Krakowski to Star in Bway's Xanadu, Opening in April?

Casting for the upcoming Broadway musical production of Xanadu - which has been confirmed to open at the Helen Hayes Theatre in April - will soon be announced.

Jane Krakowski, the Tony Award-winning stage and TV star last seen on Broadway in the Nine revival, starred as Kira in two backers' auditions of Xanadu. Olivia Newton-John played the role of Kira in the 1980 film.  Krakowski has not yet signed on to the Broadway production, but may reprise her role.

"Kira, a Greek muse sent to Earth to inspire mortals and artists in Venice, CA, in the 1980's. While on earth, Kira falls in love with an artist when helping him realize his dreams," stated a casting notice for an earlier workshop.  His dreams include building a roller disco.

Among the other stars of the workshop were Tony Roberts, as Zeus, and Cheyenne Jackson, as the struggling artist.  Xanadu's book (by The Little Dog Laughed playwright Douglas Carter Beane) has also expanded upon the narrative-flimsy film; there are now added scenes and characters from Greek mythology, according to the New York Post's Michael Riedel. Christopher Ashley directed both workshops.

Krakowski, who currently appears on "30 Rock," has also been seen on Broadway in Once Upon a Mattress, Tartuffe, Company, Grand Hotel and Starlight Express, as well as on the hit TV series "Ally McBeal."

Xanadu features songs from the movie (written by John Farrar and Jeff Lynne). The original film Gene Kelly alongside Newton-John.

The Broadway production is capitalized at $5 million.