It’s not a traditional musical for a Long Island high school, but the Seaford Drama Club is ready to give the audience an uncommon experience with the upcoming production of Xanadu. The show is based on the 1980 movie of the same name and features chaos, a love story, roller skating and laughs for all ages.
The musical comedy debuted on Broadway in 2007, and 17 years later it is coming to the Seaford High School stage. A cast of 39 students will perform three shows, plus an open dress rehearsal for local senior citizens.
“It’s nice to bring something new and unfamiliar to our students here, as well as our audience,” director and choreographer Samantha Gates-Weber said. “Seaford’s drama students are very funny and this shows off the talent that they have.”
Lead cast members include Kieran Calderaro as Sonny, Cassandra Kelly as Kira and Clio, and Dylan Quinn as Danny. Playing the muses are Erin Oritz, Hailey Falta, Troy Tyznar, Emma Baldwin, Emily Salcé and Dylan Wong.
“I really like the music and I’m enjoying making meaningful memories in my last show at Seaford High School,” said Kieran, a senior, appearing in his fifth production.
Cassandra, in her fourth high school show, thinks that this is the first time there will be singing and roller skating together on the Seaford High School stage.
“It’s very magical,” she said. “There’s a lot happening. The audience will like the silliness of it and the jokes.”
Erin said most of the cast had never heard of Xanadu before the show was announced, but they like the uniqueness of it. Dylan added that the singing, dancing and acting abilities of the cast will make it a great show.
In addition to Ms. Gates-Weber, the show is supported by musical director Gina Salvia, producer Shari Raduazzo, set designer Grant Weber and costumer designer Suzanne Gates, as well as a stage crew of 25 students and a lighting crew of eight.
Local senior citizens are invited to a free open dress rehearsal on Thursday, March 7 at 4 p.m. Show times for all audiences are Friday, March 8 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Advance tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults, and can be reserved by emailing Ms. Raduazzo at sraduazzo@seaford.k12.ny.us. Tickets at the door will be $12 for students and $15 for adults.
—Submitted by the Seaford School District
