Music Pier Turns Into a Roller Disco for 'Xanadu'

Be prepared to be transported back to the 1980s on Saturday, Aug. 25, as Ocean City Theatre Company's Junior Company presents the Broadway musical "Xanadu" at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on the .

Audiences will be in for a treat as the Music Pier will be transformed into a roller disco complete with special lighting, projections, a disco ball and a cast of singing, dancing, acting and skating youth from across the greater Ocean City area.

Based on the film starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, "Xanadu" is the perfect blend of satire, parody and drama — all adding up to an electrifying, moving tale about following one’s dreams, no matter what the obstacles.

The show follows the journey of a beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, Calif. Her quest is to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest creation of all time: the first roller disco.

The show features popular '80s songs like "Magic," "All Over The World," "Suddenly," "I'm Alive," "Evil Woman," "Have You Never Been Mellow" and "Xanadu." It's hilarity on wheels for adults, children and anyone who has ever wanted to feel inspired.

The produces professional and educational theater programming. "Xanadu" features the OCTC Junior Company, which is a select group of students in grades 6 to 12 who have a passion for musical theater.

This group is under the direction of Michael Hartman (artistic director), Rachel Marlowe (director/choreographer), Laura Bretherick (stage manager), Andrew Hink (music director), Beth Koperwhats (costume designer), Pat McMullen (lighting designer) and Peggy Fotusky (scenic artist).

The students in the Junior Company get the experience to work with a production team of directors/designers who are active professionals in the theater industry and have the opportunity to learn from the many guest actors OCTC hires for their Broadway series.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for children 12 and under. To purchase tickets, call 609-525-9248, visit www.ocnj.us/boxoffice or stop by the Box Office located at the .

For more information about the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company, visit www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.

— News release from the Ocean City Theatre Company