Photo Coverage: Whoopi Goldberg Greets Fans After 'Xanadu' Debut 2008/07/30

Whoopi Goldberg� joined the cast of the hit Broadway musical "Xanadu" on Tuesday, July 29th for a special six week engagement through Sunday, September 7th.� After the show, Broadway World was on hand as Ms. Goldberg and her fellow cast members greeted fans and signed Playbills. Ms. Goldberg is playing the role of Caliope.� Jackie Hoffman, who created the role, will be releasing her new cd "Jackie Hoffman Live from Joe's Pub" and will return to the production on September 9th.

In a statement, Ms. Goldberg said "What better way to stick my toe back on to the Broadway stage than to join the amazing cast of "Xanadu". It's such a fun show and is definitely my sensibility, as written by the divine Douglas Carter Beane. For me, it's going to be unbelievable".

Producer Ahrens wholeheartedly agrees by saying "On behalf of the entire "Xanadu" family, we are overwhelmed and appreciative that Whoopi has chosen to return to her turf of Broadway with our musical. We are thrilled!"

Whoopi Goldberg is a name known by all as one of the world's premier comedians, film actress, stage actress and radio and television personality. In� 2002, she became one of a very elite group of artists who have won the Grammy ("Whoopi Goldberg, 1985), the Academy Award ("Ghost, 1991), the Golden Globe ("The Color Purple, 1985 and "Ghost", 1991), the Emmy (as host of AMC's "Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel", 2002) and a Tony (Producer of "Thoroughly Modern Millie", 2002). She is equally well-known for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of children, the homeless, human rights, education, substance abuse and the battle against AIDS.� This past June she hosted the 2008 Tony Awards for CBS and is currently moderator on the popular ABC talk show� "The View".

Performance schedule for "Xanadu" is Tuesday at 7 pm, Wednesday through Saturday at 8 pm, Wednesday at 2 pm and Sunday at 3 pm. For information and tickets call Telecharge.com at (212) 239-6200

www.xanaduonbroadway.com

Photos by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

Theatre Marquee for Whoopi Goldberg's Opening Night Performance in XANADU

Douglas Carter Beane

Theatre Marquee for Whoopi Goldberg's Opening Night Performance in XANADU

Curtis Holbrook

Marty Thomas

Kerry Butler

Tony Roberts

Whoopi Goldberg

Theatre Marquee for Whoopi Goldberg's Opening Night Performance in XANADU

Related Links

XANADU Closing Date Moved Up; Show to Close Sunday
XANADU, Broadway's surprise musical hit, has moved up the date of its closing to Sunday, September 28. The show is playing at the Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 West 44th Street.

Stanley and Von Essen to Star in Xanadu Tour
Casting is announced for the anticipated Chicago and Midwest premiere of the surprise hit Broadway musical XANADU at the Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place. Performances are scheduled to begin January 16, 2009 and individual tickets are now on sale.

XANADU To Skate Off Broadway On October 12th
XANADU, Broadway's surprise musical hit, has announced a closing date of Sunday, October 12. The show is playing at the Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 West 44th Street and will have played 49 previews and 528 performances.

Photo Coverage: Xanadu Cast Enjoys 'Strange Magic' Sundae at Serendipity 3
The cast of Broadway's Xanadu, including stars Kerry Butler, Mary Testa, and Marty Thomas, with roller skates in tow, rolled into Serendipity 3 to taste test the Xanadu themed "Strange Magic" Sundae!

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After his life as an ingenue in Brooklyn & Queens, Walter spent the next 25 Years in a leading role as a Photographer / Photo Researcher in Manhattan. He is currently headlining in New Jersey with his partner Richard and children Dali & Gala. As a 14 year old youth, Walter was transfixed by his first Broadway Show, the original production of "GREASE". His journey on the path to celebrity photojournalism began that fateful night. Meeting, photographing and getting to know the cast inspired him to spend his professional life doing what he loved. Broadway introduced him to his two homes... Retna Ltd & BroadwayWorld.com, represented by: www.retna.com.

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