Washburn Theatre to Present "Xanadu" Beginning November 10

Topeka, Kan. – The Washburn University department of music and theatre will present
“Xanadu” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 and 2 p.m. Nov. 19 in the Neese-Gray Theatre in the Garvey Fine Arts Center, on the Washburn University campus. This is the second show of Washburn Theatre’s 2023-2024 season.  Tickets may be reserved at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/76243 prior to performances or purchased at the Washburn Theatre box office before performances. Tickets are free for Washburn students and employees and are a suggested $10 donation for general admission for the public. All donations will go toward Washburn University department of music and theatre scholarships for students studying theatre.

Based on the film, “Xanadu” tells the story of the muse Clio who lands in the 1980s to help inspire Sonny to achieve his dreams of creating a colossal intersection of the arts, a roller disco. A musical journey of magic, love and inspiration on roller-skates ensues. This is a Tony-nominated, roller-skating musical adventure for all ages.

“Xanadu” is directed by Dr. Julie Noonan, director of theatre and associate professor of theatre for Washburn University, music direction is by Dr. Joesph DeSota, assistant professor of music for Washburn University, choreography is by Sally Glassman, adjunct faculty for theatre for Washburn University, set design is by Theodore Shonka, lecturer for theatre for Washburn University, and costume design is by Sarah Harris, adjunct faculty for theatre for Washburn University. The cast features new Washburn students Polly Ayala, Josh Jensen, Taylor Moore and Madison Sharp, along with some veterans on the Washburn stage, Josh Staats, Lesley Ayala, Madeline Dumler and Shelton Byrnes. 

“’Xanadu’ is such a fun show for all audiences,” said Noonan. “If you’ve seen the movie from the 1980s, it’s a blast from the past. If you haven’t seen the movie, the music will have you wanting to get up and dance---or roller-skate---along with the characters.  We’re also experimenting with in-the-round staging, so this will be an experience that is new to both actors and audiences in our space.”  

The original book is by Douglas Carter Beane. The Universal Pictures film screenplay is by Richard Danus and Marc Rubel, with music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar.

For more details check out the Washburn Theatre website at www.washburn.edu/theatre.

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