Cast: Kerry Butler (Clio/Kira), Cheyenne Jackson (Sonny), Mary Testa (Melpomene, Medusa), Jackie Hoffman (Calliope, Aphrodite)
For complete information, see the official Xanadu on Broadway site or IBDb's Xanadu page.
I'm one of the people who actually liked the movie Xanadu so when I heard they were making a musical of it and that Kerry Butler (who I'd see in just about anything) was going to be in it, I was sold. She did a great job as Clio/Kira. At times, it sounded like she was actually Olivia Newton-John (who played the role in the movie). Cheyenne Jackson, the original Sonny in the musical (who had to miss the official opening due to an injury) was back in time for us to see the show and I'm so glad. Cheyenne is amazing as Sonny! He's very talented, as is the rest of the cast of Xanadu.
The only weak link was Tony Roberts as Danny. He did a great job as Zeus, but as Danny, he was definitely lacking. I think Joel Grey or Ben Vereen would have been much better choices, but perhaps they couldn't get them. They had to have a younger cast member do the dancing for him instead of him doing it himself (as Gene Kelly did in the movie). Tony Roberts is definitely no Gene Kelly.
Both James and I were shocked at how much we enjoyed Xanadu. I expected to enjoy the music (which I already knew, for the most part), but I had no idea how much I would laugh. Xanadu makes fun of every show on Broadway (including themselves) and is really a lot of fun. As we passed the Winter Garden theatre later, James said he wasn't sure Mamma Mia! could claim to be the most fun you could have on Broadway any more, since Xanadu was such a blast.
I highly recommend catching this show on Broadway or in London or on tour (both coming in 2008). Enjoy yourself at this light show that's only one act and a lot of fun!
Grade: B+
Labels: 2007, Broadway, Cheyenne Jackson, dancing, Kerry Butler, musical
Reviewed by Kat at the 8:00 PM show | 0 screams