Tag: Xanadu

Feeling the End-of-School Vibe

Despite my rantings on here, I am a bit stoked to admit there are only four point five days until my children break loose from school for summer vacation. I am not immune to feeling the end-of-school vibe, which started beating through the entire neighborhood at the beginning of May.

What about you? I can’t help but feel a bit of nostalgia. First, I watched a live production of Xanadu last Saturday, which took me back to the early years of the K-12 education. Then, Rock of Ages trailers have been playing on television all week. The soundtrack to this film contains many fave hits from my junior high and high school days. Finally, our neighbors — who live two houses down — have a son graduating from high school this week. There are quite a few of his friends celebrating their accomplishment with him this evening. Hearing all the shouts, laughter, and cars zooming around brings back a gazillion memories of the same from 23 years ago.

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See It: Xanadu Live at Meadowbrook Theatre

You have to believe we are magic
Nothin’ can stand in our way
You have to believe we are magic
Don’t let your aim ever stray
And if all your hopes survive
Your destiny will arrive
I’ll bring all your dreams alive
For you

— John Farr, performed by Olivia Newton John, Xanadu

After romancing two glasses of Pinot Grigio Campanile and my husband at Mitchell’s Fish Market Saturday evening, I revisited what I define as one of the best decades ever. I saw a family friend and former neighbor star, David Havasi, in the live production of Xanadu at Meadowbrook Theatre in Rochester Hills, Mich.

Photo Credit: Meadowbrook Theatre, mbtheatre.com

Perhaps re-connections with school mates through social media sites such as Facebook and Pinterest stir up all these feelings of nostalgia. But, it was a decadent performance complete with leg warmers, flashy colors, superb roller disco moves and replays of hits from Olivia Newton John (one of my fave’s from that era).

I recommend booking a date with your partner or girlfriends for a trip down memory lane with this very talented cast. It’s surreal to look back at the years growing up during the ’80s. What great memories and good times.

Can’t help myself. I’m singing this in my head as I type. So, it’s the only cure I know …

A million lights are dancing
And you’re here with me
Eternally

Xanadu Xanadu (now we are here)
In Xanadu
Xanadu Xanadu (now we are here)
in Xanadu

Xanadu
your neon lights will shine
For you Xanadu.

— Jeff Lynne, performed by Olivia Newton John

Cover of "Xanadu - Magical Musical Editio...
Cover via Amazon
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