XANADU at La Jolla Playhouse makes its West Coast debut on November 23, 2008 directed by Artistic Director Christopher Ashley. Xanadu's cast joins the creative team of the surprise hit Broadway musical at the Playhouse before embarking on a national tour. Xanadu will have its first performance November 11, 2008 and run through December 31 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre.
Xanadu is a new Tony Award-nominated, tongue-in-cheek, magical roller-skating escapade with a joyful classic score of hits like "Magic," "Xanadu," "All Over the World," and "I'm Alive." Based on the 1980's cult film starring Olivia Newton-John, Xanadu follows muse Kira and artist Sonny in their quest for artistic achievement, in pursuit of his dreams to establish…a roller disco! The New York Times called it "Heaven on eight little polyurethane wheels." "I first heard the soundtrack of Xanadu as a teenager and was floored by how much fun it was," says Director Christopher Ashley, "Then I saw the movie, and it was a complete train wreck. Thank goodness for Douglas Carter Beane, who has penned a fantastic script - which has made working on this show a match made in roller disco heaven."With book by Douglas Carter Beane (The Little Dog Laughed), music and lyrics by John Farrar (Grease) and Jeff Lynne (Electric Light Orchestra), direction by Christopher Ashley (Broadway's Xanadu, Memphis) and choreography by Dan Knechtges (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Xanadu was the recipient of the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Broadway Musical, four 2008 Tony Award nominations and six 2008 Drama Desk nominations.Photo credit: Carol Rosegg
Xanadu muses at Jolla Playhouse
Xanadu's Elizabeth Stanley (as Kira) and Max von Essen (as Sonny)
Xanadu's Elizabeth Stanley (as Kira)
Xanadu muses at La Jolla Playhouse. Elizabeth Stanley (as Kira) in center
Xanadu muses at La Jolla Playhouse
Xanadu muses at La Jolla Playhouse
Elizabeth Stanley and Larry Marshall (as Danny)
Max von Essen (as Sonny Malone)
Evil Woman: Sharon Wilkins (as Melpomene), Joanna Glushak (as Calliope) and Sirens
Elizabeth Stanley (as Kira) and Max von Essen (as Sonny)
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