80s Musical XANADU Added to Garden Theatre's Season

The Garden Theatre announced today the addition of Xanadu to its 2017-2018 season. Xanadu joins the previously announced shows The Lieutenant of Inishmore, A Tennessee Walk, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Xanadu performances begin Friday, July 6, 2018, at 8:00 p.m. with a limited run through Sunday, July 29, 2018.

Ancient mythology collides with the 1980s as the Greek muse Kira descends from Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California. Forbidden love, pop music, and leg warmers rule as Kira inspires struggling artist Sonny to achieve the greatest artistic creation of his life --the world's first ROLLER-DISCO!

Douglas Carter Beane wrote the book for Xanadu based on the film of the same name. The score, by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, includes the hits "Magic," "Xanadu," and "I'm Alive" -- all top 20 Billboard hits.

The original 1980 film version starring Hollywood heavyweights Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly was a surprise 'flop' while the 2007 Broadway musical version was a surprise 'hit!' Xanadu the musical ran on Broadway for over 500 performances and was nominated for multiple Tony awards. It also received both an Outer Critics Circle Award as well as a Drama Desk award. The New York Times raved, "Heaven on wheels!" and The New Yorker called Xanadu "the most fun you'll have on Broadway."

"The expansion of our theatrical season is a result of the incredible response of the Winter Garden community," said Garden Theatre's Artistic Director Rob Winn Anderson. "Xanadu is a quirky musical about the power of love, inspiration, and overcoming obstacles...with the help of a little magic, roller skates, and a singing centaur. XANADU kicks off a new summer tradition for the Garden."

Auditions for Xanadu will be held on Monday, March 19, 2018, and Wednesday, March 21, 2018. Callbacks are scheduled for March 24, 2018. Visit https://www.gardentheatre.org/audition for more info.

2017-2018 Garden Theatre subscribers may now redeem any unused subscription vouchers for Xanadu or purchase additional tickets. Tickets for the general public will go on sale starting Tuesday, January 16, 2018.

Tickets: $34 ($30 students/seniors) Special discounted pricing for the opening night performance.

Tickets may be purchased by calling 407-877-4736 ext. 0, in person at the Garden Theatre Box Office at 160 West Plant Street in Winter Garden, or online at gardentheatre.org.

Groups of 10 or more can receive a discount on tickets and should call 407-877-4736 x208 or email groupsales@gardentheatre.org.

Dates: July 6 - 29, 2018
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.; Select Thursdays (July 19) at 2:00 p.m.

ABOUT THE GARDEN THEATRE

Garden Theatre of Winter Garden celebrates its 10th anniversary during the 2017-18 performance season. Originally built in 1935 as a single-screen cinema, the theatre was the first in Central Florida built for "talkies" and was a gathering place for locals to watch the latest newsreels and films of the day. The building was restored to its former glory in 2008, and the 299-seat Garden Theatre, with a current annual budget of nearly $1.5 million, has grown to a performing arts center with extensive programming that includes professional live theatre, concerts, dance, special events, movies and a thriving summer camp and arts education program. Visit gardentheatre.org or contact 407-877-4736 for details about the 2017-2018 season.

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