Break out your leg warmers and headbands for this roller-skating musical
XANADU The Musical, based on the 1980s classic cult movie, will play at Sydney’s Hayes Theatre in May for a strictly limited season.
Leading the cast as Kira, the role originated by Olivia Newton-John in the movie, will be Jaime Hadwen (Bring It On: The Musical) and Ainsley Melham (Hi-5) will play her love interest Sonny. The supporting cast includes Dion Bilios (Wicked), Francine Cain (Grease), Catty Hamilton (Hair), Kat Hoyos (Here Come The Habibs), James Maxfield (Dirty Dancing) and Jayde Westaby (The Rocky Horror Show).
Producer Matthew Henderson said, “I’m thrilled to find my perfect cast for this wonderful iconic musical. Jaime will be a glorious Kira; in his first musical after leaving Hi-5, Ainsley will be an endearing and delightful Sonny; and the rest of the cast are all top class musical theatre triple threats. In this case though, they will all be quadruple threats as they’ll be roller skating around the tiny Hayes Theatre Co stage as well. XANADU is an exuberant party musical – audiences won’t be able to wipe the smiles off their faces for days after.”
XANADU, with book by Douglas Carter Beane and music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne & John Farrar, is the hilarious roller-skating musical adventure based on the 1980s cult movie classic which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly.
Kira, the magical and beautiful Greek muse, descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus for Venice Beach, California, on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first roller disco… Well, it is 80! But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation and chaos abounds. XANADU features the chart topping songs from the film including Magic, Suddenly, I’m Alive, Evil Woman, All Over the World and of course Xanadu!
XANADU originally opened at the Helen Hayes Theatre on Broadway in 2007 where it ran for over 500 performances, winning the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical and a Drama Desk Award for Best Book. It was also nominated for four Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Actress, Best Book of a Musical and Best Choreography.
“Heaven on wheels — outlandishly enjoyable, irresistible.” – The New York Times
“Ninety minutes brimming with joy, laughter and sequins!” – BroadwayWorld.com
