XANADU to Close Signature's 22nd Season, 5/6-7/1

Signature Theatre closes out its 2011/12 season sporting funky legwarmers and wielding neon glow sticks with the Washington premiere of the musical comedy hit Xanadu. Beginning performances on May 6th, Xanadu will be transforming Signature's MAX Theatre into one big disco-ball heaven – complete with satin shorts and roller skates! Nominated for four Tony Awards® (including "Best Musical"), the musical features a Book by Douglas Carter Beane, with Music and Lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar. Xanadu will play at Signature from May 6, 2012 through July 1, 2012. Tickets are now on sale.

Directed and choreographed by Signature's Associate Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner (Really Really, [title of show]), the production stars Erin Weaver (Arcadia at Folger Theatre) as the Greek Muse Kira, with Charlie Brady (South Pacific on Broadway), Sherri L. Edelen (Hairspray, Les Misérables, Side Show at Signature), Nova Y. Payton (Signature's Hairspray), and Harry A. Winter (Signature's Sunset Boulevard, The Boy Detective Fails, Allegro). Mark Chandler, Jamie Eacker, Kellee Knighten Hough, and Nickolas Vaughan round out the cast for this zany send-up to the 1980 cult classic film.

"Doug Carter Beane's hysterical send-up of all things 80s is one of the most joyous, silly and at the same time intelligent musical comedies to be written in the past several years," said Gardiner. "Combine the biggest train wreck of a film, that fantastic Electric Light Orchestra score, and MR. Beane's inspired script and you have a hilarious evening of theatre. A bit Greek drama, a bit camp and a whole lot of fun."

It is 1980 in Venice, California. Legwarmers are in and roller skates are way sexy. Kira, one of seven quirky Greek muses, is sworn to three things: to inspire mortals, never reveal her identity and never, ever fall in love. When she emboldens struggling artist Sonny to create the first roller disco, Kira feels the artistic pull of her own.

Signature's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer stated, "From Ichabod Crane to Tracy Turnblad…From Rasputin to disco balls, Signature's season has never been so daring and eclectic. There is no better way to close out our season than with this highly entertaining show featuring some of Washington's greatest talents."

The creative team for Xanadu includes Misha Kachman (set designer), Kathleen Geldard (costume designer), Chris Lee (lighting designer), Matt Rowe (sound designer), and Gregory VanderPloeg (Skating Coach). The Associate Choreographer is Brianne Camp and the Music Director is Gabriel Mangiante.

Xanadu is sponsored by The Bernard Family Foundation.

XANADU
Book by Douglas Carter Beane
Music and Lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar
Based on the 1980 Universal Pictures Film
Directed and Choreographed by Matthew Gardiner
May 8, 2012 – July 1, 2012
The MAX

Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings, with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. There will be no matinee performance on Saturday, May 12. Tickets are now on sale starting at $63. Single tickets are available at the Signature Box Office or by calling Ticketmaster at (703) 573-SEAT. Student discount tickets are $30 and must be purchased the week of the performance. Signature is also offering "$22 for Tuesdays," making available $22 tickets to the first two public Tuesday performances on May 8th and May 15th.

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