Broadway's Xanadu Announces Closing Date

Broadway's Xanadu, the musical comedy based on the 1980 movie, will close on October 12 at the Helen Hayes Theatre. At the time of the closing, it will have played 49 previews and 528 performances.

Xanadu tells the story about 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.

The musical, which opened on Broadway on July 10, 2007, is by Douglas Carter Beane and features music by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar. It is directed by Christopher Ashley and features choreography by Dan Knechtges.

Headed by Kerry Butler, Cheyenne Jackson, Tony Roberts, Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa, the cast also features Curtis Holbrook, 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.