Weber State University Department of Performing Arts' production of "Xanadu" will receive encore performances Feb. 3 and 4, followed by three performances Feb. 8 as part of The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival held as WSU, Feb. 7-11. All performances will be held at the university's Eccles Theater in Ogden.

‘Xanadu’ roller skates through romance

Musical » WSU strikes up the muse and cues the roller disco for encore performances.

By ben Fulton

| The Salt Lake Tribune

First Published Feb 03 2012 08:17 am • Last Updated Feb 03 2012 08:17 am

Anyone old enough to remember Australian pop star Olivia Newton-John remembers the 1980 fantasy-buzz film that was Robert Greenwald’s "Xanadu."

In the grand tradition of turning what most thought old schmaltz into glittering stage gold, Jeff Lynne and John Farrar took a scalpel to the cult classic film to find that not too much needed changing. When you’ve got a story about love and roller skates, all that’s really needed is a great set of tunes to match. So in 2007 the musical "Xanadu" was born.

Aside from comic use of the word "bitch" and sexual innuendo so gentle it would only offend a convent of nuns, Weber State University promises a "Xanadu" of grand proportions suitable for everyone. Directed by Jim Christian, it remains the story of Sonny’s aspirations to open a roller disco with the help of a Greek Muse in the disguise of Kira, an Australian skater. Songs abound, but especially under the traction of Kira’s father Zeus and her sister Muses, who object to romance between Gods and mortals.

Judging by its invitation to this year’s Region VIII portion of The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival this is top-quality musical theater. See it during its Encore Performances, Feb. 3 and 4, or as part of the College Theatre Festival, Feb. 8.

bfulton@sltrib.com

Twitter:@Artsalt

Facebook.com/nowsaltlake

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"Xanadu" at Weber State University, plus The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival

When » Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 4, 2 p.m. matinee and 7:30 p.m. Also plays Feb. 8, 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. as part of The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

Where » Eccles Theater at Weber State University, 3848 Harrison Blvd., Ogden.

Tickets » $15 for Encore Performances. Call 1-800-WSU-TIKS or visit weberstatetickets.com for more information. Tickets are $35-$95 for Kennedy Center Festival performances. Visit http://kcactf-8festivalinfo.org for more information.

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