Based on the 1980s classic cult movie which starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, XANADU The Musical kicks off its strictly limited season this week at the Hayes Theatre.
Xanadu follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus for Venice Beach, California, on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first roller disco… When Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation and chaos abounds.
Leading the cast as Kira is Jaime Hadwen (Bring It On: The Musical) and Ainsley Melham (Hi-5) who will play her love interest Sonny. The supporting cast includes Dion Bilios (Wicked), Francine Cain (Grease), Catty Hamilton (Hair), Kat Hoyos (Here Come The Habibs), James Maxfield (Dirty Dancing), Josh Quong Tart (The Lion King), and Jayde Westaby (The Rocky Horror Show).
With a book by Douglas Carter Beane and music & lyrics by Jeff Lynne & John Farrar, XANADU is an over-the-top roller-skating musical adventure and features the chart topping songs from the film including: Magic, Suddenly, I’m Alive, Evil Woman, All Over the World and of course, Xanadu!
Originally opening at the Helen Hayes Theatre on Broadway in 2007, XANADU ran for over 500 performances, winning the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical and a Drama Desk Award for Best Book. It was also nominated for four Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Actress, Best Book of a Musical and Best Choreography.
Director / Choreographer: Nathan M Wright Featuring: Jaime Hadwen, Ainsley Melham, Jayde Westaby, Josh Quong Tart, Francine Cain, Dion Bilios, Catty Hamilton, Kat Hoyos, James Maxfield Musical Director: Andrew Bevis Scenic Design: Nathan Weyers Costume Design: James Browne Lighting Design: Simon Johnson Sound Design: Neil McLean Associate Director/Choreographer: Leah Howard Producers: Matthew Management in association with Hayes Theatre Co
XANADU The Musical
Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point
Season: 12 May – 12 June 2016
Bookings: (02) 8065 7337 or online at: www.hayestheatre.com.au
Image: The Xanadu Muses – photo by Eric McDonald