Xanadu Musical to Return for January '07 Workshops

The new musical based on the cult film Xanadu--previously seen in a starry industry reading--will receive a new workshop, according to a casting notice.

With direction by Christopher Ashley (All Shook Up) and musical direction by Eric Stern, the workshop will be presented to an invitation-only audience on January 20th, 21st, 26th and 27th.  Rehearsals will begin January 2nd.

Xanadu concerns "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," states the notice. In the industry reading, Jane Krakowski played Kira.  She was supported by such stars as Ben Vereen, Cheyenne Jackson and Mary Testa.

Xanadu features songs from the 1980 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.