"It’s easy to see why Xanadu is a hit all over the world… Don’t miss this" – Peter Birnie, The Vancouver Sun [Read More]

"Roll on over to Granville Island for the absolute cheesiest fun of the summer… This Xanadu sparkles in every way" —Jerry Wasserman, The Province [Read More]

"Go - see this year’s guilty pleasure" —Mark Robins, GayVancouver [Read More]

"If you haven’t seen this ridiculously enjoyable musical, it’s time to head out to the Granville Island Stage, purchase a ticket and prepare yourself for a couple of hours of pure fun" —Gian Karla Limcangco, Vancouver Weekly [Read More]

"This summer, love is a roller-skating disco called Xanadu, and Canada loves Xanadu…You will not want to miss this production" —Roger Wayne Eberle, Review Vancouver [Read More]

"All the performers are having a great time. You will too" – Colin Thomas, The Georgia Straight [Read More]

"An engagingly goofy spoof… an unexpectedly sustained and refreshingly unassuming crowd-pleaser" —Variety

"A giddy laugh-fest" —The Los Angeles Times

"A revelation…Get your skates on: word of mouth should fill this show" —The Australian

"A grand little piece of smart dumb fun" —Newsday
 

Audience Comments

"Great production—perfect summer play. Fun and lively and so well-acted!"
—Patricia

"Xanadu was excellent fun! Gorgeous voices, spot-on comic timing, and terrific direction, all showcased in a beautifully designed production. I'm an artistic director of a professional theater in Florida, who is lucky enough to spend a few summer months in Vancouver. I take in as many shows at the Arts Club as I can while here and am continually impressed with the high quality of talent, design and well-managed organization. Congratulations, and I look forward to many more shows at the Arts Club".
—Danny, Key West, FL

"If you want to feel good then don't miss this performance! Young or old it's the show to see this summer. Full of life, great music and bright colours, I was impressed. Over the top personalities that complimented each other made this show amazing. My feet were tapping and I was singing along! If you want to smile at the end of a show...see Xanadu!"
—Caitlin

"Being of "age" from the ROLLER DISCO DAYS (I was a DISCO ROLLERSKATING QUEEN MYSELF - and after seeing the original film, actually went to the XANADU Auditorium in LA!), I was SO EXCITED to see this production! If you've ever seen the original film—oooohhhhh, its HORRENDOUS (the ONLY thing I liked about the film was the rollerskating)! Probably one of the TOP 5 WORST of ALL TIME....don't let that detour you. THIS VERSION is FANTASTIC! All of the BEST elements of the film have been extracted and it’s a giggle a minute! It has been CAST PERFECTLY (OH MUCH better acting than ANDY GIBB and OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN!) and the SONGS!!!! Again, if you saw the original film, the SONGS are the only element that made watching it bearable/memorable. This many years later (dare I SAY!) I still remembered EVERY SONG and was singing along (in my head, as not to bother others around me!) and toe-tapping the entire show! Loved the GAY guys...especially the mane-tossing "horse-man"...absolutely HILARIOUS! This production is a MUST-SEE...a week later, I'm STILL SMILING and singing the songs.....Xanadu, Xanaduuuuuuuu, now we are here...in Xanadu.....:) :) :) Thanks ARTSCLUB (and the very talented cast) for such a WONDERFUL production!!!"
—Dena, Langley

"Very Fun! A talented cast that enjoyed the stage. We laughed at the antics and loved the singing—far better than the movie!"
—Neil

"I don't know when I have enjoyed a play as much as I enjoyed Xanadu. The actors are phenomenal talents, their voices wonderful, timing fantastic, the choreography perfect; not an off note the entire play. I am so glad I had a chance to see the play. What a fun night. My husband was laughing out loud. Thank you for a wonderful show! If we didn't live 3 hours away, we'd be season ticket holders"
—K

"My husband and I took our grandchildren ages 14 and 11 and they thoroughly enjoyed the production. We loved the costumes, music and the witty dialogue. We would highly recommend this energetic musical for young and old alike"
—Lea, West Vancouver

"EXCELLENT SHOW!! We just attended your Saturday matinee of "Xanadu" and had to send you this comment: Congratulations on a job VERY well done! The cast was EXTRAORDINARY—truly Broadway calibre performances! We had concerns before attending because we have the original cast recording of "Xanadu" and our autistic teen is VERY particular about the music she loves. She was as impressed as the rest of us—so thank you also to the musicians and to all involved in this wonderful production. Kudos!!"
—Susan, Calgary, AB

"My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed this musical. We were laughing so much, it really filled our spirits. Thank you for such a superbly entertaining evening. The singing and dancing was magnificent!!!"
—Doreen, North Vancouver

"Absolutely loved it. We thought the characters were well cast, costumes fun and the voices great. All productions so far have met or exceeded our expectations"
—Genie

"Rollicking…fun musical production from start to finish. I highly recommend you bring all your friends to see this delightful…fantastic production. The orchestra is great! The range of the performers voices and their antics on stage make this a delightfully entertaining night out!"
—Gail, Coquitlam

"As always, what a beautiful evening my 2 friends and I had last night at The Arts Club…Xanadu was great (It had to be. I've noticed in the program the show was directed by Dean Paul Gibson, everything I see directed by Mr. Gibson is always good) The cast was amazing...We laughed so hard..and of course can't forget the music/songs....We LOved it!!"
—Daniel

"Great presentation! Very flashy and stylish!"
—Momo

"Best show that you have done this year. Great music, great fun, and all characters well played. My New Zealand visitor loved it…well done!"
—Janet

"My daughter and I had a wonderful day in Vancouver, the highlight being going to the production of Xanadu. It was a fun and uplifting experience. We clapped our hands, tapped our feet, sang along to the songs and laughed until we had tears in our eyes. All levels of the performance from the actors to the stage set and production were absolutely professional. It was FUN! FUN! FUN!"
—Cindy, Roberts Creek

"My friend and I enjoyed the show so much. We attended the Saturday matinee and the energy from the performances of each and every cast member sent an amazing excitement to the audience. It was just a blast! Thank you for such a treat"
—Clarice, North Vancouver

"First rate performance. I was very pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the show. The cast were all excellent singers and actors. It was delightfully camp and tongue-in-cheek. The dance/roller blade sequences were well done. I rarely join in the apparently de-rigeur standing ovation but I did at the end of this show"
—Edwin, Vancouver

"The show was fabulous. I went because I had loved Xanadu when I was a younger child. I took my children who didn't know the story. They are 8 & 11 and both loved the production. My 11 year old laughed throughout. It was throughly delightful. A real treat and a surprise as to how much we enjoyed it"
—Tina, Vancouver

"What fun! This production was just a wonderful disco ride. Great voices, and talented actors. Thanks for an enjoyable experience!"
—Charles, Seattle

"I was very curious as to how this play could hit the stage, and hit, or roll out, it did. The cast was hilarious, engaging and extremely talented. Two thumbs up to this production, cast and crew. And now I'm going to watch the video again; yes, I still have the video. Congratulations, Arts Club Theatre!"
—Deborah

"Not a misstep in the entire performance. Silly, fun, entertaining. A treat to see some of the wonderful talent out there. Everyone was a standout. The flashback scene with Vincent Tong as young Danny was exceptional"
—Karen, North Vancouver

"Saw Xanadu last night with a few friends and we all agreed it was one of the best shows we have seen at the Arts Club. So much better than the original movie. It is difficult to single out individual performances as it was such an ensemble show and everyone had their moment when they just shone. So I think the accolades should go to the Director, Choreographer, and Musical Director for bringing out the very best in all the actors. Would definitely like to see it again before it closes"
—Sid

"Not what I expected. It is engaging and entertaining from the get go. Usually there are one or two actors that stand out amongst the group, but with this cast, they are all amazing. They take comedy theatre to a new level. You just want to dance all the way home after seeing it. thanks for such a great show"
—Janet

"My girlfriend and I saw this show and laughed. I was an awesome show, and especially growing up with this music, brought back memories. It is a must see show"
—Harry, Surrey

"That show was hilarious ! A must see :)"
—Laura

"Really enjoyed the show. Excellent music, great performances, humor, and it was fun!"
—Geoff

"We loved this production of Xanadu. Broadway quality. Just the right mix of camp and comedy. Actors, costumes, music, staging were all excellent"
—Kenneth, Vancouver

"The show was very cheezy and we loved it. The music was great, the characters were funny, especially the evil sisters. Fun night out!!! We would recommend the show to everyone expecially to those who lived through the 80s"
—Dave and Suzanne

"Husband and I saw this last night. Loved it! If you were really there in the late 1970s and into the 1980s, it is the funniest trip down memory lane to come along in some time. From the Fame dance routine parodies, to the homage to Gene Kelly, the music and choreography just added to the fun. Then there was the Greek Chorus.... Go see Xanadu, then go home and dig your leg warmers, striped tube socks, short shorts and roller skates out from the back of the closet - I know that you still have them and show your kids how to have a good time"
—Melanie, North Vancouver

"Wow. Absolutely amazing. I am a fan of the original movie with Olivia Newton-John and was thrilled with the Arts Club interpretation. It was unexpectedly funny and the musical performances rocked it! A summer must see!"
—Nicole, North Vancouver

"We thoroughly enjoyed the production. We found the casting to be excellent—a great group of talented performers. The band was amazing—where do you find such talented musicians?? At times we felt we could have been on Broadway watching a show. Great job."
—David

"Absolutely excellent. The house was full and the audience levitated at the end of the show. Especially good performances from Gaelan Beatty who clearly will go far, Vincent Tong and Simon Webb. Thanks for the opportunity to see the show at a fantastic price"
—Carol, Vancouver

"Was very pleased we went. We knew all the songs. Each and every cast member was strong in their role. Loved the 2 "elderly" muses—thanks for a very fun evening!"
—Sandra, Vancouver BC

"Four of us went to see Xanadu, and since we have been attending theatre for 20 years together, we all agree this production was fabulous. We have seen very good theatre and many funny ones and Xandua rated as one of top picks. Also, a special treat was to have your picture taken and become Kira and Sonny. The family really enjoyed the pictures"
—Rosemary, Langley

"The show was a lot of fun to see. These actors ALL have some serious talent!"
—Guy-Réjean, Vancouver

"Loved Xanadu! Laughed throughout the play and loved that the actors wore roller skates! The music was fantastic! Reminiscing..."
—Michelle, Surrey

"The production, the cast and venue! My wife and I both say “BRAVO!” What a show and what fun!"
—George, Vancouver

"My 3rd time to watch a live musical and I think I'm hooked. I'm planning to watch Altar Boyz next!"
—Lizette, Vancouver

"The only time you stop laughing is when you are singing along. And you'll leave grinning from ear to ear!"
—Rachel, Vancouver

"Great Show. Great Voices. Great Fun!"
—Pamella, Vancouver

"Well-done, funny, great cast, all talented and entertaining. Thank you for a great show"
—Miriam

"This was a very entertaining production. I was unsure when I bought my ticket as I am not a big fan of that time period in music. However this was presented in such a creative and humorous way I found myself enthralled in the performance. Everyone particularly the female lead were great. Time went by and I found myself thinking this is ending too early. This is only my second Arts Club production the first being Buddy Holly. I cant say enough about the quality and look forward to more"
—Don, Surrey

"A delightful evening! The seats were great and the production was highly entertaining. Kudos to everyone involved from the cast to the technical staff, production and last but not least...the band. Last year we experienced The Buddy Holly Story and also enjoyed it immensely. Whoever said there was nothing to do in Vancouver? Go out and take in our fantastic local productions!"
—Walter, Surrey

"As I didn't ever see the movie, I finally know what all the songs are all about. Great job. Magic and Nostalgic!"
—Jodie, Vancouver

"Just loved the production. So energetic and each actor was so good in their part. Was especially pleased with the two stars Kira and Sonny; their voices are so good. As usual that orchestra is just the best and the music was so enjoyable. In fact, thinking we might go and see it again before it closes. It was a great night out"
—Joan, Coquitlam

"Just have to share…. Kav, Gray and I went to see Xanadu at the Arts Club last night. It was hilarious. The music was 80's classic (Electric Light Orchestra) and add to this the perfectly synced choreography (not easy on roller skates), disco balls, goddesses, hero's journey and you have a fantastical kitschy feel-good evening…. We laughed and danced our way out of the theatre. I am so blessed to have boys who enjoy the theatre and to live in a city where directors like Dean Paul Gibson help create it! Check it out at artsclub.com"
—Teresa, Vancouver

"It was so much fun to watch. The singing was excellent. Judging by the reaction of the audience, it was a success in every way"
—Mary, Vancouver

"Fabulously fun—high octane energy, a little snarky shot at the 80s, all classed up by tremendous performances and flawless singing. This one is really good for the whole family"
—Lisa, Vancouver

"What a fun show! The skates on the small stage really keep the actors moving! Really enjoyed it"
—Rene

"[Xanadu]…was one of the best, funniest musicals I have seen at Granville Island Theatre. This musical is NOT TO BE MISSED. It truly was spectacular. The lead female was mesmerizing. Each of the 9 cast members outstanding. Music/singing/dancing/everything was fabulous. Standing ovation, cheering, clapping—what fun"
—Sandra, Vancouver

"I had so much fun last night. Your cast was entertaining. I laughed and laughed and sang along. Thank you for a enjoyable night that took me back to the 80's…the greatest decade!!!!!"
—Roni

"We enjoyed Xanadu for the fun of it all. It had a great cast that all contributed to our laughter. It was a light-hearted romp into the past which kept us singing and laughing the whole time. I would definitely recommend this musical for a joyous few hours"
—Lois, Vancouver

"Hysterical show! I've never seen the movie (of the same name) so don't have much to compare it with—this could be a good thing, I'm not sure! Very colorful, very well-chosen cast and, as an Australian, I just HAD to laugh at Kira's accent—in a really good, healthy way! The male lead also won me over…. I've seen him in a few shows now and he never fails to impress. A fun night out indeed!!"
—Beck, Vancouver

"Due to the film, I went as it was part of my season block. I was greatly surprised and rocked by it! I'd seen Gaelan Beatty in "All Shook Up" and he continues to impress. Cailin Stadnyk is always a winner. Marlie Collins has got the stage presence, and will always do tops for the audience. A first-rate cast"
—Martin, Vancouver

"Xanadu exceeded my expectations!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this musical and was entertained from start to finish. The wonderful voices and the tongue-in-cheek humour—if you want to have a great time, don't miss this production! My only complaint is about myself…. I should have stood and given the actors and musicians a standing ovation—they deserved it!! I'm definitely going to see it again and correct my mistake!!"
—Tami

Behind The Scenes

Introducing Xanadu

Hot off the Mount Olympus runways!

One Glittery Glamourama!

Xanadu on CTV

Roller Skates vs. Disco Dates

Artistic team

Book by Douglas Carter Beane
Music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar
Based on the Universal Pictures film
Screenplay by Richard Danus and Marc Rubel
Starring J. Cameron Barnett, Gaelan Beatty, Marlie Collins, Stephanie Liatopoulos, Bonnie Panych, Cailin Stadnyk, Vincent Tong, Simon Webb, Beatrice Zeilinger
Director Dean Paul Gibson
Musical Director Bill Sample
Musicians Laurence Mollerup, Bill Sample, Andreas Schuld, Randall Stoll
Choreographer Lisa Stevens
Set Designer Kevin McAllister
Costume Designer Rebekka Sorensen
Lighting Designer Gerald King
Sound Designer Andrew Tugwell
Stage Manager Pamela Jakobs
Assistant Stage Manager Angela Beaulieu

Downloads

House Programme