Broadway's Surprise Hit Musical hits the Road

edited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

WINNER BEST NEW MUSICAL 2008 – Outer Critic Circle Award

Presented by Dallas Summer Musicals April 6-18

Producers Robert Ahrens, Dan Vickery,  Mickey Liddell,  Tara Smith /B. Swibel, in association with Latitude Link, proudly present the musical adventure XANADU. The musical is brought by Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, as part of their 70th anniversary season, and opens at the Music Hall at Fair Park on April 6th. 

XANADU, described as “Heaven on Wheels” by The New York Times, is based on the Universal Pictures' cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly.  XANADU was nominated for the 2008 Tony Award® for Best Musical. 

This hilarious roller skating musical adventure, set in the year 1980, follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens to inspire the greatest of artistic achievements – the first roller disco!  Along the way she falls in forbidden love with a mortal, and chaos abounds when her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation. 

“I laughed the entire time!  It’s great fun for the whole family!” exclaimed Olivia Newton John.

XANADU is 90 minutes of family fun and inspiration to follow your dreams despite the limitations.

Douglas Carter Beane has written the book for XANADU based on the film of the same name and was the winner of the 2008 Drama Desk Award® for Outstanding Book of a Musical. The score, by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, includes the hits, “Magic,” “Xanadu,” “Party All Over the World” and “I’m Alive” -- all top 20 Billboard hits.  Lynne wrote and produced all of the music of Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O.). Farrar was also responsible for most of the hits that were performed by Olivia Newton-John in the 1970’s. XANADU is directed by Christopher Ashley and choreographed by Dan Knechtges.

XANADU features scenic design by Tony Award® winner David Gallo, costume design by David Zinn, lighting design by Tony Award® winner Howell Binkley, sound design by Dan Moses Schreier, projections design by Zachary Borovay, wig and hair design by Charles LePoint and musical direction by Eric Stern.

xanadu will open Tuesday, April 6 at 8 p.m. All performances are at the Music Hall at Fair Park, with the following performance schedule:

              Tuesday                    April 6             8 p.m.

              Wednesday              April 7              8 p.m.

              Thursday                   April 8              8 p.m.                           

              Friday                        April 9              8 p.m.

              Saturday                   April 10            2 and 8 p.m.

              Sunday                      April 11            2 and 8 p.m.

              Tuesday                     April 13            8 p.m.

              Wednesday               April 14            8 p.m.

              Thursday                    April 15            2 and 8 p.m.

              Friday                         April 16            8 p.m.

              Saturday                    April 17             2 and 8 p.m.

              Sunday                       April 18             2 p.m.

Single tickets are on sale now at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center, and all area Ticketmaster locations.  Tickets are also available by calling 214-631-ARTS (2787) or online at www.ticketmaster.com.  For groups of 15 or more, call 214-426-GROUP (4767).

Next up for Dallas Summer Musicals will be THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, April 20-25; LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE THE MUSICAL, with Melissa Gilbert as “Ma,” May 11-23; WICKED,  May 26-June 27; DREAMGIRLS, June 30-July 18; and the State Fair of Texas musical, SHREK THE MUSICAL, September 28-October 17, 2010.

Season sponsors for Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, are WFAA TV Channel 8 and American Airlines.  Now celebrating its 70th season, Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the largest producer of live theatrical entertainment in the Southwest, the second oldest summer theater organization in the United States, and the sixth largest non-profit theater company.  DSM has been entertaining North Texas audiences with the finest in live, musical theatre entertainment since 1941.  In addition to presenting national Broadway tours, DSM also produces shows on Broadway, presents and tours local productions, and is involved in developing new works.  Dallas Summer Musicals’ affiliates include DSM Management Group, Inc. (DSMMGI), which manages the Music Hall at Fair Park.

As a non-profit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas at affordable ticket prices, as well as to preserve the beautiful historic theatres, educate young audiences and create important community programs.  DSM’s Seats for Kids program provides a meaningful arts education experience to thousands of low income, at-risk and special needs children. DSM and the Dallas Police Department partner together to provide positive incentives for youth that are at risk for gang membership through the Stage Right program. In addition, the DSM Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theatre arts training and scholarships to talented students in need.  Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors.  Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, visit their website at www.dallassummermusicals.org or call (214) 421-5678.

Xanadu company photo by Carol Rosegg

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who especially enjoyed this performance. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com