Would anyone call "Xanadu" a "sleeper hit"?

"Xanadu" seemed like it was kind of a big joke until previews started. Then, it seemed like it gained some credibility. Is it too early to call it a "sleeper hit?" Do we have to wait for reviews before it's safe to say that it exceeded expectations?

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A "sleeper" is an unexpected hit. (Little Miss Sunshine is a very good example) Xanadu may not do well with the critics, but it is the audience in the theater every night that will be the telling factor if it is a hit.

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I was one of those many people who thought it would never make it to load-in. But 4 times later, I'm in love with the show and hope it has a respectable run on Broadway - I know I'll be spending an insane amount of money this summer seeing it again and again.

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Slightly OT, but why does the show only play 7 performances?

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It seems you're in the minority, munk.

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I don't know that I'd say "debacle" but I lean more toward Munk's side. I can't name another Broadway show done on a middle school budget. I also don't think it'll play to tourists, which is a necessity these days. Once every gay man 25-50 has seen it and laughed at the movie's jokes all over again, it'll be done.

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You may be right, only time will tell

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My experiences were the same as Craig's - when I saw it last week the audience was amazingly diverse - from what I could see, most of the audience members around me in the orchestra were definitely tourists.

Went in the first week of previews- audience full of curious folk and theatre afficionados

went again on tuesday the 26th- it was FULL of tourists. and all of them were up on their feet, standing ovation and dancing before the final song finished. They are totally eating it up.

Going again on July 8th, sunday nightprior to opening night-

buzz is great.
people are digging it..and realizing that you have to just sit back, relax and not expect a deep thinking piece...but a fun campy, silly goof of a time.

so its working well.

the music is infectuous. you can't stop singing them or humming the great score.
You can't help but think of 'moments' in the show that string this event together.
You can't help but fall in love with the absurdity of it.

There are PLENTY of other broadway shows that survived well under a 'middle school budget'. Not everything has to be expensive, big and flashy.

what this show has ..that alot of other shows lack is a great ensemble...talent and HEART.
and what it lacks in budget,..they make up with it by having a lot of heart..and having a lot of fun on stage..and you can feel that.

Urinetown, Ave Q, Batboy, A chorus Line, Rent, jesus christ superstar, rocky Horror, Fantasticks, caroline or CHange, Company, Sweeney Todd, forbidden Broadway, Hair, Little SHop, Charlie Brown, Threepenny opera

those are the ones I can think of now that are all musicals that were done with a 'middle school budget'. That don;t necessarily have to spend the tons of money that other shows have.

I think Xanadu will prevail.

I have taken 3 different people (of varied tastes and backgrounds) to go see it and they are going back again.

so there is defenitely an interest there.
and I can't wait til the CAST ALBUM comes out in sep/oct.
for now, i put together my album on itunes including 'fool' 'evil woman' and 'strange magic' and it's all I listen to right now at work.

:)

Updated On: 6/29/07 at 09:55 AM

I think it ultimately comes down to how many people in the audience are paying full-price tickets. There is clearly a solid amount of people seeing the show every week but with a theatre as small as the Helen Hayes and all the discounts they offer, it'd be interesting to know if they can afford to run on that.
I'll definitely be checking out this show next time I'm in NY if it's still running. It sounds like mindless fun that doesn't pretend to be "good."

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Mildly off topic, but are they still selling rush tickets because I want to go next weekend.

bump-sorry I had to re-update my pics-see above
thanks-j*

I think it potentially could run for a while. I left the theatre wondering how long I'd have to wait for the cast album. You can't get the music out of your head!