'Xanadu Jr.' takes stage this weekend
Photo courtesy Alpine Theater Project The muses of “Xanadu Jr.”
Valley audiences will be treated to a hilarious, roller-disco blast from the past in the upcoming production of “Xanadu Jr.” the musical presented by Alpine Kids! Theatre Project at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center this weekend.
Over 115 local students from 11 different valley schools are participating in the productions and are split into two casts for four performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Oct. 22 and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Oct. 23. “Xanadu Jr.” marks the ninth year of the AKTP program, dedicated to empowering and inspiring students through theatre education.
“Xanadu is such a cult favorite for those of my generation,” says Alpine Theatre Project Artistic Director Betsi Morrison. “Olivia Newton-John, the feathered hair, the roller skating, the leg warmers — it’s an amazing blast of early 80s awesomeness.”
“Xanadu Jr.” is based on the Universal Pictures film starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. It follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California, in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first roller disco. But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation, and chaos abounds. It features iconic music made famous by the Electric Light Orchestra and Olivia Newton-John like “Evil Woman,” “Magic,” “Have You Never Been Mellow,” and the title song, “Xanadu.”
The AKTP program is the cornerstone of Alpine Theatre Project’s educational programming, which include programs for elementary, middle and high school students along with professional internships. Over 1,000 students have taken part in ATP’s educational programs since 2008. This session is being taught by Morrison and professional actors, Luke Walrath and Rebecca Spear.
“The AKTP program is designed to introduce students to the benefits of being in theatre,” says Morrison. “We find an opportunity for every local child to participate. Numerous studies have shown that involving children in the performing arts fosters creativity and confidence, improves reading comprehension, critical thinking and increases empathy. It helps the whole child all while having fun.”
AKTP’s fall session is presented by Kalispell KiDDS and sponsored by the The AKTP Fund, Freedom Bank, Phil and Donna Harris, and the Iron Horse Foundation, with assistance from Flathead Electric Co-op, Flathead Urology, Weyerhaeuser, Northwest Imaging, Soroptimist International, Rocky Mountain Images, Stebbins Orthodontics and State Farm Insurance. The AKTP Program was assisted this year through the Montana Arts Council’s “Arts in Schools and Communities” program.
Tickets for “Xanadu Jr.” are $18 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under, and can be ordered by calling 862-7469 or visiting atpwhitefish.org.