ZACH Theatre Presents Austin Premiere of XANADU, 7/18-9/2

Austin's Theatre and Texas' longest running theatre, in its last season before the new Topfer Theatre opens, presents the Austin premiere of XANADU, the over-the-top, roller-skating musical that spoofs the outrageously campy 1980s film starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly.

A beautiful muse descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach and inspires a struggling artist to create his biggest dream ... the first roller disco.

ZACH's producing artistic director Dave Steakley says: "I've never been a fan of the film, but I found this stage parody absolutely irresistible on Broadway with its very funny, campy Douglas Carter Beane script that has its tongue planted firmly in cheek.

Jill Blackwood is perfectly cast in this affectionate send-up of Olivia Newton-John - vocally the resemblance is astonishing and she is hilarious. It is destined to be one of our most fun and entertaining shows ever and is a great way to celebrate the last mainstage season on the Kleberg Stage before the Topfer Theatre opens with RAGTIME next fall."

ZACH's production features an all-star cast: Jill Blackwood, Matthew Redden,Rick Roemer, Lara Wright, Michelle Alexander, Roberto Araujo, Beth Koepp, Jennifer Young, Tyler Jones, Charissa Allen and Josh Wechsler; with Allen Robertson, piano; Bob Overton, guitar; and Arnie Yañez, percussion.

The performances will be held in ZACH's intimate Kleberg Stage, 1421 West Riverside Drive (corner of Riverside Dr. and S. Lamar Blvd.). The opening & press night post-show champagne reception is Saturday, July 21.  The GLBT Wilde Party with pre-show mixer is Thursday, August 2nd. Performances continue through September 2, 2012 (Tuesday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2:30PM).

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