The X Musical Theatre Company (XMTC) debuted their first musical theatre production since the beginning of the pandemic, with in-person showings of the musical Head over Heels from April 6 to 9.

The show provided an evening of quality entertainment filled with laughs and surprises. A true showcase of student talent, Head Over Heels wove rock music and royalty together unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I was quite impressed with both the powerful singing and committed acting that created the outrageous characters of Arcadia.

The jukebox musical comedy, styled to the hits of ‘80s rock band the Go-Gos, tells the story of the royal family of Arcadia on their journey to keep their famous “beat.” Prophecies are fulfilled, battles are won and lives are changed. Head Over Heels dives into themes of self-expression, acceptance and love while staying light-hearted and amusing.

Second-year law and business student Grace Johnson as Pamela, the eldest princess of Arcadia, and first-year creative industries student Jake Zanth as Dametas, the king’s royal viceroy, brought the comedy of the show to life. Their comedic timing paired with impressive acting chops sold the campy nature of Arcadia.

Johnson impressed the audience with her ability to embody her character’s growth throughout the show, and went all out to portray Pamela’s vanity and inherent wild nature. Zanth, on the other hand, consistently delivered laughs while still remaining touching and sincere, acting as the unexpected yet widely welcomed heart of the show.

Second-year film student Natalie Maclagan as Philoclea, the youngest princess of Arcadia, and first-year journalism student Joëlle Staropoli as Mopsa, the royal handmaiden, delivered exceptional vocal performances and brought life to the ‘80s hits. Whether it be Maclagan’s sweet voice or Staropoli’s impressive runs, the music — and the actresses producing it — did not disappoint.

While there were multiple stand-out performances, fourth-year creative industries student Jordan Davis as Gynecia, the queen of Arcadia, really stole the show. Her stage presence was enchanting, and she commanded the stage effortlessly. Whether it be singing or acting, I couldn’t take my eyes off Davis anytime she graced the stage.

The choreography was rather ambitious, paying off at times but stifling at others. It seemed that, with a few more rehearsals, the large choreographed numbers would’ve fallen perfectly into place. I was especially impressed with the dance core. The five performers were able to add moments of humour, amaze during dance breaks and continually impress with their nuanced talent. The dance core was utilized well and added to almost every soloist’s song without detracting from the story.

My favourite part of the show was the ensemble tracks — the collective sound of the 20 individuals on stage was immaculate. The group sounded as if they’ve been singing together for years, achieving exceptional blend and balance and consistently hitting earth-shattering harmonies. These cohesive moments truly brought the show and its music to life.

The live band was a very appreciated touch. While a live band is not always expected in smaller productions like these, it made all the difference in Head Over Heels. As much as the ensemble was able to bring the music to life, the band truly embodied the songs. The group was able to follow the performers and set the tone of the show.

The set, while minimal, provided many creative staging opportunities. I enjoyed the playfulness of the props and their crafty nature, and was impressed with the creative use of lighting. The medieval costumes really set the scene for the show and helped transport the audience into the royal kingdom.

The cast as a collective possessed impressive comedic timing and an ability to effectively tell their story through prose and song. I’m extremely glad I got the opportunity to watch the show and give my accolades to everyone involved. I would highly recommend following the future work of XMTC, if this amusing musical was any indication of what’s to come.