Krakowski Will Not Skate with Xanadu to Broadway

Jane Krakowski/> will not star as a roller-skating muse in the upcoming Broadway production of Xanadu.

While casting was never officially announced for the upcoming Broadway musical Xanadu, there was speculation concerning the cast who did the recent workshop.  Krakowski did participate, but will not be able to move forward with the project due to conflicts with "30 Rock," the NBC show on which she stars. Pete Sanders, spokesperson for the musical, says, "There is no change to Xanadu's production schedule and final casting will be announced as soon as it is complete."

The show is set to open this season at the Helen Hayes Theatre with Christopher Ashley directing.  The book is by Douglas Carter Beane and music is by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar including the Billboard #1 hit "Magic." 

"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," stated a casting notice for an earlier workshop.  His dreams include building a roller disco.

Among the other stars of the workshop were />Tony Roberts/>, as Zeus, and />Cheyenne Jackson/>, as the struggling artist.  Xanadu's book (by The Little Dog Laughed playwright />Douglas Carter Beane/>) has also expanded upon the narrative-flimsy film; there are now added scenes and characters from Greek mythology. />Ashley directed both workshops.

Krakowski, who currently appears on "30 Rock," has also been seen on Broadway in Once Upon a Mattress, Tartuffe, Company, Grand Hotel and Starlight Express, as well as on the hit TV series "Ally McBeal."

The original film of Xanadu starred />/>/>/>Gene Kelly/> alongside Olivia Newton-John/>, as Kira.

Photo of Jane Krakowski by Ben Strothmann