Xanadu's Broadway Opening Postponed After Actor Injury

Due to a foot injury that Xanadu star James Carpinello sustained during a rehearsal on Tuesday, the opening night of the cult classic's Broadway musical adaptation has been postponed, reports the Associated Press.

Andre Ward, Carpinello's understudy, will play the role of young artist Sonny during Xanadu'spreview performances (the show began previews on May 23rd).  Pete Sanders, Xanadu's spokesperson, stated that Carpinello's return date and new opening date have not yet been determined.

Douglas Carter Beane wrote the book for Xanadu based on the film of the same name. The score includes the songs "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 directs the show, which features 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), 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 Ward.

Carpinello appeared on Broadway in Saturday Night Fever. His film and TV credits include "The Closer," The Great Raid and "Felicity."

Visit www.xanaduonbroadway.com for more information.