The Wisteria Theater is an intimate, women-owned performance venue in North Hollywood located in an Industrial Park. Though it’s far from the NOHO Arts District, it’s a lovely performance space. Currently playing is the musical Xanadu. You may remember the 1980 film starring Olivia Newton-John.
The production, directed by Brayden Hade, is set in Venice Beach during the 1980s. A struggling Los Angeles artist, Sonny Malone, played by Conner Bullock, has etched a chalk mural depicting Greek muses. He becomes depressed about the state of his career to the point of contemplating suicide.
The play addresses the cost of being a creative in a world driven by money and greed, the loneliness of artists, and what happens when sudden success is taken away.
Meanwhile, on Mount Olympus, Muse Clio, played by Lexi Collins, gets her sisters and other Gods and Goddesses to travel to Venice Beach to inspire Sonny. Clio disguises herself in a glitzy miniskirt with roller skates, takes on a comically funky Australian accent, and names herself Kira.
Clio’s sisters, Melpomene (Hadiyyah Noelle Smith) and Calliope (Lisa Dyson), are not happy that their younger sister is orchestrating this visit and plot to upend her plan by tricking her into falling in love with Sonny, which will surely anger Zeus.
Clio convinces Sonny to design a roller disco, and he finds a perfect location for it at the abandoned Xanadu Theater in the Fairfax District. He contacts the owner, Danny Maguire (Kelby Thwaits), who is a Rick Caruso-type wealthy real estate developer. Maguire is not initially convinced until Kira shows up and eerily reminds him of his long-lost love, Kitty. He changes his mind and agrees to become partners with Sonny.
Kira and Sonny completely remodel the theater in record time while the sisters put their plan in place to make Kira fall in love with Sonny.
Breaking the rule of never falling in love with a mortal incurs the wrath of Zeus, played by Kelby Thwaits. The ensemble, except for Connor Bullock and Lexi Collins, play double roles.
The show is a delightful and farcical romp with original music by Jeff Lynn and John Farrar, and music direction by Nolan Monsibay.
Lexi Collins carries the leading role of Clio/Kira with excellent comic timing reminiscent of Vanessa Bayer (don’t ask me why), and Connor Bullock is charmingly pitiful as Sonny Malone. Kelby Thwaits is an imposing presence as Danny and, especially as Zeus.
Lisa Dyson, as Calliope, was a particular standout with a flair for easy-going comedy, but can also cackle like a hilarious witch. She has a presence that would make her an excellent comedic character actor.
A comic moment that made me laugh was when Chris Thune stepped on stage as a Centaur in a hilarious costume.
The set was expertly digitally mastered and particularly impressive in its execution. It was a character in itself.
Xanadu plays through August 10, but other musicals are in the works for those who love them in an intimate setting. I sat on a couch.
7061 Vineland Ave
North Hollywood, CA 91605
Thankyou
You are welcome!