I just came back from seeing Xanadu, on Broadway. And it was delightful. This is no mega-musical shoe-horning of a third-rate movie from the 80's into a hackneyed tourist machine spectacle.
This is a loving elbow in your ribs, tongue firmly planted in cheek homage to a piece of late 20th century kitsch. It is a simple set. No turntables or elaborate backdrops or flying cars, just a modest central playing area with ramps done up in faux-classical style.
The wizardry of this musical comes from the demonically clever book by Douglas Carter Beane and a tiny but topnotch cast of performers. Leading this cast is the brilliant Kerry Butler as Clio/Kira, who not only channels Olivia Newton-John but tweaks her affectionately on the nose throughout the production. Playing her earthly paramour, Sonny, is the sponge-worthy James Carpinello (who in my opinion has at last redeemed himself for Saturday Night Fever, the musical) in t-shirt and shorts so tight they looked painted on.
Stealing the show so thoroughly that they should be on Americas Most Wanted are veteran character actors Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman as evil sister muses. They are nothing short of musical comedy geniuses. In addition, the venerable Tony Roberts takes on the Gene Kelly role from the film.
There is always something majestic about a truly seasoned performer who knows how to play a farce with enough panache that he adds that critical element of class to a production. Hats off to Mr. The remainder of the roles are filled out ingeniously by an ensemble of four who, to paraphrase Burt Shevelove, do the work of 40.
Curtis Holbrook, Anika Larsen, Kenita Miller and André Ward truly work magic on the stage as muses, back-up singers and a host of mythological creatures. The core conceit of the musical is to take the framework of the movie plot and, in classic post-modern style, humorously comment on it. Modern idiomatic speech constantly creeps in to create amusing juxtapositions, the fourth wall is broken so many times it may never heal, and there are constant neck-breaking hairpin switchbacks from over-earnestness to camp.
The audience was on the show's side from the minute the lights dimmed through the curtain call. People cheered, clapped along to songs and ate up the audience winking dialogue like it was, well, like it was s'mores cupcakes. I attended with my theater-queen-in-training , who I must say enjoyed the show so much he was literally bubbling over with excitement afterwards.
A few minor quibbles: They really need to fix the body mics, as there were sound problems throughout the show. Carpinello, while a great comic performer and easy on the eyes, needs just a bit more work on his musical numbers. He has a lovely voice, but he struggled a few times with some musical passages.
Still, minor, minor flaws in an overall delightful production. I'll let Joe's review give you the hands-down funniest line from the show. If you are looking for high drama or the next step in the evolution of the American musical, go somewhere else.
But if you want your 80's memories warmly roasted over a hearth of satire, by an endearing and talented cast, this show will bring all your dreams alive, for you. Posted by: David @ 11:14 PM | 10 comments | Links to this post I just came back from seeing Xanadu, on Broadway.
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