James Carpinello Joins Cast of Broadway's Xanadu

Lead casting has been completed for the new Broadway musical Xanadu with the signing of James Carpinello as Sonny. Also announced is Eric Stern who will serve as Musical Director and costume designer David Zinn.

Carpinello starred on Broadway in Saturday Night Fever. His film and TV credits include "The Closer," The Great Raid and "Felicity." Stern has served on many Broadway productions including Follies and Parade.  Zinn completes the creative design team which includes David Gallo for sets and Howell Binkley for lighting design. Principal casting already announced is: Kerry Butler as Kira, Tony Roberts as Danny,  and Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa as the evil Muses.

Douglas Carter Beene has written the book for Xanadu on the film version 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 John Farrar and Jeff Lynne. Lynne wrote and produced all of the 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.

Xanadu, the first musical of the new season, will open at the Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 West 44th Street on Tuesday, June 26th with previews starting on May 23rd.

Tickets and more information will soon be available at www.xanaduonbroadway.com.

photo credit: Eduardo Patino