‘Xanadu’ Livens Up DHT Stage

After the solemn centennial tribute Titanic, Diamond Head Theatre is ready for something completely different, and it’s going retro with a campy, over-the-top indulgence in all things ’80s June 1-17.

The rollicking musical Xanadu moves from disco to roller skating in a heartbeat, and has great musical hits to boot. Listen to Magic (“You have to believe we are magic …”) on YouTube and you’ll be rocking the mood. The show is a parody of the 1980 B-movie starring Olivia Newton-John.

Other familiar favorites are All Over The World, Suddenly, I’m Alive, Evil Woman, Have You Never Been Mellow and Xanadu – as Greek muse Kira descends from Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, Calif., to inspire a struggling artist.

What’s a Greek tale without forbidden love, jealousy and a protagonist who breaks the rules and angers the gods? Xanadu has it all, when heaven-sent Kira falls in love with the mortal artist whose dream is to open the first roller disco. In the end, it’s a play about following your dreams – full of ’80s optimism, and still relevant today.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday, and 3 p.m. June 9 and 16. Tickets cost $12 to $42. For reservations and details, call 733-0274 or visit diamondheadtheatre.com.