RIALTO CHATTER: Xanadu West End Bound This Summer?

UK Theatre website WhatsOnStage.com has revealed that producer David Ian tipped off his plans to bring the popular former Broadway, now US Touring musical, Xanadu to the UK. Speaking on Radio Five Live, Ian hinted that a UK transfer will be "coming to a stage near you in August" - by which WhatsOnStage assumes is the West End.

XANADU opened at Broadway's Helen Hayes Theatre to critical acclaim on July 10, 2007 as the first new musical of the 2007/2008 season.

Since the 2007 opening, the award-winning musical garnered the best reviews of the season, with critics and audiences leaping to their feet! Winner of Best Musical (Outer Critics Circle Award) and Best Book (Drama Desk Award), The New York Times raves XANADU is "heaven on wheels," and the Washington Post says this musical is "a triumph!"

This wildly funny musical delivers a surprisingly touching story about the nine magical muse-daughters of Zeus, who come to earth in 1980 (disguised in roller skates, leg warmers and Australian accents) to inspire humans to create truly great work and discover the meaning of the universe's greatest secret: the Gift of XANADU. Zeus' most important decree is they can't fall in love with any mortals! But all that changes when the young Kira meets the handsome artist Sonny, who needs her help in achieving his greatest dream. It is only when Sonny teaches Kira the true meaning of inspiration, that the secret of XANADU is revealed!

With a book "ingeniously adapted" (New York Times) by Douglas Carter Beane, and a score by Jeff Lynne (writer and producer for the Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O.)) and John Farrar (responsible for most of the hits performed by Olivia Newton-John in the 1970's), XANADU features the top 20 Billboard hits, "Magic," "Xanadu," "All Over the World" and "I'm Alive." Award-winning Christopher Ashley directs "at roller-derby speed" (New York Times) with choreography by Dan Knechtges. XANADU also features scenic design by Tony Award winner David Gallo, costume design by David Zinn, lighting design by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley, projections design by Zachary Borovay, wig and hair design by Charles G. LaPointe and musical direction by Eric Stern.

To read the entire WhatsOnStage article click here.