XANADU THE MUSICAL Skates into Sydney

Matthew Management in association with Hayes Theatre Co today announced the cast of the smash-hit Broadway musical comedy XANADU, based on the 1980s classic cult movie, which plays in Sydney from Thursday 12 May 2016 for a strictly limited season.

Leading the cast as Kira, the iconic role originated by Olivia Newton-John, will be Jaime Hadwen (Bring It On: The Musical) and Ainsley Melham (Hi-5) will play her love interest Sonny. The supporting cast includes Dion Bilios (Wicked), Francine Cain (Grease), Catty Hamilton (Hair), Kat Hoyos (Here Come The Habibs), James Maxfield (Dirty Dancing) and Jayde Westaby (The Rocky Horror Show).

Producer Matthew Henderson said, "I'm thrilled to find my perfect cast for this wonderful iconic musical. Jaime will be a glorious Kira; in his first musical after leaving Hi 5, Ainsley will be an endearing and delightful Sonny; and the rest of the cast are all top class musical theatre triple threats. In this case though, they will all be quadruple threats as they'll be roller skating around the tiny Hayes Theatre Co stage as well. XANADU is an exuberant party musical - audiences won't be able to wipe the smiles off their faces for days after."

XANADU, with book by Douglas Carter Beane and music & lyrics by Jeff Lynne & John Farrar, is the hilarious roller-skating musical adventure based on the 1980s cult movie classic which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly.

Kira, the magical and beautiful Greek muse, descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus for Venice Beach, California, on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time - the first roller disco... Well, hey. It is 1980! But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation and chaos abounds. XANADU features the chart topping songs from the film including Magic, Suddenly, I'm Alive, Evil Woman, All Over the World and of course Xanadu!

XANADU originally opened at the Helen Hayes Theatre on Broadway in 2007 where it ran for over 500 performances, winning the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical and a Drama Desk Award for Best Book. It was also nominated for four Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Actress, Best Book of a Musical and Best Choreography.

Break out your headbands and leg warmers for this over-the-top, roller-skating musical.

"Ninety minutes brimming with joy, laughter and sequins!" - BroadwayWorld.com

XANADU

Book by Douglas Carter Beane, Music and Lyrics by Jeff Lynne & John Farrar

Presented by Matthew Management in association with Hayes Theatre Co

Directed and Choreographed by Nathan M Wright

Musical Direction by Andrew Bevis

Scenic Design by Nathan Weyers

Costume Design by James Browne

With Dion Bilios, Francine Cain, Jaime Hadwen, Catty Hamilton, Kat Hoyos, James Maxfield, Ainsley Melham, Jayde Westaby

Venue: Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point

Season: 12 May - 12 June 2016

Times: Tue-Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 15 May 1pm & 5pm, Sun 22 & 29 May 3pm & 6:30pm, Sun 5 & 12 Jun 3pm, Wed 1 & 8 Jun 1:30pm.

Price: $60 Adult, $56 Concession (seniors, pensioners and students), $54 Groups 8+

Bookings: hayestheatre.com.au | (02) 8065 7337

Hayes Theatre Co is a dedicated music theatre and cabaret venue in Potts Point. Named for Australian musical theatre legend, Nancye Hayes OAM, Hayes Theatre Co honours and builds on the vast history of Australian Musical Theatre and its practitioners. This not-for-profit venue is managed by Independent Music Theatre, a collaborative partnership focusing on providing a permanent home for small-scale musical theatre and cabaret. By providing venue space to newly mounted productions, Hayes Theatre Co, will be a presenting partner together with independent producers and artists. Hayes Theatre Co is made possible through the City of Sydney's Accommodation Grant Program.