Xanadu kicks off Grant MacEwan’s theatre season
By Vickie Laliotis
EDMONTON — Xanadu, the Broadway sensation derived from the 1980′s cult-classic film of the same name, is hitting west Edmonton next month for its Canadian premiere at Grant MacEwan University.
- Jim Guedo, Grant MacEwan’s new theatre department chair, poses in the John L. Haar Theatre on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, where Xanadu, his first production with the university, will be performed from October 21 to 29, 2011. Photographed by Vickie Laliotis.
Presented by Jim Guedo, the award-winning director and new chair of MacEwan’s theatre department, this spoof of the film is meant to delight audiences with its wry hilarity.
“It sort of winks at the audience and says, ‘This is incredibly silly,’ ” Guedo said of his inaugural production as chair.
“It’s a lot of fun, but it’s not high art.”
Set in Venice Beach, Calif., the story centres on Kira, a Greek muse from Mount Olympus, who helps a struggling artist named Sonny with his dream of opening up a roller disco. Despite the over-the-top storyline and satire of 1980′s pop culture, Xanadu celebrates the lighthearted music of the period.
“It has great music and the playwright who adapted [the movie] sort of spoofs it, sends it up, rewrites it and makes it a takeoff on juke-box musicals,” Guedo said.
“It’s flat out entertainment.”
The cast consists of 28 theatre students in their second year of study, who form the lineup for MacEwan’s entire four-show season.
“You look at the whole season as a package and the first show of the season should be a sendoff that’s fun and that brings people in,” Guedo said. “Then as the season progresses you get into other areas.”
The new director stepped in to replace Tim Ryan, the founder and director of MacEwan’s theatre program, after his death in 2009. During the 18 months prior to Guedo’s appointment, faculty members stepped up to maintain the esteemed program that Ryan built.
“There’s tons of questions about where the program will go, but my first year is about seeing how it operates and how it’s working,” Guedo said.
“The question is in 10 years where will it be? We as a faculty have to sit down and discuss what the vision is for the program, where we are now, where we want to go and see how that lines up with the vision of the university.”
Guedo has been well received by both students and faculty members, making the transition into his new position a smooth one.
“Jim has been great. He really tries to involve us and get our opinions on everything,” said Robyn Kumish, a student who will play one of the Andrews Sisters in the upcoming musical.
“He’s always trying to do what’s best for us— it’s really nice.”
When asked what advice he has for prospective actors and performers, Guedo’s response is simple.
“To have a career in the arts you have to be fearless because you’re taking a lot of risks,” he said.
“I’d rather people fail boldly than succeed cautiously.”
Inspired words for someone about to embark on a roller-skating musical adventure.
Xanadu will run from Oct. 21 to 29 at MacEwan’s John L. Haar Theatre, with tickets ranging from $12 to $17.
To whom this may concern
I have just recently heard about the event you are about to host, “Xanadu,” and, as is the case with so many events and festivals (here in Edmonton, at any instance), there is a call for volunteers. I was just wondering whether this is the case here, and, should that be so, I would be interested in learning about volunteering opportunities, and I look forward to hearing from you in due time.
Sincerely yours,
Walter Kehl.