DUAL PRODUCTIONS LIGHT UP THE STAGE IN BIG XANADU, XANADU JR.
Xanadu–a mythical place described in the 1980 musical fantasy film starring Olivia Newton John, Gene Kelly, and Michael Beck–comes to life as a musical on the black box stage for Kensington Theatre Company in South Jordan. A unique partnership brings Kensington and Early Light Academy together as a shared space for the arts, and something extra special is happening. Both a 9th grade production of Xanadu Jr. and an adult production of Xanadu are happening simultaneously on the same stage, bringing two versions of the same flashy, fun story.
Toni Butler, president of Kensington Theatre Company, also teaches at Early Light Academy. On the decision to do both productions simultaneously she said, “This is a very exciting way to make both casts excel: each cast energizes and challenges the other in many amazing ways!”
Sayla Butler, who plays Kira in the Jr. cast, said “I have wanted to do this show since I saw my sister in it seven years ago and it is everything I hoped it would be! But roller-skate-acting is harder than I thought it would be!” Chelsea Francis, who plays the same role in the adult cast, agreed. “Singing and dancing on roller skates the whole show is definitely a challenge I didn’t anticipate! But it’s been so fun to get to watch the Jr. cast. They’re so full of energy and so fresh, it really inspires our cast to work our hardest.”
Xanadu Jr. began rehearsals a few months ago, and the adult cast of Xanadu began rehearsals at the beginning of January. Although they’ve been rehearsing separately, the two casts got to meet and rehearse together for the first time to learn a dance number together.
Xanadu runs February 11, 12, 14, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26 @ 8p at Early Light Academy’s Performing Arts Building. Xanadu Jr. runs February 10, 15, 17 @ 7p and 12, 19 @ 1pm at Early Light Academy’s Performing Arts Building.
Xanadu Cast List
- KIRA, Muse of History (Clio)KTC-Chelsea Francis, ELA-Sayla Butler
- SONNY MALONEKTC-Geoff Beckstrand, ELA-Harlan Olson
- DANNY MAGUIRE (Zeus)KTC-Logan Bingham, ELA-Ethan Morris
- CALLIOPE, Muse of EpicsKTC-Seth Goldklang, ELA-Mia Clark
- MELPOMENE, Muse of TragedyKTC-Rebekah Price, ELA-Cassandra Zaugg
- THALIA, Muse of ComedyKTC-Trenton Conover, ELA-Zada Harris
- EUTERPE, Muse of MusicKTC-Brody Ririe, ELA-Anna Jones
- ERATO, Muse of LyricsKTC-Cassandra Kerr, ELA-Kaylee Arsenault
- TERPSICORE, Muse of DanceKTC-Isaac Carrillo, ELA-Beklynn Bennet
- POLYHEMNIA, Muse of Sacred SongKTC-Emma Thomas, ELA-Kaylee Ray
- URANIA , Muse of AstronomyKTC-Rosemary Cannon Davis, ELA-Maci Woolf
Special Thanks to:
