Xanadu Jr.: First THS play of the year to open Sept. 12

TUPELO — Tupelo High School’s prolific theater department is kicking the school year off with “Xanadu Jr.,” a colorful musical set in ’80s Los Angeles.

Opening night is Sept. 12, with the musical showing at 7 p.m. from the 12th through the 14th in THS’s small auditorium. Tickets are $6.

“Xanadu Jr.” is adapted from the Universal Pictures cult classic movie “Xanadu.” In the adaptation, Greek muse Clio, a.k.a. Kira (played by sophomore Sadie Ethridge), inspires struggling artist Sonny Malone (played by senior Thomas Roper) to create the apex of all artistic expression: a roller disco. The show features big musical numbers, legwarmers, magical hijinks and, of course, roller-skating.

The two main characters spend much of the show in roller skates, with a few ensemble members joining them over the course of the musical, sophomore student director Ava Davenport said. It’s been challenging, but Davenport appreciates that the THS theater department trusts its students to do difficult things.

“We have directors who also trust us to do big productions like this one and like to take on those challenges versus playing it safe,” Davenport said. “They give a lot of opportunities that a lot of schools around us don't have. … We have resources for people who genuinely want to learn.”

And because THS does so many shows each year — at least four — students have the opportunity to work in all kinds of roles, said senior Brodie King, who’s playing Danny Maguire and Zeus. In just one year of THS shows, a student could be a star, an ensemble member, a stagehand and a director.

Maddie Hewitt, a sophomore who primarily worked on lighting last school year, has joined the ensemble for “Xanadu Jr.” Learning the choreography has been her favorite part, and singing has been an enjoyable challenge.

“I'm usually not a singer, but I kind of stepped out of my comfort zone for this one,” Hewitt said.

Junior Brayden Jones is playing the role of Melpomene, Kira’s rival and the primary villain. Melpomene is a traditionally female role, and Jones is playing the part in drag.

King has been enjoying playing Danny, an old businessman who owns the Xanadu Theater.

“He has his very emotional points, but then he also has his stern, funny moments for the audience,” King said.

It’s King’s first time being in a musical directed by Phillip Milner, the theater department’s assistant director. Milner has been very in depth in the music rehearsals; to King, it’s felt like a professional production.

“I think it’s gonna be a great show,” Davenport said. “I think we have really great people and a really determined cast.”