1970’s magic is in the air as the highly entertaining musical, XANADU, makes a stop at Drury Lane Theatre. Based on the film starring Olivia Newton John, Gene Kelly and Michael Beck, the show parodies the original every chance it gets from Newton John’s Australian accent to its cheesy love story.
Beginning September 13th, the show will run through October 28th. XANADU opened at Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theatre to critical acclaim on July 10, 2007 as the first new musical of the 2007/2008 season. Since the 2007 opening, the award-winning musical garnered the best reviews of the season, with critics and audiences celebrating its cheeky humor and far out music. Winner of Best Musical (Outer Critics Circle Award) and Best Book (Drama Desk Award), The New York Times raves XANADU is “heaven on wheels,” and the Washington Post says this musical is “a triumph!” I would tend to agree. This production is especially wonderful thanks to its amazingly talented cast, especially Gina Milo who sings eerily like Olivia Newton John in the role of Kira.
This wildly funny musical delivers a surprisingly touching story about the nine magical muse-daughters of Zeus, who come to earth in 1980 (disguised in roller skates, leg warmers and Australian accents) to inspire humans to create truly great work and discover the meaning of the universe's greatest secret: the Gift of XANADU. Zeus' most important decree is they can’t fall in love with any mortals! But all that changes when the young Kira (Gina Milo) meets the handsome artist Sonny (Chris Critelli), who needs her help in achieving his greatest dream. It is only when Sonny teaches Kira the true meaning of inspiration, that the secret of XANADU is divulged.
XANADU stars Christine Sherrill and Nancy Voigts as the evil Muses Melpomene and Calliope and Gene Weygandt as Danny (played in the film version by Gene Kelly). The cast also includes Stephanie Binetti, Gary Carlson, Tammy Mader, and Sean Blake – all outstanding in their support roles for leads Critelli, Weygandt and Milo, who are each as funny as they are vocally talented.
With a book ingeniously adapted (New York Times) by Douglas Carter Beane, and a score by Jeff Lynne (writer and producer for the Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O.) and John Farrar (responsible for most of the hits performed by Olivia Newton-John in the 1970’s), XANADU features the top 20 Billboard hits, “Magic”, “Xanadu”, “All Over the World” and “Alive.”
XANADU ticket prices range from $35 to $45 and may be purchased at the Drury Lane Theatre Box Office at 630-530-011, Ticketmaster at 800-745-300 or by visiting wwwdrurylaneoakbrook.com.
