Do you remember the phenomenon of roller-skating along the beach during the 1980s? If so, you’re probably a fan of the hit movie Xanadu, starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly.

LBM Productions is thrilled to take audiences back to that carefree time, as they present Xanadu, Jr. July 28th through 31st at LSUA’s Richard Gwartney Theatre. The Tony-nominated Broadway musical includes the movie’s chart-topping songs and more by Electric Light Orchestra. The talented Musical Theatre Intensive Workshop students will be singing, dancing and portraying all sorts of characters.

The story revolves around Sonny, a self-doubting chalk artist in Venice, California, who is inspired by his muse to build a roller disco, the fulfillment of his dreams to combine the arts and athletics. The plot, complete with Greek goddesses and mythological creatures, thickens when two evil sister-muses put their curse on the young couple with “Strange Magic.”  Highlighting this eclectic score is a “battle of the bands” when a flashback to the World War II swing era (complete with the Andrews sisters) collides head on with the rock ‘n’ roll of the 1980s in “Dancin’.” You’ll be drawn into the action with great classics including “Evil Woman,” “I’m Alive,” “Suspended in Time,” and the roller-disco favorite “Xanadu.”

Raymond Constantino plays “Sonny,” the down-and-out artist, who is inspired by “Clio” disguised as “Kira,” an Australian roller-skating blonde, played by Claire Marie Miller. Jenevieve Bolen and Emma Sullivan team up as the comically evil sister-muses. Hunter Andries plays “Danny,” the businessman who also had a dream for Xanadu during the 1940s. Expect inspiration and nostalgia as LBM Productions introduces this hit musical to a new generation!

LBM Productions has two summer musical theater camps starting July 18th at LSUA. A one-week camp for ages 5 to 10—Star-to-Be Camp—will bring out the talent of young performers, while the two-week Musical Theater Intensive Workshop will focus on developing talent of performers ages 8 to 19. Tim Saucier will be teaching teen Meisner acting technique classes, and Landon Scriber will be music director.  The Musical Theater Intensive Workshop culminates in the production of Xanadu, Jr. Both workshops and the show are under the direction of Laine Berry Miller.

Members of the talented cast will represent Central Louisiana with excerpts from Xanadu, Jr. at the national Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta next January!  It is not too late to sign up for the camps.

Xanadu Jr. will be presented July 28th through 31st, Thursday and Friday at 10:00am, 2:00pm, and 7:00pm. Saturday performances will begin at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, with a Sunday slated for 2:00pm. Special group rates of just $5.00 are available for the Thursday and Friday daytime shows. General admission ranges from $6.00 to $12.00. Log onto www.LBMproductions.net to purchase tickets, or call (318) 451-3915 to register your groups.

Both workshops and the production take place at the Richard Gwartney Theatre on the LSUA campus. Seating is limited, so get your tickets for this “blast from the past” musical today!

In August, LBM Productions is proud to present Tony Award-winning Broadway star Faith Prince and Jason Graae, star of Broadway and beyond, as they present their critically acclaimed act, “The Prince and the Showboy.” This is an amazing opportunity for people in Central Louisiana to see these veterans of Broadway, television, and film, strut their stuff as they entertain with flair and frivolity.

Also in August, LBM Productions will hold auditions for their upcoming October musical “The Addams Family.” Auditions are August 24th through 26th and are open to adults and children over the age of eight.

Stay in touch with the all the exciting activities at LBM Productions on Facebook, and on our website at www.LBMproductions.net.