This year, at the Black Box Theater, Lincoln performing arts will be performing the musical Xanadu starting on Thursday, November 6th and ending on the 14th. Xanadu is a timeless “so bad it’s good” movie that was originally released in 1980. The musical itself being performed by Lincoln isn’t trying to replicate the movie, but instead make a satire of it due to how poor the actual movie was.

The first few weeks of practice and rehearsing were committed to the choreography and singing of Xanadu. The most entertaining parts of the original movie were the musical scenes so it was a top priority to perfect the dancing and singing before the actual performance. All of the performers had to learn how to roller skate for the role which wasn’t the easiest thing for some of the performers who had never roller skated in their life.

Soon after the choreography they started to rehearse the first act, the props during rehearsal were very crude since they hadn’t been painted yet but they fulfilled their purpose.The back area of the stage had many inclines in the back as you can see in the photo.

These inclines would provide a challenge for some of the performers but it was a necessary inclusion for Xanadu since the fantasy like setting needed inclined areas. A lot of the dances in the first act required a lot of memorization and synchronization from every person on stage, for example “I’m Alive” is the first song performed and requires a lot of movement across the stage and crossing between other people. During rehearsal the performers held their scripts and added changes to it, as they practiced showing their commitment for the performance. These small changes added to the comedic feel of Xanadu since certain movements and expressions can change a scene very easily.

Before they actually perform the full version of Xanadu, they performed the first act of Xanadu at back to school night. The pictures of the performers in the dressing room showed a few of the preparations they go through before a show, like the guys fixing their outfits so their dresses don’t reveal anything during the show.

Overall, everybody who is performing in Xanadu put forth their utmost effort when rehearsing to give the best show they can. Lincoln’s performing arts hope to see you at Xanadu!

Get tickets here.