The Official fANADUs love thread to XANADU the Musical on Broadway -Part 2

[jaystarr]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 2:38pm

......."There is XANADU !
Goodbye, Mighty Zeus ...and Thank you for the greatest gift of all...the XANADU !



ahhh.. place where nobody dared to go...
the love that we came to know..
they called us fANADUs .....

and now open your eyes and see
what we have made is real
we are in XANADU !






a million lights are dancing and there you are a shooting star ...
an everlasting world, and you're here with us....eternally.........

XANADU, XANADU (now are here) In XANADU !



f(ans of X)ANADu - coined by "singingbackup"

The Official Xanadu the Musical on Broadway Website (for tickets & cool stuff)
https://www.xanaduonbroadway.com



Xanadu the musical opened on July 10, 2007




Xanadu the Musical
at the Helen Hayes Theater
240 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036





" Share your Xanadu -the Broadway musical experience, pictures & wishes below ....all are welcome to the LOVE we came to know"......

Huzzah !!!!!

Updated On: 8/12/07 at 02:38 PM

[singingbackup]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 3:01pm

Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes...

It's ALIVE!

[jeffrey1dog]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 3:06pm

Leave it to Jaystarr to re-create the original thread :)

"Xanadu" is the most fun you can possibly have with your clothes on.
Kerry Butler & Cheyenne Jackson are just awesome.
Mary Testa & Jackie Hoffman will make you laugh till you cry.

Welcome home! And the world shines for me today!

Updated On: 8/9/07 at 03:06 PM

[jaystarr]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 3:11pm

Huzzah my sisters & all fANADUs ....our CHALK MURAL is back !!!!! - j*






Updated On: 8/9/07 at 03:11 PM

[lois128]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 3:39pm

Yay!! it's alive!! Hey, I've been wondering if Xanadu has a backstage tour... anyone knows???

[singingbackup]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 3:55pm

Not as of yet that I am aware of. You kinda get one if you have onstage seating, does that count?

[jaystarr]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 4:05pm

Hey fANADUs--


Reminder : Jackie Hoffman on Conan O' Brien Tonight
https://www.playbill.com/news/article/109985.html


***************************************

CNN Article on Mary Testa & Jackie Hoffman (from madbrian original thread)
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=944165&dt=0

'Xanadu' stars rock but don't roll
Xanadu stars Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa won't skate in musical "Xanadu"
The duo feared they'd wind up in emergency room
Several cast members have already been hurt during skating numbers
Musical is based on Olivia Newton John film that was a dud
NEW YORK (AP)-- Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa are the only performers in "Xanadu" you can wish "break a leg" before performances -- and know that the good luck saying won't backfire.

That's because, unlike most of their cast mates in the rollicking musical, the duo have insisted they not wear roller skates.

It's sort of their Xana-don't.

"We probably would have lasted one show. And we would have been in the hospital," says Hoffman. "If we were on skates, you could see the terror. It would be apparent."

"It's better for everybody," Testa agrees.

"Xanadu," which pays mock homage to the much-maligned 1980 Olivia Newton-John film of the same name, has already had enough roller-skating mishaps without risking two of its biggest laugh getters.

Actor James Carpinello broke a foot during rehearsals, forcing him to temporarily hand over the male lead to Cheyenne Jackson. Injuries also plagued several other members of the cast including actress Kenita Miller and featured skater Marty Thomas.

"We've had our share of accidents and we don't need any more of those," says Testa, a veteran of "Chicago," "42nd Street" and "On the Town," among others. "Whenever they're on those skates, we tense."

That's not evident from the seats at the Helen Hayes Theatre, where "Xanadu" has turned into a buzz machine 27 years after the film virtually derailed several careers, including that of Aussie songbird Newton-John.

The stage version -- while keeping most of the film's songs such as "Magic" and "I'm Alive" by the Electric Light Orchestra -- strikes a cheeky tone as it tells the story of a Greek muse's visit to 1980 Los Angeles, where she dons leg warmers, adopts an atrocious Australian accent and falls in love with a mortal, inspiring him to open -- what else? -- a roller disco.

That's when Hoffman and Testa come in, playing jealous muses hoping to dampen the fun. They cackle and giggle, harass the audience, literally chew the scenery and belt out a memorable version of "Evil Woman."

Many critics have hailed them for injecting a frothy blend of caustic humor and nuttiness to Douglas Carter Beane's book. The New York Times called the duo "criminally funny" and The Associated Press labeled them "major giggle getters."

Hoffman was relieved, even though she's a veteran of "Hairspray" and her own one-woman shows, and whose film credits include "Garden State" and "Kissing Jessica Stein."

"I was terrified I would wake up the day after opening and hear on my answering machine, 'You have nine new messages.' Beep. 'I'm so sorry.' Beep. 'You're good. Don't listen to them.' Beep."'

Beane, the author of "The Little Dog Laughed," wrote the pair's "Xanadu" parts with them in mind. "To see them get to strut their stuff like this is really wonderful," he says. "These women have earned it. They certainly have earned the right to be holding a Broadway stage."

During an interview in a West Village cafe, the two actresses gulp caffeine -- piping hot skim cappuccino for Hoffman; green tea for Testa -- and compete to try to make the other laugh harder.

"Why are there a 100 flies around us?" Testa asks at one point, warily eying a squadron of the hovering insects.

"Did they see the show?" Hoffman cracks.

Hoffman and Testa hadn't worked together before they signed up for "Xanadu," but knew each other from the benefit circuit. And in one of those weird, only-in-New-York moments, Testa had substituted for Hoffman in Paul Rudnick's comedy "Regrets Only" while the latter underwent surgery.

"I knew I'd be kept on my toes," Hoffman says before turning to her cast mate. "I thought I would disappear in your magnificence."

That makes Testa laugh. "Oh yeah, she'll disappear."

Hoffman and Testa seem the most unrestrained among the cast, which includes Kerry Butler as the head muse and Tony Roberts in the only other non-skating role, one originally filled by Gene Kelly on screen.

"We were allowed more than anybody else in the cast to go more cartoony," says Hoffman. "I was struggling with that. You know, 'Could we go even further with this? Could we get even sillier?' But I think we found a nice balance of keeping it real, keeping with the intentions of the story, but also having this delicious license."

While both actresses knew most of the show's songs before jumping aboard, Testa saw the original film only while the musical was in workshops. Hoffman has avoided watching it and is loath to make comparisons.

"It's so entirely different. It so completely transcends the movie," says Hoffman. "It's so intelligent and so funny. We just took the skeleton of it -- the idiotic idea and the music, which is the best part. So it's like this weird birth defect: That it's based on this terrible movie."

Newton-John came to opening night and good-naturedly sat through the roasting of her film. She even brought presents for the cast. "She looks fab-u-lous," sings Hoffman. Adds Testa, "Most of the Aussies I know have a great sense of humor."

For Hoffman and Testa, helping their much younger cast mates learn songs with which they grew up was a little odd. "We were like, 'You don't know that song?"' recalls Testa. Hoffman nods: "It's bizarre to see people learning it, not knowing it."

She recalls as a high school student in New York being forced to listen to Jewish choral music each week until her exasperated teacher asked the class what they wanted to hear.

"We all launched into 'Have You Never Been Mellow?' I'll never forget it," she says, referring to Newton-John's 1975 hit, which is also included in the show.

With that, she turns to the waiter. "Where's the ladies' room?" she asks.

"There you go," teases Testa. "There's the caffeine. Ladies and gentlemen, the caffeine."

While Hoffman wanders off, Testa raves about her co-star.

"This is a treat," she says. "She's strong. Not that I feared that, but I thought, 'This is going to be interesting: Two very strong performers.' But I think because we respect each other so well, we really meld well."









Updated On: 8/9/07 at 04:05 PM

[tazber]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 5:17pm

I have some questions for someone who's seen it (j*, I'm talking to you!). I've heard conflicting things about where to sit. I wonder if stage seats are worth it.

And also, do you know when/if Carpinello will be back?

thanks!

[singingbackup]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 6:43pm

Depends. It's a real different experience and if you haven't seen it first from the front then you might be missing some of the action, or at least seeing the performers faces. Sitting onstage is awesome as you are right in the thick of the action and also get to experience a bit of the 'backstage magic', depending on what side of the stage you are sitting on.

[lois128]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 6:54pm

what is the best side to sit on stage? regardless if you miss facial expressions

[IAMmyownMUSICAL]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 7:06pm

Stage LEFT is an amazing stage seat. That's where I sat, and I really never missed anything. Plus you get a LOT of Testa, Hoffman action!

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 7:09pm

It's Alive!!!

Only Jay can pull this off.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 8:39pm

Hey Taz- Welcome to the Chalk Mural ! If I were you I probbably would sit onstage.
I dont know as to when James is coming back but definitely he's coming back.
I would definitely be the first in line to buy my tixs & see him when he comes back and give my regards to the Avatarians & Good luck to your new home.. visit us again here on the Main Board

Lois- I am working on the new Playbill, okay ?

Hey Fanadus- Check out the million dancing lights ...up ..up .... I tried to re-create the old thread ( as I remembered it-its almost the same but I added new things) then when I was at the gym tonight , of course listening to Xanadu Movie Soundtrack . the "million lights" idea came to me... suddenly ! an inspiration hit me - hope you guys like it

J*







Updated On: 8/9/07 at 08:39 PM

[Chris1973]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 9:08pm

^ there U R .... a shooting *

[jaystarr]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 9:36pm

that's my chris, okay? He seldom post.. he only reads & checks as to what I am posting here He posted bec. the fANADu thread is back & alive !!!
He missed it.. he reads it everyday .....

********************

BTW : Fashion moment: For those who want to look like Cheyenne or James:
check out these socks at Universal Gear.. These socks are coming back !!! -j*

https://www.universalgear.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=RSASK-WHTBLU!AMA&csurl=%2Fistar%2Easp%3Fa%3D29%26icon1%3D8%26#










Updated On: 8/9/07 at 09:36 PM

[Steve2]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 10:11pm

Jaystarr, those socks remind me of high school and college.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 7:08am

Steve- I wonder if the cut/off short short will come back too - j*


*************
Michael Riedel on Xanadu (Aug 10, 2007)
from YankeeFan original thread (on Xanadu, Young Frankentein & Grease)
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=944208&dt=10

" Give credit where it's due: "Xanadu," the musical that savvy showbiz insiders thought would be laughed out of New York, is a hit "- Michael Riedel


Whewww !!!









Updated On: 8/10/07 at 07:08 AM

[jeffrey1dog]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 10:38am

I know this was posted in another thread but worth repeating here. From The NY Post Aug. 10, 2007 Michael Riedel writes...

Give credit where it's due: "Xanadu," the musical that savvy showbiz insiders thought would be laughed out of New York, is a hit.
The box office is taking in almost $100,000 a day, and the advance has clicked past $1 million. Plans are under way for a national tour and a London production.

YAY! Keep doing "The Du"
:)

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 10:42am

Jay, I love the pic you posted of the show, it's probably the gayest thing EVER!


Disco-tastic!

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 11:44am

Given the fact there have have been so many accidents on this show, it cracks me up (literally) to think back that I broke my wrist four years ago next month....roller skating.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 12:47pm

Muscle - Thanks ... the gayest!!! .... wow !

**************



Xanadu Will Tour; London a Possibility per Playbill

Xanadu, the surprise critical hit of the summer, will soon spread out to the entire country.

A spokesperson for the musical at the Helen Hayes Theatre told Playbill.com that a national tour is currently being planned to begin in summer 2008. A London production may also be a reality; although no deal has been made, producers will soon cross the Atlantic to discuss the possibility of a West End production of the musical, which is based on the film of the same name.

In related news, another Xanadu cast member has been injured. Marty Thomas, who performs an impressive quick skate across the stage toward the end of the intermissionless show, is currently out of the new musical with a strained ankle. Ryan Watkinson is currently the Featured Skater until Thomas returns.

Xanadu co-stars Kerry Butler as Kira and Cheyenne Jackson as Sonny with Tony Roberts as Danny Maguire/Zeus, Curtis Holbrook as Thalia, Anika Larsen as Euterpe, Kenita Miller as Erato, Mary Testa as Melpomene/Medusa, Jackie Hoffman as Calliope/Aphrodite, André Ward as Terpsicore and Marty Thomas as a Featured Skater.

Directed by Christopher Ashley, Xanadu features choreography by Dan Knechtges and musical direction and arrangements by Eric Stern. The design team includes David Gallo (scenic design), Howell Binkley (lighting design), David Zinn (costume design), T. Richard Fitzgerald and Carl Casella (sound design), Zachary Borovay (projections design) and Charles LePoint (wig and hair design). John Miller is music coordinator.

Xanadu boasts a book by Little Dog Laughed playwright Douglas Carter Beane — a 2007 Tony Award nominee — and utilizes songs from John Farrar and Jeff Lynne's film soundtrack. The musical, according to press notes, "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."





Updated On: 8/10/07 at 12:47 PM

[Chris1973]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 3:37pm

^^that's nice to know... I am sure J* will be very happy
Updated On: 8/10/07 at 03:37 PM

[jaystarr]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 10:27pm

The Helen Hayes Theater
Aug. 11, 2006

New Banners & New Cool Stuff
















Updated On: 8/11/07 at 10:27 PM

[jaystarr]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 10:46pm

Kira's Skate Shop (The Xanadu Store )







The "new" XANADU PLAYBILL (per special request by lois128 )



1st playbill appearance of the new Xanadu Playbill in the internet/not found on playbill.com nor ebay - I went all the way to Helen Hayes to get this for you lois & ofcourse exclusive for BWW







**************

New Cast Members













Updated On: 8/12/07 at 10:46 PM

[BroadwayEnthusiast2]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 11:53pm

I like that playbill SOOOOO much better than the plain one. I'm seeing XanadU next week!