All About Musicals

Remember the musical Starlight Express, and its extensive use of roller skating? Well, you ain’t seen nothing yet. There’s lots of skating in Xanadu.

New musical Xanadu began previews last night at the Helen Hayes Theatre on Broadway. It will open to the general public on June 26.

The musical is based on the 1980 film of the same name, but features some slightly varying plot lines. Olivia Newton-John starred in the disco-themed film, whose tagline was “A Fantasy, A Musical, A Place Where Dreams Come True.” Despite the film eventually flopping, the film’s soundtrack was successful and went on to be double-platinum. The movie has accrued a cult following due to the fantastic music. No doubting the storyline has been changed slightly for the better.

The musical’s lead actors include Kerry Butler, James Carpinello, and Tony Roberts.

Press notes describe the musical as follows: [Xanadu] “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.”

Here’s the deal: Want to get into the show for half-price? Wear roller skates! Seriously– take advantage of the “Skate to Xanadu” offer. Be one of the first 200 people to show up at the box office wearing roller skates, and you’ll be able to purchase tickets at the half-price rate of $49.50 (limit of two per person). This offer is available on the following Mondays: June 4 and 25, July 16 and 30, Aug. 20, Sept. 10 and Oct. 1.

Technorati Tags: Xanadu, Olivia Newton-John, Kerry Butler, James Carpinello, Tony Roberts, Broadway, Broadway Musicals, Musicals, Musical Theatre, Musical Theater, Broadway Musical