Xanadu Moves Up Broadway Closing Date to 9/28
The Broadway musical Xanadu has moved its previously announced closing date up by two weeks. The show, whose final curtain was originally set for October 12, will now take its last bow on Sunday, September 28. Xanadu will have played 49 previews and 512 regular performances upon closing.
Based on the cult hit feature film, Xanadu tells the story of a magical muse named Kira who comes to earth in 1980 disguised in roller skates, leg warmers and an Australian accent to inspire what the gods call truly great work and discover the meaning of the universe's greatest secret: the gift of Xanadu. Kira meets the handsome artist Sonny, who needs her help in achieving his greatest dream.
Headed by Tony nominee Kerry Butler, Cheyenne Jackson, Tony Roberts, Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa, the cast also features Jacob ben Widmar, Kenita Miller, Patti Murin and Andre Ward.
The show received the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Broadway Musical and four 2008 Tony Award nominations Best Musical, Butler for Best Actress in a Musical, Carter Beane for Best Book, Knechtges for Best Choreography and Best New Musical. It also received six 2008 Drama Desk nominations Outstanding Musical, Jackson for Outstanding Actor in a Musical, Testa for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical, Ashley for Outstanding Director of a Musical, Knechtges for Outstanding Choreography and a win for Carter Beane for Outstanding Book of a Musical.
Xanadu will play at the La Jolla Playhouse in California in November, followed by a six-month engagement at Chicago's Drury Lane Theatre and a national tour. The premiere foreign production just opened in Seoul, Korea. Plans are underway for productions in London co-produced with David Ian and John Gore, China, Australia and the Philippines.
