XANADU tour will head to Chicago for 6 mos. run.

(per playbill)

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/117841.html

The new Broadway musical Xanadu — which was recently nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Musical — will launch its national tour this fall at the La Jolla Playhouse.

The acclaimed musical, based on the infamous film of the same name, will begin its limited engagement at the California venue Nov. 11 and play through Dec. 21. Xanadu will then head to a Chicago theatre to be announced for a six-month run beginning in January 2009.

Additional cities will be announced shortly.

Hopefully it will be at the Drury Lane Theatre.

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I'm sure it will be Drury Lane Water Tower. It's a great theatre for the show, but a little off the beaten path with Lookinglass the only other theatre in the neighborhood. Both times I went to see Altar Boyz, it was at most 40% full and the sound in that theatre is very odd. The theatre just doesn't have much exposure. The marquee is one of those old-school flashing electronic boards that can only be seen if you are on Michigan slightly north of the theatre within maybe half a block. Only people going to the Hancock see it and only if they happen to be glancing in that direction on their way. It will have to rely on a HUGE marketing blitz and tons of PR. I'm hoping for the best and I will definitely see it again. Spelling Bee had a healthy run there, so you never know.

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If BIC puts Xanadu in The Auditorium (The Barn) I will KILL someone.

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The Chicago Tribune reported a while ago that Xanadu was heading to the Drury Lane for an open ended run. It fits with this announcement- they'll get in shape in La Jolla, then head to Chicago where they can fill a small cheap theater for months.

And despite not huge crowds, Altar Boyz ran and made money at the Drury Lane.

its coming to drury lane!

It won't run indefinitely in Chicago. It's being booked into other cities.

I wonder what cast it'll have

Has anyone heard anything on casting?

The most recent breakdown I saw only had a listing for understudies, so I assume they may have their cast in place.

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I'm not so sure about Max von Essen (probably because I'm used to him having such a "legit" sounding voice,) but Elizabeth Stanley would be wonderful casting.

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When I first read this, I thought of Dorothy Stanley, not Elizabeth.

I was quite confused as to how Dorothy Stanley was going to play Kira.

I can see us getting a sit-down production and then the producers taking out another tour. BIC does this so often. Announces the 6 month run, and then if ticket sales are strong they change it into an open-ended run.

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Uh! I love the TOUR ART WORK! I might just go to Chicago for this!