Xanadu Casts Starry Workshop; Show Headed in May to Broadway

According to Playbill.com, a starry cast including Jane Krakowski, Cheyenne Jackson, Tony Roberts, Mary Testa, Jackie Hoffman, Jen Cody, Darius de Haas, Tyler Maynard, David Tankersley and Marty Thomas will appear in invite-only workshops of Xanadu on January 20-21. 

According to previous, the new musical Xanadu - based on the 1980 cult classic film about a divinely inspired roller disco - will open at the Helen Hayes Theatre in early May, directed by Christopher Ashley. The workshop is being produced by Robert Ahrens.

"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.

The property has received a number of workshops, including an industry reading that starred Jane Krakowski as Kira.  The reading also featured Ben Vereen, Cheyenne Jackson, and Mary Testa, among others.  Christopher Ashley directed it.

Xanadu features songs from the movie (written by John Farrar and Jeff Lynne), and a book by Douglas Carter Beane (The Little Dog Laughed).  The original film starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly.

Casting and specific performance dates for the Broadway production have not yet been announced.