Rehearsals are well underway for Newhaven College's annual Senior School production, always a favourite event for the College and the wider community.

Students from Years 7-12 will bring the iconic film musical Xanadu to life on the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre stage. All are welcome to come along to what is going to be a popular event on May 2, 3, and 4.

The production creates a space for students to showcase their passion and talent for the Performing Arts, an integral part of a Newhaven College education. For many younger students, it is their first time on the stage as they join experienced senior students to bring the story to life in fine style.

Once the show hits the stage in May, it will be hard to decide who is having more fun - the audience or the 50 plus cast members bringing flashy and fabulous to life.

The stage musical is a retelling of the cult classic 80s film - starring Australia's own Olivia Newton-John. Its sole purpose is to spread a little love and joy. Xanadu is vibrant, bubbly and bright, bringing 'theatrical sunshine' in every moment with a killer, familiar score.

The cast includes many students who have charmed local audiences in both College, and other local productions, for many years now, plus fresh faces.

The main cast includes Cecily de Gooyer, Archie Robson, Felix Fothergill, Indigo Aurora, Nissa Campbell Walker, Jude Fisher, Aoife O'Connell, Meyanna Christensen, Tilly Russell, Finn Campbell Walker, Elleah Rodgers, Shae Foster, Angie Mumby, Aisha Glass, Tilly Stecher, Finn Farley, Bede Prideaux, Finn McLean, Harper Stephens and Sequoia Patterson.

The speciality dance troupe adds an extra layer of wonderment and emotion across many scenes and comprises Mia Bowtell, Olivia Helps, Phoebe Helps, Ruby King and Abbie Wines.

Drawing on the tradition of providing a performance of high standards, the cast is set to wow the audience with their singing, dancing and characterisation. The strong ensemble cast provides soaring vocals, attention to detail and plenty of flair. The backstage crew also includes students of all ages, working and learning alongside technical staff to provide the essential team approach to create a successful show.

Xanadu is the story of the Greek muse, Clio, who descends from Mount Olympus to inspire a struggling artist in 1980 Venice Beach.

To hide her demi-god status, Clio dons the perfect disguise: a name change (Kira), legwarmers, roller skates and an Australian accent. The script sets its tongue firmly in its cheek, is peppered with comedic one-liners and is guaranteed to put a pep in your step - or, perhaps, the disco in your roller skates.

 "Xanadu is sheer joy from start to finish," says director Karen Milkins-Hendry.

"What's not to love about colour, glitter, 80s music that fills your soul with great vibes and plenty of laugh out loud moments around every corner?

"Once again, our students have risen to all challenges thrown at them and we cannot wait for you to burst out of the theatre smiling, energised and heading straight to Spotify to re-live the soundtrack."

The show will be a memorable experience for everyone involved, and the hope is the community will come out in full force to support the students' hard work and creativity.

There are four performances on May 2, 3 and 4. Bookings via the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre website, at www.trybooking.com/CYNRA or via QR Code.

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