Xanadu to Begin Broadway Previews May 23

Producers Robert Ahrens, Dan Vickery, Tara Smith, Brian Swibel, Sara Murchison and Dale Smith will present the first musical of the new Broadway season, Xanadu, beginning previews on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 and opening on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at Broadway's Helen Hayes Theatre (240 West 44th Street). 

Douglas Carter Beane has written the book for Xanadu based on the film of the same name. The score will include the hits, "Magic," "Xanadu," "Party All Over the World" and "I'm Alive" -- all top 20 Billboard hits. The score was written by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar. Lynne wrote and produced all of the music of Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O). Farrar was also responsible for most of the hits that were performed by Olivia Newton-John in the 1970's. Christopher Ashley will direct with choreography by Dan Knechtges.

"This musical myth, set in the year 1980, tells the story of one of the nine muses of ancient Greece  who comes to earth to inspire the greatest of artistic achievements – a roller disco.  Along the way she falls in love, bumps into an old acquaintance and for the first time, feels the desire to create herself," according to press materials.

Starring Kerry Butler as "Kira" (played in the film version by Olivia Newton-John), James Carpinello as "Sonny," Tony Roberts as "Danny" (played in the film version by Gene Kelly), and Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa as the evil Muses "Calliope" and "Melpomene," respectively, Xanadu's cast also features Curtis Holbrook, Anika Larsen, Kenita Miller and Andre Ward.

Xanadu features scenic design by Tony Award winner David Gallo, costume design by David Zinn, lighting design by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley, sound design by T. Richard Fitzgerald and Carl Casella, projections design by Zachary Borovay, wig and hair design by Charles LePoint and musical direction by Eric Stern.

The playing schedule during previews will be as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm; Saturday at 2:00pm; and Sunday at 3:00pm. Please note: beginning on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 the schedule will change to the following: Tuesday at 7:00pm; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm; Wednesday and Saturday at 2:00pm; and Sunday at 3:00pm.

Tickets range from $41.25-$111.25, including all facility fees, and will be available online at www.Telecharge.com and via telephone at (212) 239-6200 beginning on Saturday, April 21.  A limited number of onstage seats and will be available at the box office only for $41.25.  Student seats will be available for $26.25 day-of and at the box office only.

Photo of Kerry Butler by Linda Lenzi