Xanadu Experience

Unlike the past musicals that I have seen, Xanadu offers on-stage seats. So I grabbed the chance. Well, I have two valid reasons behind this decision of mine. Theater and production design are part of my interior design curriculum in college. Basically, I wanted to observe and see things up close. Witnessing what goes on behind those thick velvet curtains is pretty much interesting. You get to be acquainted with the flow and the chaos. Secondly, the on-stage seats are the cheapest. Roughly, it is a third or maybe a quarter of the prices of the VIP or patron seats.

When I had my seat reserved online, its location was on either side of the stage. However, when we were already allowed to enter the theater, I was astonished to see that our actual seats were at the middle of the stage. We were not just part of audience, we were part of the play. Since the musical has several scenes involving the roller disco, we turned out to be the living props s by the rink. The entire group who signed up for these seats were simply surprised. We were instructed not to mak

e unnecessary movements since it might distract the actors. We were also told that during the 90 minute show, no one is allowed to go on a bathroom break.

Also, we were given props in the form of light emitting ring-like gadgets that were to be used during the finale song. The lady in charge also mentioned that at some point the actors may interact with us. She advised us to participate even if it means total public humiliation. Our cellular phones were also deposited to a counter at the theater lobby for it may cause some sort of interference.

Soon, the lights started to dim and the show eventually started. Kudos to Mr. Bobby Garcia. The musical was undoubtedly amazing and super duper funny. Rachel Alejandro's performance was magnificent. I still can't believe how she was able to sing, dance and act while wearing those roller skates. The entire cast did a great job. Chari Arespacochaga's rendition of an evil muse was very commendable. Felix Rivera and veteran actor; Noel Trinidad also wowed the audience with their theatrical prowess. Congrats to all the cast and crew of this surprise hit Broadway musical. Long live Xanadu!

XANADU

Rachel Alejandro dons a blonde wig and a pair of rollerskates as she topbills Atlantis Producstions' XANADU; the surprise hit Broadway musical.

Xanadu is a theater adaptation of the 1980's movie starring Olivia Newton-John. It follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Clio (Alejandro), who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach in California. She disguises as Kira; (pronounced as Keeeeeh-rah) an Australian lass who is on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny Malone; played by Felix Rivera.

With her help, they are able to create the first roller disco. But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters, Melpomene and Calliope; played by Chari Arespacochaga and Yael Pineda, take advantage of the situation.

This side-splitting musical brings us back to the 80's as the cast belts out hit songs such as "Magic," "All Over The World," "Suddenly," "I’m Alive," "Evil Woman," "Have You Never Been Mellow" and "Xanadu".

Theater actors Anthony Ong, Glen Llanes, Alys Serdenia and Bea Garcia portray the hilarious Greek Muses. Completing the ensemble is veteran actor Noel Trinidad who plays the character of Danny McGuire.

Directed by Bobby Garcia, "Xanadu" runs from Sept. 3-19 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For tickets, call Atlantis Productions at 8927078 or 8401187 or check their website http://www.atlantisproductionsinc.com/tickets.htm