By 1831Galion, Cole Hatcher
When students from Ohio Wesleyan University take the stage for a trip to “Xanadu,” a Galionite will be among them.
Xanadu is a place where Kira, a beautiful Greek muse, descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus to inspire Sonny, a struggling artist in Venice Beach, California, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first roller disco!
When Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation, and chaos abounds. Set in 1980, Xanadu” features a book by Douglas Carter Beane and music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne (co-founder of the rock band Electric Light Orchestra) and John Farrar.
The Ohio Wesleyan Department of Performing Arts will present five performances of “Xanadu” at 7:30 P< on April 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22 on the Main Stage of Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., Delaware. Tickets are free for everyone, but reservations are required by visiting owu.edu/Xanadu.
The play has been described as “a moving, electrifying tale of endless fun that will keep audiences in stitches while the original legendary, chart-topping tunes lift them out of their seats.” It is rated PG.
Brian Granger, Ph.D., assistant professor of theatre, is the director for “Xanadu,” and Jason Hiester, D.M.A., associate professor of music, is providing music direction. Isaiah Harris, part-time instructor of dance, is the show’s choreographer; Justin A. Miller is the technical director and set designer; Alanna Easley, Ohio Wesleyan Class of 2018, is the lighting designer; Jaylene Jennings is the costume designer; and RJ Barnhart is the sound engineer.
Fifteen Ohio Wesleyan students are performing in the musical, including Galionite Rachel Madore. Rachel is portraying the muse Erato, as well as the God Hera. Hera is Zues’ wife, and stage directions call for her to have a great stage presence and to be a strong singer and actor.
For more information about the play, OWU’s 2022-2023 performance schedule, or studying theatre, dance, or music at Ohio Wesleyan, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts. For questions, call the box office at (740) 368-3855.
Photo: OWU
