XANADU Comes to MCCC's Kelsey Theatre, 3/9-18

The Pennington Players perform magic on roller skates with their upcoming performance of the hilarious musical fantasy "Xanadu" at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre. 

Dates and show times for this spirited take on 1980s popular culture are: Fridays, March 9 and March 16 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, March 10 and March 17 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, March 11 and March 18 at 2 p.m.  Kelsey Theatre is located on Mercer's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on March 9.

Based on the film starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, "Xanadu" is the perfect blend of satire, parody and drama – all adding up to an electrifying, moving tale about following one's dreams, no matter what the obstacles.  The show follows the journey of a beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California.  Her quest is to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest creation of all time: the first Roller Disco!  

With "Xanadu's" classic numbers like "Magic," "Suddenly" and "Evil Woman," the audience will roll right with the lively original musical score composed by pop-rock legends Jeff Lynne (of Electric Light Orchestra) and John Farrar.  The show is performed without an intermission and runs approximately 90 minutes.  The original Broadway production opened in 2007 to glowing reviews, and was nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. 

 "Xanadu" features Jaclyn Dixon of West Deptford as Clio/Kira, and Matt Reher of Philadelphia, PA, as her mortal lover, Sonny. Also starring are Rob Del Colle of Philadelphia, PA, as Danny; Jaimie McMillin of Bordentown as Melpomene; Maria Aromando of Neshanic Station as Calliope; Dominick Sannelli of Levittown, PA, as Thalia; Frankie Rowles of Philadelphia, PA, as Terpsicore; Tia Brown of Lawrenceville as Erato; and Kim Cupo of Fairless Hills, PA, as Euterpe.  Pit singers include Alison McMullen of Ewing, Zachary Mazouat of Mt. Olive and Elena Maddox of Horsham, PA.

The production team includes John Boccanfuso of Yardville as the director and choreographer, Frank Ferrara of West Windsor as the producer, Tracy Witko of Chester as the musical director, Michelle Rittmann of Ewing as stage manager and costume designer, Judi Parrish of West Trenton as set and lighting designer.

The Pennington Players have been entertaining local audiences since 1951, and was the first group to perform at the Washington Crossing State Park Open Air Theatre.  The Players produce three to four shows each year at Kelsey Theatre, ranging from children's shows to smaller dramas to full-scale musicals. Their Kelsey shows at have included "Urinetown," "13," "Ragtime," "The Wiz," and "Once On This Island."

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for students and children. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Kelsey Theatre box office at 609-570-3333, or online at  www.kelseytheatre.net.  Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater.

For more information about the Pennington Players and the show, visit www.penningtonplayers.org.  Previews and more information are also available at www.facebook.com/XanaduAtKelsey. 

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