It’s a wrap for ‘Xanadu’ at Fine Arts Association

The Fine Arts Association in Willoughby is about to rollerskate into the sunset with the opening production of its 201819 Theatre Season with the romantic musical fantasy “Xanadu.”

You can still catch it this weekend on Oct. 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. The Oct. 7 performance will also be sign-interpreted. This production is rated PG-13.

The play is based on the 1980 movie starring Olivia NewtonJohn, and features music by Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra. Xanadu refers to the roller disco that frustrated artist Sonny Malone (Kyle Lorek) and former big band leader Danny McGuire (Steve Royer) are encouraged to open by the beautiful, elusive Kira (Emily Zart), an Olympian Muse visiting Earth.

Gabrielle Perusek is a 17-yearold senior from Madison High School where she is active in Women’s Choir, Eclectica Show Choir, Drama Club, and National Honor Society. For the last several weeks, however, she has been trucking out to Willoughby for “Xanadu.”

That’s a bit of a hike, but Gabrielle couldn’t resist.

“There were multiple reasons I was attracted to this production,” Gabrielle says. “First, I am interested in Greek Mythology and was excited to be offered a part in this production. I enjoy the music from ELO. Plus, the idea of rollerskating on stage was a very unique and a new experience.”

Gabrielle is not without experience herself, going all the way back to a couple of middle school productions I directed myself in Madison, including “Bye Bye Birdie, Jr.” and “Seussical, Jr.”

Gabrielle got to do the full version of “Seussical again this summer at Rabbit Run Theatre. She has also appeared in multiple FAA productions, including “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Kiss Me Kate,” and “Once Upon A Mattress,” just to name a few.

But “Xanadu” takes the cake for originality.

“This production is a little different from others I’ve worked on,” Gabrielle admits. “The cast is small and I play multiple roles. This is the first time I’ve worn wigs which is an interesting experience. The biggest challenge is the fast change for the finale. I have to change costumes and put on roller skates in 16 bars of music. It’s pretty frantic.”

“Xanadu” is a bit of a cult favorite, but Gabrielle is enjoying the style.

“I love the spoof nature of this play,” she says. “It makes fun of a lot of things. You’re not meant to take it seriously. I have multiple roles in this production. I have been working to differentiate them. For Euterope, the Muse of Music, I am trying to be carefree. As an Andrews Sister, I am trying to be sophisticated. Lastly, for my role as Thetis, the Goddess of the Sea, I am portraying her as regal and compassionate.

“The show is going fantastic. There is great music, entertaining characters, and lots of laughs.”

The Fine Arts Association is located at 38660 Mentor Ave. in Willoughby. The Corning Auditorium is barrier free, and secure, on-site parking is free.

For tickets to “Xanadu,” call 440-951-7500 or visit https:// www.fineartsassociation.org/ performance/. Reservations are not required but recommended. Individual tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and students ages 11 and over, and $15 for children ages 10 and under. Discounted group tickets (for 10 or more) are also available.

Season tickets for the 20182019 theatre season are discounted up to 20 percent over regular ticket prices.

If you would like to subscribe to the entire season, now is the time. Subscription deadlines close Oct. 7 for the Complete and Modern Classics packages and Dec. 16 for the Family package.

For more information on the 2018-19 theater season and class schedules, visit their website or call the Fine Arts Association.