Well, it’s spring again, time for tulips to bloom, trees to bud and for Wilson Memorial High School to produce its spring musical, Xanadu, the surprise smash Broadway TONY Award nominated hit.
Performances are Saturday, April 18th at 7:30 and Sumday, April 19th at 3:00 WMHS auditorium. Tickets may be purchased at the door or visit the school website for reserved ticket information.
What makes Xanadu unique according to Choral Music Director Abigail Hostetter is that this production blends the talents of both faculty and students. “This show is truly a team effort where students, musicians, faculty, and community members work side-by-side to produce a fun and exciting show.” The show was selected for its familiar tunes and a storyline that brings together elements of mythology, Mount Olympus, the 1980’s Disco Age and sunny Venice Beach, California, the show can best be described as mythology, merriment, music and mayhem.
This roller skating 1980’s Disco classic will provide entertainment for the entire family. Follow our lead, struggling artist, Sonny Malone, (Brennen Gilbert) as he tries to create his greatest artistic creation of all time—the first ROLLER DISCO! Arriving on the scene to help Sonny is the beautiful Greek Muse Cilo/Kira (Audrey Fulk), Sonny may be able to accomplish his dream with her help, but forbidden love of a mortal, two jealous sister muses (Shyanne Hensley and Sessilie Tackett), a greedy real estate mogul, Danny Maguire (Danny Loya), and a collection of other heavenly bodies complete the story. What is sure to follow is chaos.
Rounding out the cast are the Chorus of Muses played by: Crysta Bliss as Terpisicore and Hera, Jillian Godbey as Euterpe, Kristen Holman as Thalia and Cupid, and Bailie Singleton as Erato. Watching from Mount Olympus players are: Jacob Wine as Zeus and Tube, Athan Forehand as Hermes, Will Knott as the Cyclops Stage manager is Clarice Ellinger with crew members Matt Tiahrt , Tyler Wertman and Alex Hunter.
Musical accompaniment is provided by faculty members, Dr. Carl Flippin, Mr. Wade Carruth, and Mr. Joe Morris and student Michael Daley. Also joining the cast are two faculty members Mrs. Sarah Miller as Medusa and Mrs. Yolanda Montague as Thetis. Mr. Matt Baraclough lends his expertise to the light and sound booth. Veteran director, Mr. Steve Winslow, returns to the WMHS stage working with the Wilson Memorial Players said, “I believe theatre is a journey. Witnessing young people rise to challenges and overcome obstacles is the center of my passion for what I do. This cast epitomizes that ideal. They are a joy to work with because they are courageous. Simply put, they make this show worth watching.”
Lead actress Audrey Fulk plays Kira (Cilo) the Greek Muse who falls in love with mortal Sonny Malone played by Brennan Gilbert described the show as “Family friendly ‘80’s music all rolled up into one pair of skates.” WMHS alumni and Rocktown Rollers Derby Team member, Kathleen Macias, helped beginner Audrey Fulk master the art of skating and falling down. Senior Brennan Gilbert echoed his excitement for the show when he said, “The energy of this show is electrifying and the audience will find themselves singing familiar songs and rocking to disco music throughout the performance.”
Senior Sessilie Tackett put years of dancing and clogging experience to work when she choreographed the show saying, “It will be hard for the audience not to get up on the stage and dance with us.” So put on your dancing shoes and come see Xanadu!
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