Xanadu is a fun, campy new musical that takes neither itself nor its original material seriously. The audience loved it and it will probably run for several years. So why did I leave the theater in tears?
It's because this piece, as described by one of the characters, is "children's theater for gay 40-year-olds". The play is pretty much a one-note joke. The script is based on a bad movie and the joke is that we are watching muses who are supposed to inspire art in this very bad story. The acting is flat and stilted to reflect the acting in the original film with the cast winking at us to let us know they are in on the joke. But that's pretty much it. The show doesn't build at all. The joke is the same for the entire show.
There are two clever moments. One is the opening. The creative team did an amazing job recreating the opening of the movie where the muses come alive. The other is the addition of the two evil muses who were created to give Xanadu some sort of plot. They are played by Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa and add sorely needed wit to the show. Their rendition of Evil Woman is a highlight.
It's because this piece, as described by one of the characters, is "children's theater for gay 40-year-olds". The play is pretty much a one-note joke. The script is based on a bad movie and the joke is that we are watching muses who are supposed to inspire art in this very bad story. The acting is flat and stilted to reflect the acting in the original film with the cast winking at us to let us know they are in on the joke. But that's pretty much it. The show doesn't build at all. The joke is the same for the entire show.
There are two clever moments. One is the opening. The creative team did an amazing job recreating the opening of the movie where the muses come alive. The other is the addition of the two evil muses who were created to give Xanadu some sort of plot. They are played by Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa and add sorely needed wit to the show. Their rendition of Evil Woman is a highlight.
Evil sisters, Melpomene (Mary Testa) and Calliope (Jackie Hoffman), in Xanadu. (Curtis Holbrook, as Thelxiepie, pictured in Background)
Photo Credit: © Paul Kolnik
What frustrates me is that this is on Broadway with ticket prices that go up to $111.25. Had I seen this in a small Off-Off Broadway theater, I probably would have been amused and delighted. But this is what is being offered on Broadway? I left the theater weeping during the standing ovation.
I should realize that Broadway is no longer the pinnacle of theater, but a commercial business. If I want to see brilliant, thoughtful theater, then I should head to smaller theaters, regional theaters or perhaps Lincoln Center. I am heartbroken at the idea that Xanadu received positive reviews and will likely sell out, when the incandescent Coram Boy closed after 30 performances. Please note that I do not mean to imply that Off-Off Broadway can't be brilliant. It can, but I feel it also a more appropriate venue for Xanadu. Perhaps playing next door to Road House, which had a similar theme, but pulled it off very well.
Ticket information
Xanadu is playing at the Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 West 44th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue.Performance Schedule:
T at 7 PM
W, H, F, S at 8 PM
W, S at 2 PM
Sun at 3 PM
Ticket prices range from $41.25 - $111.25 including all facility fees and can be ordered through Telecharge.
A limited number of onstage seats are availabloe for $41.25 at the box office only.
Student tickets will be available for $26.25 day-of-show at the box office only.