Get ready to roll in this comedic 80s inspired performance

What do you get when you combine roller skating, Olivia Newton-John songs, and the film ‘Clash of the Titans’?

The answer: Xanadu

The latest musical installment from the Kelowna Actors Studio (KAS) brings the 1980 film by the same name to life. It starred late actress Olivia Newton-John as a Greek muse who comes to California to make a roller-skating disco dream come true for a man she fell in love with.

Though the movie itself was considered a flop by critics, the music had commercial success.

“It had 10 top songs that were on the Billboard with Olivia Newton-John, Cliff Richard, and Electric Light Orchestra, The Andrew Sisters, The Tubes, so it really is a mixed bag of a whole bunch of different music,” Artistic Director Randy Leslie told Kelowna10.

The theatre company was originally scheduled to perform ‘Ghost: The Musical’, but due to a casting issue, had to make the switch.

Leslie had no qualms making the switch, as he’s admired Xanadu since he was a teenager.

“I saw the movie 100 times believe it or not,” he said. “During that time of being 15, I wanted to escape reality and that was my escaping reality watching this movie. I never thought I’d have a chance to direct it but I’m so excited that I did.”

The cast consists of 12 actors that play multiple roles throughout. Leslie credited their work ethic, having to not only sing and dance, but also use hula hoops and poi flags, all while on roller skates for parts of the show.

Among the actors is Marisa Piattelli, who takes the role of Kira - made famous by ONJ. She is a self-proclaimed fan of Newton-John from her role as Sandy in Grease.

“She’s this campy, over the top Australian, sexy, hilarious character that has been so fun to play and to embody,” she explained. “To be able to play one of her characters is such an honour.”

A key element of the musical is roller-skating, which Piattelli said she had no idea how to do prior to her casting.

But that didn’t stop her from taking it head on.

“Randy called me and said she speaks in an Australian accent and she roller skates. I said, ‘I can do the Australian accent, but I’ve never roller skated in my life,’” she explained. “It was a learning curve for sure, lots of practice in the rehearsal hall, and on the stage, but it’s gotten easier with time. You’ll see in the last number.”

Piattelli had one piece of advice for anyone on the fence about seeing the performance.

“Don’t take it too seriously. It’s meant to be a parody; you’re meant to laugh you’re meant to giggle. Hopefully [you’ll leave] with a smile on your face saying, ‘that was a lot of fun.’”

The show runs until Oct. 30. Tickets can be purchased online.