Xanadu on Broadway

August 18th, 2007, 2pm matinee
The Helen Hayes Theatre, New York
Entire Original Cast (with Cheyenne Jackson)

All the critics have hailed it this season's most fun and wildly witty production on Broadway. And they're right. We laughed so hard our eyes teared, and we couldn't have enjoyed this strong ensemble cast more.
Kerry Butler (Hairspray, Bat Boy) was not only the perfect voice, but she nailed Olivia Newton-John in a parody that was part goofy and part homage. Her comic timing and strong and lovely voice more than satisfied (and I say that as an ONJ fan).

The music couldn't have been more fun, with a few surprise songs thrown in for good measure. And Douglas Carter Beane, the Tony-Nominated playwright, took what is arguably one of the worst movie scripts and turned the book for this musical into a brilliantly funny commentary on movies and Broadway. And he even added characters and a plot. The dry self-effacing wit and biting humor buoys this collection of wonderful songs and talented singers and actors.

We were particularly thrilled to see Cheyenne Jackson, who has been standing in for the original Sonny since previews. And, he was the original Sonny from the musical's early workshop days. Why he wasn't cast originally, I have no idea... because he couldn't be a more endearingly charming beach-bum Venice artist, with the voice of (yes, I'm going to say it) a god. Good lord, he can sing. This is the 3rd production we've seen him in, and he is always solid, charming and funny.

Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman steal every scene they're in as Kira's conniving muse-sisters. They have some of the show's most hilarious lines. At one point, in an aside, Jackie proclaims the show "children's theatre for 40 year old gay people" (to thunderous laughter).

We couldn't have had a more enjoyable theatre experience. The only thing they could do to improve this musical is restore the full-length version of "Dancin'" to prolong the whole experience. It's a shame the show isn't in a larger theatre as well, with grander sets. But the set designer should be lauded for making cleverly artful use of the space. Wonderful show. Wonderful time. Wonderful voices and songs. There wasn't a dry eye in the house (from laughter). And you can even buy souvenir leg-warmers in the lobby.