Xanadu is a hilariously cute parody of the 1980 Xanadu movie starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. The movie was a flop but the Broadway musical was a surprise hit. I love it because of the songs. Plus, there are a lot of moments that you should not miss.
I was expecting to laugh as much as I laughed during Spelling Bee or Avenue Q, but I guess some of the jokes were lost in generational translation. If you are familiar with Xanadu and Olivia Newton-John, then you’ll appreciate this show. If not, I suggest you read this entire review and watch the videos first before seeing it.
1. Watch from the stage for only P400, and be part of the show!
(photo taken by Girlie Rodis)
You’ll get to sit right onstage (3 semi-circular rows are provided for the audience) and see the performances literally “behind-the-scenes”. You’ll see the backs of the actors as you’ll be facing the audience. But the best part is you get to participate in the entire production in your own little way.
2. “Suddenly” is one of the highlights of the entire musical.
I’ll watch it again just to see Rachel Alejandro and Felix Rivera perform “Suddenly”. Watch the US Broadway show version and the original version by Olivia Newton-John. I promise that the Manila performance is better. 🙂
Video Link: Cheyenne Jackson and Kerry Butler performing “Suddenly” from the Broadway show Xanadu!
Video Link: Olivia Newton-John & Cliff Richard – SUDDENLY
3. I was pleasantly surprised to see Chari Arespacochaga perform in Xanadu.
Chari plays Melpomene, the muse of tragedy and one of the evil women in the play. I’ve never seen her perform onstage because her last performance was in Dogeaters in 2007. It was a truly pleasant surprise to see her sing, dance and act all at the same time (of course, without the roller skates).
4. The “Xanadu” Last Song Syndrome.
The song “Xanadu” grows on you. View the original performance (from the movie) below and watch Rachel practicing the song. See it live — for sure, you’ll hear the song playing in your head even after the musical ends.
Video Link: Xanadu featuring Oliva Newton-John & ELO. A modern era cult classic
Video Link: Xanadu sang by Rachel Alejandro
5. Xanadu is like watching a Broadway musical version of Bubble Gang.
Reminisce the Roller Disco era with Xanadu, where roller skates and armpits are on display throughout the show! Don’t miss seeing Felix Rivera wearing short shorts, and Rachel Alejandro as Olivia Newton-John.
Xanadu runs until Sept. 19 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium.
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Disclosure: We are marketing partners with the successful Sept. 4 Xanadu Opening Saturday Show.
P.S. The show starts at 8pm exactly. It is only one act — meaning no intermission. The show ends early, at around 9.30pm.
Ei Anton..I was there. I saw you but haven’t had the chance to greet you. 🙂
I had fun. We had fun..I love Kiiiiiiiiiiira …
hi.. where can i buy tickets?
Hi! I watched their show last sept 4 and i was laughing the whole time! And yes, I love their version of suddenly and even until now i still have an LSS on Xanadu. I was telling my friends to watch it because it’s hilariously funny and very entertaining.
Thank you for the feature Anton! Was not planning on watching it because I had the impression that the movie was pretty awful, and the play, a bit dated. You definitely convinced me to check it out. Where do we buy tickets?
Hi Alfie,
Here is the list of the remaining show buyers:
Date/Time, Showbuyer & Contact Info
10 SEPT, FRI, 8PM Eric King
0922-887-3896 (Eric)
0915-503-6218 (Len)
0922-823-7157 (Marc)
11 SEPT, SAT, 2PM Lee Cruz 0917-817-0079
11 SEPT, SAT, 8PM Eric King
0922-887-3896 (Eric)
0915-503-6218 (Len)
0922-823-7157 (Marc)
12 SEPT, SUN, 3PM
Theody Demaisip 0999-590-1862, 0915-867-6841
12 SEPT, SUN, 8PM
Trixie Palma 0917-845-8749
Tine Rodriguez-Pau 0917-845-8749
17 SEPT, FRI, 8PM Shirley Alinea 0917-890-3564
18 SEPT, SAT, 2PM Bel Pacheco 0915-621-6512
18 SEPT, SUN, 8PM TICKETWORLD 891-9999
19 SEPT, SUN, 3PM Theody Demaisip, 0999-590-1862, 0915-867-6841
19 SEPT, SUN, 8PM Mae Castro, 0906-341-4559, 486-5569
Watch it! It is nice if you like the 80's…
Anton
Hi Rhila,
Thanks for the comment, sana you approached us… we want to meet people face to face so that we can put a face into the names.
Anton
Being 80s kids, my wife and I enjoyed Xanadu. Sharing with you my own review posted here: http://3xhcch.multiply.com/journal/item/476
yes! Felix and Rachel’s performance of Suddenly is better because of Sonny’s timing. I watched it twice:D:D
Ganda no? I'm considering to watch nga the last show just to see that Suddenly performance…
Anton
yes! ang ganda! the second time that I watched I was onstage and it was fun :D:D:D
I watched the last show awhile ago with my officemate and her orgmate and we enjoyed it sooo much! I love everyone especially Chari~~~~ my goodness she’s impeccable!
I heard Rachel announce that they will have a repeat in December. I really pray that this pushes thru coz I plan to take my dad for his bday with my brother 😀