‘Xanadu’ star enjoys lighthearted role

The cult classic movie starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly.

By John Benson

Hey Bud, Let’s party.

It’s not too often a trained actor has to channel his inner Jeff Spicoli for a Broadway show; however, that’s exactly what Max Von Essen found himself doing for the national touring production of Tony Award-nominated musical “Xanadu,” which comes to Cleveland Tuesday through March 14 at the Palace Theatre. Naturally, this was quite a challenge for Von Essen.

“It was huge, and I’m so glad I did it,” said Von Essen, calling from Raleigh, N.C. “People would normally see me in shows like ‘Les Mis rables,’ which I did twice on Broadway, and shows like ‘West Side Story’ or ‘Sweeney Todd,’ just more traditional musical theater and more of a legit sound and a heavier sort of subject matter. So for me to do something like this – where I literally walk out immediately in short shorts, a tank top, a headband and high tops, and I’m talking with this goofy beach bum accent – the role is so funny.

“He doesn’t know he’s funny because he’s sort of this airhead who means well and is trying so hard to create his ultimate artistic achievement. And it was a challenge for me because playing comedy is such a unique thing, and you have to play it without expecting laughs. You still have to find the truth in it, and yet somehow the humor comes out of that. And then adding to that is the pop score, which I’m not as used to doing but I love doing it. It’s been a great challenge. I’ve been doing the tour almost a year now, and every couple of days I find new things in the show. It just keeps growing.”

Based on the Universal Pictures’ cult classic movie, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, “Xanadu” is a hilarious roller-skating musical adventure set in 1980 that follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens to inspire the greatest of artistic achievements – the first roller disco.

In a sense, it’s not a stretch to question whether Broadway producers have lost their marbles with recent head-scratching movie-to-stage musicals such as “The Wedding Singer” and now “Xanadu.” More so, Von Essen admits on the surface the Olivia Newton John musical seems like an odd, if not crazy, pick.

“Absolutely, the movie was a total bomb, and yet it is loved by so many people who are very passionate about it,” Von Essen said. “But as a movie, it really was a failure. It barely had a plot and was so silly with all of these things thrown into one. But really what the play does have a lot going for it is mostly the score. It’s got this incredible pop score from that era and, of course, Olivia Newton John. When you watch the movie, she’s so effortless and wonderful in it, and Gene Kelly was so terrific, and yet you can’t believe they’re sort of surrounded by this crumbling building around them.”

That pop score is not an afterthought. In fact, it’s written by Jeff Lynne (Electric Light Orchestra) and John Farrar, and includes top 20 hits “Magic,” “Xanadu,” “Party All Over the World” and “I’m Alive.” Also, Von Essen said the new musical score has added more Electric Light Orchestra favorites, making the entire show a sing-along event.

“I tell people it’s going to be something they never expected,” Von Essen said. “It’s going to be like 90 minutes of a total great escape. And if you’ve never seen the movie, which I never saw before I did the show, you will laugh your --- off and you’ll be entertained. The music is incredible. Everyone is on skates. It’s colorful. It’s beautiful lighting. It’s just a very unique enjoyable theater experience. Something like you’ve never seen before. You will be smiling ear to ear.”