Xanadu
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Summary
It may be camp and part inside humor, but it's still all '80s kitsch. That’s Xanadu, the latest film adaptation to land in a Broadway theatre. The movie spawned a ton of hits for Olivia Newton-John, including "Magic" and "Suddenly", and "I’m Alive" for the Electric Light Orchestra.
Theatre scribe Douglas Carter Beane brings every disco-flavored memory to life here in a book chock full of tongue-in-cheek references from a wink and a nod to Newton-John to disparaging remarks about the King of schlock, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the production across the street, the revival of Les Miz. That, coupled with the ludicrous story, makes for a silly confection guaranteed to provide loud guffaws throughout the summer while providing little else for its top ticket price of $111.
The story centers on Clio, one of nine daughters of Zeus, who is a real muse to a frustrated artist named Sonny in Los Angeles circa 1980. She takes on the characteristics of a mortal woman, replete with an Australian accent (Newton-John again) as the two build Sonny’s dream — an art center with a roller rink. The pair fall in love and must deal with Zeus' wrath.
Kerry Butler (Little Shop of Horrors, Hairspray) tackles her muse duties with great elegance. Butler has a terrific sweet sound. Together with her flawless delivery, she turns in a memorable performance. Her romantic counterpart, played by Cheyenne Jackson (a last-minute replacement for an injured James Carpinello), sings like a dream and his dead-pan speech pattern makes for plenty of laughs. He does, however, seem rather tentative on those roller skates. Also in the cast are Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa, two tried-and-true comedic Broadway veterans, as evil sisters chewing the scenery — but in a good way. Tony Roberts, in dual roles, is aptly grouchy. If David Gallo's scenery seems a little skimpy, at least director Christopher Ashley wrings every bit of shtick to be had from the script.
Perhaps a direct quote from Xanadu sums up the show best — "it’s like children’s theatre for forty-year-old gay people."
By Lesley Alexander
Visit the Site
http://www.xanaduonbroadway.com/
Cast
Kerry Butler (Kira), Cheyenne Jackson (Sonny), Tony Roberts (Danny), Jackie Hoffman (Caliope), Mary Testa (Melpomene), Curtis Holbrook (Thalia), Anika Larson (Euterpe), Kenita Miller (Erato), Andre Ward (Terpsicore)
Open/Close Dates
Opening 5/23/2007
Closing 9/28/2008
Box Office
(212) 239-6200
Theatre Info
Hayes Theatre
240 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
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