Tag Archives: reston community players

Xanadu at the Reston Community Center

This past Saturday night my husband and I saw the Reston Community Players production of Xanadu. I’ve never seen the reportedly terrible movie, and before RCP staged it I didn’t know the musical even existed, but I had been told to expect roller skates, Greek mythology, and a heaping helping of the 1980s. And wow, did it ever deliver. Clio, the leader of the nine Muses, comes to earth to inspire chalk muralist Sonny Malone to embrace his artistic dreams. He wants to create a space where all the arts come together: dance, music, painting, even athletics. He wants to build….a roller disco! (“How timeless!”) Meanwhile, Clio’s older sisters Melpomene and Calliope plot to curse her to fall in love with a human (strictly forbidden), but mostly just succeed in stealing the show.  (Especially Calliope, played by Emily Jonas, who was by far my favorite character in the entire show.) The music is all ’80s pop, including some familiar hits like Evil Woman and Strange Magic.

It took me a couple scenes to realize that the acting was supposed to be campy, melodramatic, and completely over-the-top, but once I did I really began to enjoy myself. The humor is not subtle: people sing guitar solos, dance around on roller skates, speak in hilariously terrible accents, and are all generally ridiculous. I laughed hard and often.

In addition to never taking itself at all seriously, with only a single act Xanadu doesn’t drag or overstay its welcome. This production in particular kept things moving at a steady clip, with quick dialog and upbeat songs and, more often than not, something bizarre going on in the background. Definitely recommended if you get the chance, but be prepared for some intense silliness.

Xanadu is playing at the Reston Community Center for one more weekend. Purchase tickets here.

Laughing Stock

Reston Community Players present Laughing Stock: An amusing look at a New England summer stock barn theater. Gordon Page is in charge of this madcap group of theater stereotypes as they present Charley’s Aunt (as a bizarre performance art piece), Dracul: Prince of the Undead (written by Page and rife with technical difficulties), and Hamlet (which isn’t so bad, actually). The rehearsals were pretty funny, but my favorite part by far was Dracul: people running for their spotlights, missed cues, and general hilarity. I laughed so hard. Definitely one to see if you’re in the area.

When:
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM: May 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16, 2009.
Sunday Matinee at 2:30 PM: May 10, 2009.

Where:
CentreStage Theater
Reston Community Center
2310 Colts Neck Road
Reston, Virginia 20191

How Much:
Single ticket prices: $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students

Check it out!

Laughing Stock

The Reston Community Players are at it again. Their next production is Laughing Stock, a comedy about community theatre. My dear husband is the sound guy, and if the effects he’s been concocting in his studio are any indication, this show is going to be an absolute riot. I’m very much looking forward to seeing it. If you happen to be in Northern Virginia, check it out. Tickets are $18 ($15 for seniors and students). Showtimes are 8:00 PM on May 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 (Fridays and Saturdays), and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 PM on May 10. All shows are in the CenterStage theater at the Reston Community Center. Enjoy!

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