Xanadu Sets Date for Opening Night - July 10th

[Craig]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 12:25pm

https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=19326

[MungoGypsy8232]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 12:27pm

Thanks! I think a good question is though, will Xanadu close before Carpinello can rejoin the company?

[broadwayboy1017]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 12:28pm

IM defintitly goign to go see it when cheyenne goes in

[Testing1232]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 12:28pm

Show is not closing anytime soon ! Even if the critics trash it, the camp value will keep it going-

Its already developing a huge following (if Sat nite was any indication)

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 12:32pm

It will probably play through the summer, but I don't think Carpinello will return. I feel fortunate to have seen one of his performances.

[Anastasia_Beaverhausen]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 12:38pm

Curtis is playing the lead until Cheyenne starts. I would LOVE to see that!!!

[NativeNewYorker]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 12:39pm

Just in time for Mr. Jackson's birthday!

[Craig]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 12:49pm

Saw the show yesterday with Curtis who I thought did a great job.

Looking around the audience (and the line outside the theater) I can honestly say that the demographic is just as diverse as any other show on Broadway.

As for James' return. He'll be back just as soon as he heals (he's already chomping at the bit to get back into the show).

[Testing1232]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 1:57pm

Agree, Craig-- sat nite saw every color, shape and size--- young, old.... and Curtis was excellent !

[Phantom2]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 2:00pm

Chomp, chomp. I sure hope he gets well soon!

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 4:33pm

Phantom2, don't chew!!

Hopefully I will make it back this week and catch Curtis. Such a talented guy and SOO many Broaday credits for a guy so young(ish. He has that babyface).

[Mistress_Spouzic]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 4:33pm

from playbill today:

Andre Ward, Carpinello's understudy who usually plays the part of Terpsicore, assumed the role of Sonny at the June 12 evening performance. Ward will play the role until Jackson joins the company.

today from bww:

Understudy Curtis Holbrook now plays his role, and on June 22nd, Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson (All Shook Up) will begin performances as Sonny.

*scratches head* id like to see Curtis, but everything I read seems to tell me something different about who will be going on for the week.

[Craig]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 4:50pm

Curtis is performing the role (I say with 99 percent assurance) until Cheyenne begins.

I can see why you might be confused though. Playbill often cuts and pastes parts of their old stories under new information.

Updated On: 6/18/07 at 04:50 PM

[theatrespaz]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 5:26pm

I have tickets for the very next performance after the new opening. Wednesday, July 11th at 2pm. Does anyone think that they may cancel this performance because of opening night celebrations and parties and they may be too tired to have a matinee as their next performance? I'm only thinking this because I haven't heard of many opening nights happening before a matinee performance.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 5:30pm

I'll be seeing it July 2. I'm excited. Scarily. LOL.

[Phantom2]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 6:54pm

BG2- Unlike you, who just swallows...his food!

Updated On: 6/18/07 at 06:54 PM

[Testing1232]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 7:05pm

Going back on 7/3- :))

[Sylar2]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 8:49pm

Shall we start placing bets now how long this show will last? While I never want to see actors loose their job, this thing has disaster written all over it. I would love to be in the marketing meetings to hear how they plan to promote this show based on a movie that is by far one of the worst pieces of film EVER.

Sure, the cast and creators say "its so much better than the movie" but try to convey that to an out of town visitor who only knows that the movie sucked or has never even heard of the movie. Maybe they should be signs out front that say "its better than the movie- give us a try!"..

If Elvis, Dylan, Lennon and the Beach Boys couldn't do it, E.L.O. on rollerskates surely wont be able to do it.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 9:01pm

This show has the ability to achieve a cult-like following, which I dont believe the others shows that you mention did-

The audience ate it up the other night.

Not sure about the weekly "nut", but cant be that high.

Its going to be around for a while.

[Sylar2]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 9:08pm

I dont think there is a large enough "cult like following" that will be willing to fork over $100 a pop to keep this thing "around awhile".

[Testing1232]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 9:16pm

And how many people do you think are paying $100 a ticket to see "Rent" these days?

How long has it been playing?

I am in no way, shape, or form, comparing "Rent" to "Xanadu" as far as show quality, just price of tickets.

[Sylar2]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 9:26pm

Your comparison is completely moot because you cant compare a Tony Award winning musical to a show based on one of the biggest cinematic flops ever. People hear "Rent" and think "oh people say thats good I'll buy a ticket". People will see "Xanadu" and think "oh thats the crappy movie that I hated."
Updated On: 6/18/07 at 09:26 PM

[Testing1232]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 9:46pm

I could have used a number of different shows to compare it to.

A quick look at the most recent grosses reveals that only one show, "Jersey Boys", averaged more than $100 a ticket.

Every other show was less, with "Xanadu" averaging $49 a ticket, while the attendance was a respectable 73%. Word of mouth will only raise that number.

Which makes your $100 a ticket point "completely moot".

How many shows are people actually paying $100 a pop to see these days? Maybe three?

[Sylar2]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 10:20pm

Ok. So, let's see who gets to say "I told you so" first, you or me :)

[Testing1232]

Posted: 6/18/07 at 10:37pm

You got it !!! LOL

No joke--- judging by Sat night (and realizing, its obviously a very small sample), this show is going to be open for a while. There was a very diverse crowd, so it has pretty wide appeal, and I think the fact that the movie is such a bomb could help it bring in people. Just speaking for myself, I was VERY curious to see how they were going to make this servicable. Its just a lot of fun !!

Just my .02