XANADU - THE VERDICT

[dramarama2]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 7:32am

After an absolutely horrific movie, It would be easy for anyone to make XANADU better, or a musical for that matter. But not only have they made it better than the movie, they've made it MUCH better, and have created a fantastic musical.
Firstly, the show is absolutely hillarious. In my mind Douglas Carter Beane's Book is by far the strongest aspect of the show. There is hardly a weak or flat moment, and he manages to have everyone in the audience in hysterics, by still maintaining a stable storyline.
The score, while not as strong as the book, still sparks some catchy and memorable songs, cleverly blending jazz music with 80's pop/rock music. At times I thought the score was somewhat "Kaleidoscopical", but still there were not too many weak moments.
Onto the cast -
In the past I have found Kerry Butler's performances often underwhelming, and somewhat small and limited. So I wasn't surprised that this was exactly the case in Xanadu. While her performance, was mostly stable, I still feel she wasn't as strong as she could be, compared to the rest of the cast.
Both James Carpinello and Tony Roberts, were very good as the leadin men, yet my favourites were the supporting women, Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa.
The direction and choreography -
The direction and choreography were quite good but not anything that's going to "blow you away". I did, however, enjoy the tap dancing and the various ensemble dance sequences.

I'd reccomend this show to anybody and by the looks of things this show will probably be around for a while.

A great night out!

Updated On: 5/24/07 at 07:32 AM

[bjh2114]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 8:31am

Wait Carpinello tap dances too? I thought Curtis was the only one who tap dances as young Danny.

[Tom148502]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 8:44am

Oh, no. Not another musical with "catchy" songs.

[musicalkid]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 8:54am

thanks for the review.

what do you mean by "Kaleidoscopical"?