptation of the 1980 film. Xanadu follows Clio, the lovely and precocious Greek muse who decides to put on some rollerskates. legwarmers, and an Australian accent in order to help Sonny Malone, a chalk artist with half a brain and a heart of gold, rediscover his own creativity. With both help and hindrance from the other muses -- and from a clarinetist-turned-real estate mogul named Danny Maguire -- Sonny and Clio work to rebuild their “apex of the arts”: a roller disco. Xanadu is the rare musical with a big heart, an even bigger funny bone, and a tongue stuck firmly in its cheek.
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Context
Xanadu the musical was based on the legendary 1980 film flop Xanadu. The film starred Olivia Newton-John, who performed entirely on roller skates. Although its soundtrack of ‘80s toe-tappers was a hit, Xanadu was nominated for six Razzies (the annual award ceremony for the worst films of the year). Despite its negative critical reception, the film became a cult classic, celebrated as a prime example of terrible ‘80s filmmaking.
When a musical adaptation of the film was announced in
to read the context for Xanadu and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Venice Beach, California, 1980. Sonny, a chalk artist, has been working tirelessly on a drawing of the Greek muses, but when he realizes that he’s made an error, his frustration reaches a feverish pitch. Distressed, he abandons his work and rushes away -- just as the Muses from his drawing come to life . (“I’m Alive”). Clio, the youngest and loveliest of the muses, convinces her sisters to allow her to help Sonny by disguise herself as a human (by wearing roller skates, legwarmers, taking
to read the plot for Xanadu and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
Showing 8 of 9 characters
Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Xanadu.
Showing 8 of 40 portrayals
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Songs
- I’m Alive – Clio/Kira and the Muses
- Magic – Kira
- Evil Woman – Melpomene, Calliope and the Sirens
- Suddenly – Kira and Sonny
- Whenever You're Away From Me – Danny and Kira
- Dancin’ – Danny, Sonny and the Muses
- Strange Magic – Melpomene, Calliope and Kira
- All Over the World – Sonny, Danny and the Muses
- Don’t Walk Away – Sonny, Danny and the Muses
- Fool – Kira and the Muses
- The Fall – Sonny and the Muses
- Suspended in Time – Kira and Sonny
- Have You Never Been Mellow – Kira and the Greek gods
- I’m Free - Kira, Sonny, and Pegasus
- "Xanadu" – Kira, Sonny, Danny and the Muses
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Key Terms
A jukebox musical is a type of musical where the score is made up of pre-existing, well-known popular songs instead of original music.
Parody is a comedic imitation of a style, genre, or work that exaggerates its features for humorous or satirical effect. In theatre, it playfully mocks conventions, characters, or cultural icons while still relying on audience recognition of the original. Parody can both celebrate and critique its subject, often blurring the line between homage and ridicule.
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