Overview

Inspired by the 1980 cult film, Xanadu follows struggling artist Sonny Malone and Clio, a Greek Muse who descends from Mount Olympus to inspire him to create the ultimate artistic achievement: a roller disco.

Featuring a book by Douglas Carter Beane and a score built around songs by Electric Light Orchestra and Olivia Newton-John, the musical combines Greek mythology, 1980s pop culture, roller skating and intentionally heightened theatrical comedy.

Arizona Broadway Theatre presented the production as the finale of its fourteenth season, directed and choreographed by Courtney Laine Self.

Critical Reception

“Matthew Solomon’s costumes humorously present the worst of ’80s fashions along with some humorous Greek mythical character designs in the second act.” — Talkin’ Broadway

“Matthew Solomon's costumes humorously present the worst of '80s fashions along with some humorous Greek mythical character designs in the second act.” (Talkin' Broadway)

Contribution

Matthew Solomon served as Costume Designer, creating a visual world that brought together the production’s two deliberately contrasting influences: classical Greek mythology and exuberant 1980s fashion.

The design embraced the heightened theatricality and comedy of the musical, using bold period silhouettes, athletic dancewear, leg warmers, saturated color, metallic finishes and playful character details to establish the human world of 1980s California.

For the gods and Muses of Mount Olympus, the costumes shifted the same visual language into a more fantastical direction, combining references to Greek mythology with the production’s pop-driven aesthetic.

Because roller skating and choreography are central to the production, the costumes also needed to support substantial movement while maintaining strong individual identities across the ensemble and the multiple mythological characters portrayed throughout the show.

Production Details

Production: Xanadu: The Musical

Production Company: Arizona Broadway Theatre

Venue: Arizona Broadway Theatre

Location: Peoria, Arizona

Performance Dates: September 6–29, 2019

Book: Douglas Carter Beane

Music and Lyrics: Jeff Lynne and John Farrar

Director and Choreographer: Courtney Laine Self

Music Director: Mark 4Man

Scenic Designer: Joseph C. Klug

Costume Designer: Matthew Solomon

Lighting Designer: Elisheva S. Siegel

Wig Designer: Amanda Gran

Sound Designer: Connor Adams

Stage Manager: Ethan Hoover

Executive Producer: Kiel Klaphake

Casting and Artistic Producer: Cassandra Klaphake