Can we call it a comeback? A rebound? A rollercoaster, for sure.
Theater Three staged a triumph with its latest production, the vibrant and energetic Xanadu. This roller-disco, Greek mythology, rom-com musical not only closes the season with a bang but also offered a collective sigh of relief. The company’s perseverance, evident in its swift recovery from its very public financial crisis last month and the delivery of such a magnificently entertaining show, truly underscored T3’s tenacity and dedication to the stage.
Directed by Joel Ferrell with music direction by Vicky Nooe, this production’s charm shined through despite the corny premise and, OK, let’s be honest, paper thin songs. The cast of five played multiple roles efficiently and effectively, but the story focuses on Kira, a Greek muse who descends into 1980s LA to help artist Sunny Malone achieve his dream of building an arts center/roller disco.
The festive air was felt even before the lights went up on last Monday’s opening night as the crowd applauded the actors simply getting into position. That energy was carried through by the audience that also fed the actors. That electric buzz added to the stage experience.
To start, technically, the show was a whimsical marvel. Aaron Johansen’s lighting and Jeffery Schmidt’s scenic and projection designs merged into a stunning display from the floor up. The use of animation and projections added to the disco atmosphere. Ryan Matthieu Smith’s costumes were a jewel-toned mix of glamour and 80s nostalgia with playful touches.
With his California dude swagger, Max J. Swarner was winsome as the hapless Sonny Malone. Sonny is somewhat of an airhead, but Swarner smartly played with him with a sweet earnestness that gave the character peppy appeal. As the Greek muse Kira, Lauren LeBlanc was, well, divine. She was an ideal combination of meticulous and physical comedy who served the role on skates almost the entire time.
Laura Lites and Hannah Arguelles played Kira’s fellow muse sisters Melpomene and Eutrepe. As the former, Lites was entertaining as the show’s zany villain plotting against Kira. Arguelles seemed to disappear in much of the show’s first half but her time on stage was well spent with some laughs as Eutrepe.
L. Walter (readers usually know her as Lee) was the other plotting sister Calliope. Walter and Lites made a dynamic duo and their clownish antics and acting were golden moments. Walter especially knew how to amplify the absurdity through her exaggerated inflections and gestures. But Walter had so many slays onstage also portraying Danny, the real estate mogul who had encountered his own muse and as Zeus in a hilariously clever costume. She morphed into this the slick talking Danny with ease and embodied the ridiculousness of Zeus’ portrayal wholeheartedly.
The soundtrack grooved along well under Vicky Nooe’s musical direction and her band of four were rock stars as they were in on the action peripherally but set the tone musically adding to the production’s colorful energy.
T3’s Xanadu was a refreshing and vibrant experience and, appropriately for June, reminiscent of a Pride parade with its colorful aesthetic, revealing costumes and pop show tunes. Thankfully, unlike a parade, this one came with air conditioning. The show’s happy-go-lucky spirit thanks to its cast, crew and Joel Ferrell’s direction should leave a light-bright impression well after the show’s over.
To add to the good news of Theatre Three’s rebound, they even announced its new season for 2025-26 at its opening which is also in the show’s program.
The show runs through July 6.
