Photo Coverage: Xanadu Gypsy Robe Ceremony

Curtis Holbrook was chosen as Xanadu's winner of the Gypsy Robe.  Holbrook plays the muse Thalia, among other roles, in the musical, which opened on Tuesday, July 10th at Broadway's Helen Hayes Theatre (240 West 44th Street) after beginning previews on May 23rd. 

The colorful Gypsy Robe, embellished with mementos from Broadway musicals, is presented to the cast member who has the most Broadway chorus credits. 110 in the Shade's Devin Richards was the last performers to be chosen as the Gypsy Robe winner.  Holbrook's other Broadway credits include All Shook Up, Taboo, The Boy from Oz and Fosse.

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 Kerry Butler as "Kira" (played in the film version by Olivia Newton-John), Cheyenne 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.

 
Curtis Holbrook

Curtis Holbrook

Curtis Holbrook

Curtis Holbrook

Devin Richards and Curtis Holbrook

Devin Richards and Curtis Holbrook

Curtis Holbrook with Mary Testa 

Curtis Holbrook, with Kerry Butler, Jackie Hoffman and cast members

Curtis Holbrook, with Kerry Butler, Jackie Hoffman and cast members

Curtis Holbrook, with Andre Ward, Kerry Butler, Jackie Hoffman and cast members

Andre Ward, Kerry Butler, Jackie Hoffman and cast members

Marty Thomas and Curtis Holbrook

Marty Thomas and Curtis Holbrook

Kerry Butler and Curtis Holbrook

Kerry Butler and Curtis Holbrook

Kerry Butler and Curtis Holbrook

Kerry Butler and Curtis Holbrook

Douglas Carter Beane and Curtis Holbrook

Douglas Carter Beane and Curtis Holbrook

Douglas Carter Beane and Curtis Holbrook

Curtis Holbrook, with Andre Ward, Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa

Curtis Holbrook, with Andre Ward, Jackie Hoffman, Mary Testa, Anika Larsen and cast members

Curtis Holbrook with the cast of Xanadu

Curtis Holbrook and the cast