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Xanadu On Broadway
Originally scheduled to open off-Broadway this spring Xanadu changed plans and began previews this May on Broadway at the Helen Hayes Theatre. Its official opening is scheduled for June 26, 2007. This musical romance is based on the 1980’s disco era film of the same name starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly in his last major role. While the film was a box office flop the soundtrack recording went double platinum. The electrifying Broadway score features songs written for the film by the Electric Light Orchestra and Newton-John. The film has gone on to become a cult classic and the current musical production only enhances the story. The production basically sticks to the original storyline with a few updated plot twists. The story begins when nine muses from ancient Greece come to life on a Venice Beach mural. Kira, one of the mysterious women, befriends Sonny, a talented artist, who had not yet found his muse and Danny, an ex-big band leader, who lost his muse sometime ago. She encourages the two men to go into business together and open a roller disco. As it turns out the muses from the mural visit Earth from time to time to help inspire others to pursue their dreams. Kira’s mission is to inspire Sonny to greatness, but along the way she breaks the rules and falls in love with him. She will be forced to return to her time and place once her jealous, evil sisters find out about her true feelings. Can the two star-crossed lovers survive their differences and let love conquer all? The musical stars Broadway performers Kerry Butler and Tony Roberts. Ms. Butler was a critic favorite as Penny Pingleton in 2002’s Hairspray. She gained even more acclaim the following year as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Some of her other Broadway roles include Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Eponine in Les Miz. In the role of Danny is veteran stage actor Tony Roberts who in the late sixties earned back to back Tony nominations for his work in How Now, Dow Jones and Play it Again, Sam. He most recently appeared on Broadway in the 2006 production of Barefoot in the Park. Xanadu is a wonderful fantasy of love that will stay in your heart forever. During the performance you will find yourself rooting for the two lovers and hoping that they will some how overcome the odds and end up together. This feel-good production will have you dancing in the aisle and leave you wanting more. This show provides a lighthearted and enjoyable time at the theater. It is also a perfect opportunity for the rookie theatergoer since the plot is fun, the music is familiar and the production only lasts about ninety minutes. Xanadu on Broadway tickets are selling on average for around $45.00 with premium seating reaching $225.00 for popular show times. Xanadu on Broadway at the Helen Hayes Theatre has a seven night schedule with a 4,158 seating capacity per week and sells out an average of around 3,100 seats per week. Kerry Butler Author - Douglas Carter Beane The Helen Hayes Theater is located at 240 West 44th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues and may be accessed using the subway system the following ways: Take the A, C, E trains to 42nd Street and 8th Avenue Take the N, R, S, 1, 2, 3, 7, 9 trains to 42nd Street and Times Square Take the B, D, F, Q trains to 47-50 Streets and 6th Avenue
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