Theatre Aspen School to Present XANADU, JR

Theatre Aspen School today announced that the company for the Spring Youth Production of the musical comedy Xanadu, Jr. includes technical students from the recently formed Theatre Aspen School Tech Company. These students learn theatrical design and stagecraft from industry experts and gain practical experience working backstage. Tickets are on sale now for the run which includes four performances at the Wheeler Opera House, from April 14th through 16th.

A tongue-in-cheek spoof of the 1980 cult classic movie starring Olivia Newton-John, Xanadu, Jr. follows a down-on-his-luck artist, Sonny Malone, who receives inspiration from Kira, an ancient greek Muse charged with helping mortals achieve greatness in the arts. Things go awry when Kira's jealous sister casts a curse on her to fall in love with the mortal Sonny - something forbidden by Zeus himself. Fun music and dance, zany characters and a plethora of '80s references will appeal to the young and young-at-heart.

In addition to the cast, seven members of the Tech Company will support the production. In the Tech Company, students in grades 6 through 12 take on backstage roles during the production after participating in workshops from local professionals. This spring, the Tech Company met with Ziska Childs (Broadway scenic artist), Tom Ward (scenic designer), Colleen Fawley (Costume Designer and Seamstress), Loren Wilder (Lighting Designer), and Gordon Wilder (Sound Engineer at the Wheeler Opera House).

Speaking of the fledgling program, Education Director Graham Northrup said, "Since we piloted the Tech Company at our previous Spring Youth Production, we have seen steadily growing interest. With this show and our upcoming summer productions of James and the Giant Peach and Bye Bye Birdie, we look forward to having these students put their newfound skills to work and be as integral to the process and product as our student actors are. As the program grows, these Tech Company students will have the skills they need to be called up to support our main stage productions, which is an exciting prospect."

Xanadu, Jr. directed by Northrup, is one of 5 major annual youth productions by Theatre Aspen School, and is choreographed by Alie Walsh, with Music Direction by Terry Lee.

Tickets are available through the aspenshowtix.com or by calling 970-920-5770. Prices are $20 for adults, and $12 for students.

Registration for summer programs and productions is underway. Theatre Aspen School offers theatre education for students in Pre-K through age 19, as well as college-age students and adults. The school's approach emphasizes employing highly-qualified teaching artists to provide excellent, age-appropriate training based on national standards - including performance, design and stagecraft - in order to build skills, character and confidence in its students. For further information contact Graham Northrup, Theatre Aspen Director of Education, at 970-300-4299 or visit www.theatreaspen.org

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