07/06/2007
Xanadu: On Broadway (Seriously)
Went to see "Xanadu" last night on Broadway, at the invitation of one of its producers. I don't go to a lot of theater and I'm especially not a fan of musicals per se (so this is not a review), but I have to tell you that I had the funnest time (as did my bf, Michael.) I'm as white with rage as the next guy about film, television and Broadway having no new ideas, but the reason this one works is because it's a Broadway show of a horrible movie that needed improvement -- or at least to not take itself so seriously. (Look at the show's tagline -- they're not taking this seriously.) I couldn't tell you what the 1980 film was "about," but the play "tells the story of one of the nine muses of ancient Greece who comes to earth to inspire the greatest of artistic achievements -- a roller disco. Along the way she falls in love, bumps into an old acquaintance and for the first time, feels the desire to create herself."
The wonderful Kerry Butler (who played Penny Pingleton in "Hairspray") captures the spirit of Olivia Newton-John with a loving wink on the barbie (her Aussie accent had me in stitches every time she turned it up). And what do you need to know about Cheyenne Jackson -- the strapping "All Shook Up" star who stepped in for the recuperating James Carpinello? He's big, strong and very handsome -- and watching the guy pran
ce around in denim cutoffs straight out of 1980 was hardly anything to complain about. Oh, and he can sing and act,
The show is wisely performed without an intermission (no need to drag things out or lose momentum), and features the songs "I'm Alive," "Magic," "Evil Woman," "Suddenly," "Whenever You're Away From Me," "Dancin'," "Strange Music," "All Over the World," "Don't Walk Away," "Fool," "The Fall," "Suspended in Time," "Have You Never Been Mellow?" and "Xanadu." Truth be told, "Xanadu" is arguably one of the best movie soundtracks to come from a horrendous film, so there's no shortage of fantastic songs here. If there hadn't been so many great singles on this album (four of the 10 songs were Top 20 hits), "Suspended in Time" for ONJ and "Don't Walk Away" for ELO could have been a huge hits too. (These two really jump out at the show.)
"Xanadu" is still in previews and will officially open July 10. The limited audience -- the evil muse in the play summed it up brilliantly when she described the action onstage as "children's theater for 40-year-old gay men" -- has me thinking this one won't be around long. And even though the Helen Hayes Theatre (where Merv Griffin used to tape) is small and intimate, this camp-fest of a show still clearly belongs way off Broadway (they certainly didn't spend much on those sets!).
So, again, this is not a review. But if you're a 40-year-old gay man who's looking for a fun night out, go see "Xanadu" -- and go quickly. (Seriously)
P.S. And in one of those "only in New York" moments, my old downstairs neighbor Marty Thomas came flying out on skates during the last few minutes in a role described as "a Featured Skater." (Who knew?)
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 10:49 AM EST by Kenneth Walsh in Theatre | Permalink
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I saw Mr. Jackson perform earlier this week -apart from being totally beautiful- really, really has an amazing voice. The recordings on his site don't do it justice in the least. But yeah -the show is cute, but, it's total fluff. You'll have a good time but you won't remember it in a week.
Posted by: Snikolas | Jul 6, 2007 11:29:11 AM
I'd heard that Cheyenne was involved in the workshop process for the show, playing the role of Sonny... it's great that he got to come back and do the role while the other fellow is out of commission.
It sounds like a hoot -- we watch the movie for a giggle every once in a while.
And Cheyenne -- glad to see things are going so well! We miss ya in Washington but are glad to see your continued success in NYC!
Posted by: Hunk du Jour || Chris M | Jul 6, 2007 11:45:57 AM
HEADS UP Olivia Newton-John fans! The muse herself will be at the July 10th official opening!
Posted by: jr | Jul 6, 2007 11:51:33 AM
I went to see Xanadu last night as well (I paid) and thought it was really enjoyable. I agree with everything you said. I especially enjoyed Mary Testa as the evil muse, and I fondly remember the songs in the movie (which dates me, I know).
Posted by: Destall | Jul 6, 2007 12:18:44 PM
i was in NYC for a few days and this was one of 2 shows I had time to see. Soooo much fun! I'm a pro dancer in Los Angeles and I was dying for my own rollerskates and pastel mini-tunic! If ever there's a LA cast, I'll be audtioning!!!
Posted by: invisiboy | Jul 6, 2007 1:07:22 PM
Cheyenne played Mark Bingham (the gay rugby guy from SF) in "United 93"...what a STUD!
Posted by: rich | Jul 6, 2007 1:32:03 PM
The guy originally cast in Cheyenne's part was James Carpinello and let me tell you that dude is HOT. He hurt his foot in rehearsals and they had to bring Cheyenne in.
Posted by: Dave | Jul 6, 2007 3:15:02 PM
Check out the amazing photos of Cheyenne as Rocky in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, on his website!
Posted by: gacbos | Jul 6, 2007 3:35:53 PM
I'm sorry to hear that this show may not last. I'd like to see it. I loved the original movie. I even watched it again on cable and it still holds up. It's too bad the original movie is so often maligned - even by a gay man! It wasn't supposed to be Ingmar Bergman - it was a camp fun fest with Ms. Newton-John in rare soprano form, costumes by Fiorucci (remember them?), Gene Kelly, and music by ELO. Are you kidding? It's probably a gay "must-see"!
Posted by: Kevin | Jul 6, 2007 3:55:13 PM
I saw the show a couple of weeks ago and disagree with the comment that the show may not last. I'm no Broadway expert, but the last "jukebox musical" that I saw was "Mama Mia!" and this one was AT LEAST as entertaining as the ABBA show (and we know how poorly Mama Mia has been doing).
Posted by: james | Jul 6, 2007 4:03:23 PM
I saw the show last month with James Carpinello and he was great! I LOVED the show. Totally kicked me out of a bad mood. I laughed so hard I came out of the theater with six-pack abs. When James Carpinello was out, Curtis Holbrook (my current heart-throb) took over for a few performances and I missed him, but Cheyenne is so dreamy I'll definitely go back. The show has also developed "Fan"adus and they are seeing the show repeatedly, so I suspect the show will have a healthy run.
Posted by: chelseapal | Jul 6, 2007 4:03:53 PM
ps - Cheyenne Jackson is an OUT GAY ACTOR! I'm shocked that this article didn't mention that tidbit.
Posted by: Gregg | Jul 6, 2007 4:20:12 PM
Seems like there were a LOT of us at last night's performance. I agree with everything you write, except I think this show has legs. Everyone around me thought it was hilarious. It is fluff, but when was the last time you went to a comedy and actually laughed your ass off? So, go see it ASAP, not because it will be closing soon but because tickets are gonna get hard to get! IMHO
Posted by: Boogiedown | Jul 6, 2007 4:43:16 PM
This nearly-40 gay man saw this a few weeks back when it was just starting in previews and had a ball--as did the rest of the audience. I want to go back and catch it again with Cheyenne in it. James was certainly good, but Cheyenne in those shorts will look really good! And I agree with Boogiedown, get tickets soon I think this will be a breath of fresh air and embraced because it's witty and fun (hell, "Mamma Mia" is still running after all so this can succede too)!
Posted by: Jeff | Jul 6, 2007 5:14:46 PM
i can't wait to see this since i'm more than a little fond of the movie. and yes 'suspended in time' is awesome.
Posted by: nathaniel r | Jul 6, 2007 5:42:55 PM
Funny--I know Marty too. We grew up about 20 miles apart in North MO...small, small, gay world...
Posted by: Acolyte | Jul 6, 2007 7:14:01 PM
My partner and I went to see it on a lark, with extremely low expectations...and we had a great time! Totally silly, campy, doesn't take itself seriously...it won't win any Tonys, but it's a lot of fun.
And yes, Cheyenne Jackson is totally scrumptious. With an awesome voice, too.
Posted by: Glenn | Jul 6, 2007 10:59:48 PM
Just because you don't see a lot of theater doesn't mean your impression of the play isn't valid. How about amending this entry with a short review? I'd love to know more about the play to find out if it's worth a trek to NYC from D.C. :-)
http://myguystyle.blogspot.com
Posted by: DMC | Jul 7, 2007 3:32:28 AM