On Theater:

Back in 1980, the movie musical “Xanadu” didn’t make anyone’s top 10 list, except perhaps the Razzie Awards. It certainly wasn’t Gene Kelly’s finest hour, either.

But fast-forward three decades and this other-worldly enterprise, now a Broadway show, picks up four Tony and six Drama Desk award nominations.

Have times changed, or has “Xanadu”?

Both, actually, and neither. The upbeat musical created by Douglas Carter Beane (book), Jeff Lynne and John Farrar (music and lyrics) is faithful enough to the concept of that 1980 flick (which itself was based on a 1947 Rita Hayworth movie), but it’s a gentle nudge in the ribs of audience members who remember either or both.

This “Xanadu,” breezily directed by Christopher Ashley with zippy choreography by Dan Knechtges, has taken up residence at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in a touring production that pokes fun at the movie version, as well as its star — the heavenly muse adopts an Australian accent in homage to Olivia Newton-John, who headlined the movie.

And “heavenly” is the perfect descriptive adjective for Elizabeth Stanley, who glitters as the gorgeous blond Kira, bent on helping an earthling (Max von Essen) realize his dream of opening a roller disco on Venice Beach with the help of Larry Marshall in Kelly’s old role of a crusty land developer.

Naturally, there’s an obstacle to conquer, this one in the form of Natasha Yvette Williams as the sassy, jealous goddess Melpomene who tries to get Kira (known upstairs as Clio) “mortalized” and off Olympus. Williams displays superb vocal power, particularly in her “Evil Woman” number early in the show.

Both the stunning Stanley and the ebullient von Essen have exceptional singing voices, with Stanley excelling on roller skates for most of the show (she’s particularly effective on just one skate). Marshall contributes a thoughtful turn as a businessman who lost his own muse (the same Kira/Clio) three decades before.

As was the case in the most recent Center production, “Spring Awakening,” some fortunate audience members are seated onstage.

Fortunate, that is, until Eric Stern’s orchestral combo begins blasting away. Excessive volume is the lone downside of the show, often compromising the audience’s enjoyment (and comprehension) of the lyrics.

“Xanadu” is packed into a 90-minute exercise, without intermission, but there’s enough pizazz for a full 2 1/2 hours — and those who recall the disco era fondly will be particularly entertained.

This show is what the 1980 movie should have been.

If You Go

What: “Xanadu”

Where: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 27

Cost: $20 to $80

Call: (714) 556-2787

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews appear Fridays.