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Photo Coverage: Xanadu Opening Night Arrivals

Kerry Butler and Cheyenne Jackson star in the highly anticipated new Broadway musical Xanadu. The first musical of the new Broadway season, Xanadu opened on Tuesday, July 10th at Broadway's Helen Hayes Theatre (240 West 44th Street) after beginning previews on May 23rd.

Douglas Carter Beane has written the book for Xanadu based on the film of the same name. The score will include the hits, "Magic," "Xanadu," "Party All Over the World" and "I'm Alive" -- all top 20 Billboard hits. The score was written by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar. Lynne wrote and produced all of the music of Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O). Farrar was also responsible for most of the hits that were performed by Olivia Newton-John in the 1970's. Christopher Ashley will direct with choreography by Dan Knechtges.

"This musical myth, set in the year 1980, tells the story of one of the nine muses of ancient Greece who comes to earth to inspire the greatest of artistic achievements – a roller disco. Along the way she falls in love, bumps into an Old Acquaintance and for the first time, feels the desire to create herself," according to press materials. Starring Butler as "Kira" (played in the film version by Olivia Newton-John), Jackson as "Sonny," Tony Roberts as "Danny" (played in the film version by Gene Kelly), and Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa as the evil Muses "Calliope" and "Melpomene," respectively, Xanadu's cast also features Curtis Holbrook, Anika Larsen, Kenita Miller and Andre Ward.

Visit www.xanaduonbroadway.com for more information.

Photos by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

Olivia Newton-John

John Farrar and Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John

John Farrar

John Farrar and wife Pat Carroll

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon and Douglas Carter Beane

Douglas Carter Beane

Douglas Carter Beane and partner

Dan Knetchges, Christopher Ashley and Douglas Carter Beane

Brian Swibel, Robert Ahrens and Tara Smith

Tricia Walsh-Smith

DB Sweeney

DB Sweeney and wife Ashley

Charles G. LaPointe

Charles G. LaPointe and Stephanie J. Block

Stephanie J. Block

Mario Cantone

BWW Hi-Res Gallery - Original Version

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As a 14 year old youth, Walter was transfixed by his first Broadway Show, the original production of 'GREASE'. His Journey to celebrity photojournalism began that fateful night. Meeting, photographing and getting to know the cast inspired him to spend his professional life doing what he loved. Walter moved to Manhattan and for a leading role as a Photographer & Photo Researcher. Currently headlining in New Jersey with his partner Richard and family members Dali (Jack Russell) & Gala (Schnoodle). Recently he made his Broadway debut sharing the stage with Hugh Jackman in 'Hugh Jackman on Broadway' as well as receiving the Actors' Equity Association Gypsy Spirit Award. Walter McBride Photography is syndicated worldwide by Corbis/AP.

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