Photo Flash: Xanadu in Previews

The first musical of the new Broadway season, Xanadu, opens on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 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 Kerry Butler as "Kira" (played in the film version by Olivia Newton-John), James Carpinello 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 Paul Kolnik

 
Curtis Holbrook, Kerry Butler and Andre Ward

Tony Roberts

Kerry Butler, surrounded by Mary Testa, Jackie Hoffman and the cast

Kerry Butler and James Carpinello

Kerry Butler and Tony Roberts

James Carpinello

Kerry Butler

Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman

Tony Roberts and James Carpinello

Mary Testa, Jackie Hoffman and cast
Kerry Butler and James Carpinello