Xanadu

There wasn’t an owl in sight last Friday night – and yet I witnessed the biggest Hoot I have seen in many years. Xanadu might be one of the worst movies ever made but watching it onstage is the most fun you can have sitting down! Spotlight deserves a standing ovation - like the show had on opening night.

Director Jamie Watt is incredibly skilled and has a clear vision of everything he wants in a production. His last show, Little Shop of Horrors, was the best production of the show I have seen, and, although I have not seen Xanadu on stage before, it’s hard to imagine that anything could top this production. Yes, it’s high camp, but it is a joyous experience from beginning to end, thanks to Watt (oh those mirror balls). He’s also a great choreographer who works to the cast’s strengths, and his casting instincts are impeccable.

Voices and comedy are the major strengths here. John Farrar’s songs are not easy, but they’re handled brilliantly by the cast - and props to the extra singers in the vocal booth (Andrew Kassab, Darcy Jackson, Margaret Holmes, Nai Nai Skaines, Maddi Halvorson). The augmented vocals are excellent throughout.

The comedy comes from onstage. The cast is blessed with great comic performances, and it’s impossible not to start by singing the praises of Jo de Goldi and Martina French. As the two “older” sisters, Melpomene and Calliope, in outrageous wigs and without a bra (let those girls swing!) they throw in every possible gag and milk the laughs for all their worth. They’re a throwback to musical comedies of a bygone era, strutting their stuff. But they’re also consummate professionals who have great voices. Their version of Evil Woman is a showstopper!

As the two leads, Samantha Sherrin (Clio/Kira) and Dean Giltinan (Sonny Malone) once again prove that some of Australia’s greatest musical theatre talent is NOT seen on the main stage - and more’s the pity. These two literally have everything needed for international stardom.

Giltinan has a great voice (and equally great legs which he shows throughout … just saying!) and an endearing vulnerability, along with natural stage presence and great comic timing. His Sonny is probably a tad more moronic than necessary, but Giltinan gives 150% in every scene.

Samantha Sherrin is deliciously satirical in her loving send up of ONJ – with her exaggerated ocker twang. Vocally she is in great form, though the mix on her mic could perhaps bring in a tad more bass. She is a sheer delight in a role which might have been written to show off her vast array of talents.

Together they have enough charm and chemistry to make the silly story work!

The idea to cast the charismatic Clay English as the muse Terpsichore (Goddess of dance) is pure genius. English, well on his way to scene-stealing immortality and his own throne on Mt Olympus, gives his all in what could have been a bit part. His tap routine was a delight, and I almost fell of the seat at his final appearance as a centaur!

Peter Gray is perfectly cast as Danny Maguire. He has a warm lilting baritone and the gravitas to mix it with the younger cast members. Credibility and likeability are a rare combination, and I can’t wait to catch his next performance.

Nate Purdy (Thalia) is always impressive for one so young and he kills it every time he is onstage; Hannah Crowther proves once again what a fine triple threat she is; Angelique Giuffre (what a fab name!) is sheer delight as Erato; and Jordan Rigby (Ourania) and Kimberley Rigby (Polymnia) – both so impressive in Spotlight’s recent Gypsy - reinforce the fact that talent abounds on the Gold Coast.

However, ultimately it’s Watt’s triumph. This major piss-take of a bad movie could have been an OTT disaster in lesser hands. It takes finesse and an understanding of satire to make this work so perfectly. Throw in a Diamante studded Flying Pegasus, roller skates, some stunning quick changes and a level of commitment and joyous energy that goes through the roof, and you have a night of entertainment that would equal anything the Gods have on offer.

PS – 20 years ago, you would not have got me into a Community (amateur) Theatre for quids. Now I am hooked. The level of dedication shown by everyone, from front of house to prop-making and admin, as well as the talent on stage is equalled only by the quest for excellence. This is what theatre is SUPPOSED to be. Support your local theatre in anyway you can. Volunteer or buy a ticket…preferably both. They deserve it.

Coral Drouyn