Xanadu is a camp, chaotic and utterly joyful story of the courage it takes to take creative and personal risks. The 2026 Graduating Class at Adelaide University’s Elder Conservatorium Music Theatre have unapologetically delivered just that.
Their production fully leans into Xanadu’s loveable absurdity, with this group of performers donning their skates and gliding headfirst into a glitter-soaked whirlwind of disco and pure theatrical fun!
Working with the students on Xanadu is director and choreographer Michael Ralph, who boasts a long list of professional credits in the Australian musical theatre scene. The students have risen to his standard of creative direction, delivering this show at a truly professional standard.
Leading them musically is Peter Johns and the live band comprising Ciara Fergerson, Mykaela Podgorski and Chris Neale.
Xanadu is a delightfully crazy, 1980s roller-skating musical that follows struggling artist Sonny Malone, who is suddenly visited by Kira, a mysterious woman who is actually Clio (the Greek muse of history) in disguise.
On Venice Beach, “artsy fartsy” Sonny is about to end it all, when Kira inspires him to pursue his dream of opening a roller disco called Xanadu. However, it is not all smooth skating. Clio’s jealous muse sisters scheme to sabotage her. There are love spells, betrayals and treks to Mt Olympus, culminating in quite a heartwarming story about self-discovery.
The audience is instantly thrust into a disco-fuelled 1980s Venice Beach from the pre-show, with Simon Greer’s set design enveloping us in a hot pink, neon dreamscape. It’s an exuberant blend of retro kitsch with a clever nod to ancient Greek architecture. The cast is already on stage, playfully setting the scene of ‘80s Los Angeles. Seeing this, the audience awaits excitedly.
As a collective, this cohort are mighty performers, all committing fully to Xanadu’s exaggerated humour and bold characters. Neve Sargeant gives a standout performance as Clio / Kira. She fully leans into the dual personalities of this character. As Clio, she is confident and poised, and as Kira, she expertly switches to this character’s flirtatious charm.
Sergeant is joined by the muses for the first song, I’m Alive, and all are fully committed to their comical personas, humorously catching our eyes throughout.
The muses, Allycia Angeles (Erato), Laura Henderson (Euterpe), Samuel Cannizzaro (Terpsichore), and Lorenzo Ravida (Thalia) exude a palpable sense of unity throughout, effortlessly bouncing off one another with a playful energy. They particularly shine again during Don’t Walk Away, joined onstage by the ‘Gospel Choir.’
As the loveable goof Sonny Malone, Teagan Garvey nails the role. With his laid-back, West Coast American drawl, Garvey and Sargeant are a faultless pairing onstage. Once they sing Magic, the audience is fully rooting for them.
Issy Coomber as Melpomene and Natalia Sóares as Calliope are the gloriously over-the-top antagonists. Their comedic timing is effortless throughout, and both gloriously performing the hit Evil Woman.
As Danny Maguire, Michael Jones brings a natural, charismatic essence. His duet with Kira, Whenever You’re Away From Me is a meticulously crafted number, also featuring Allycia Angeles as young Danny. This trio expertly execute the clever spacing of this number, wowing with the dancing and vocals.
I have to also mention the number Dancin’ featuring the Tubes and Swing dancers. Ralph’s choreography here is highly energetic and visually exciting, with the cast showcasing their dancing and performance abilities.
By the epic finale number Xanadu, the whole cohort laced up their skates, proving they are quadruple threats: singing, dancing, acting and roller-skating! It’s a triumphant conclusion that boasts the technical skills honed for this show, and the unwavering camaraderie of this cohort.
Now that you are all pro-skaters, could we be due for Starlight Express next?
Xanadu ran from 16 – 19 April, presented by the 2026 Graduating Class of Elder Conservatorium Music Theatre. Scott Theatre, Adelaide University, Kintore Avenue, Adelaide SA 5000.
The season has now ended.
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Photo credits: Greg Balcombe
