"The most infectiously silly show to land on Broadway since 'Spamalot', Bursts of joy explode all over the stage!" - The Washington Post

Pittsburgh, PA - Xanadu, the critically acclaimed show called "Heaven on Wheels" by The New York Times, graces Pittsburgh's Benedum Center for six nights of an infectiously entertaining feat beginning Tuesday, February 23, 2010. Winner of Best New Musical 2008- Outer Critic Circle Award, and four 2008 Tony Award Nominations, Xanadu claims the stage with its hilarity on wheels for adults, children, and anyone who has ever wanted to feel inspired with electrifying tales and endless fun. Xanadu is part of the PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh series, presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America.

Xanadu takes audiences back to 1980s California, following the magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens to inspire the greatest of artistic achievements - the first roller disco! The simplistic expectations of this feat quickly transform into a situation of forbidden love with a struggling young artist.

Tickets ($21-$62) are available at the Box Office at Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue), by phone 412-456-6666 or online at pgharts.org. For group discounts, please call 412-471-6930. For more information about PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series please visit www.pgharts.org.

Xanadu is based on the 1980 cult-classic movie of the same. The film starred Olivia Newton-John as Kira and Gene Kelly as Danny. The musical adaptation made its Broadway debut on June 26, 2007. This is the show's first national tour.

The score, composed by pop rock legends Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, includes the hits, "Magic," "Xanadu," "Party All Over the World" and "I' Alive" -- all top 20 Billboard hits. Lynne wrote and produced all of the music of Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O). Farrar was also responsible for most of the hits that were performed by Olivia Newton-John in the 1970's. XANADU is directed by Christopher Ashley and choreographed by Dan Knechtges. Production for the show includes Douglas Carter Beane (book), Jeff Lynne and John Farrar (music & lyrics), Christopher Ashley (director), Dan Knechtges (choreographer), David Gallo (scenic design), Howell Binkley (lighting design), Dan Moses Shrier and Carl Casella (sound design) and production by Robert Ahrens, Dan Vickery, Tara Smith, Brian Swibel, Mickey Liddell and Cari Smulyan.

The magical journey, echoed throughout numerous critically acclaimed positive responses, reflects the success of this infectiously original musical, which is owed to the producers, composers, directors, creative teams, as well as Xanadu's cast, which includes Elizabeth Stanley (Kira), Max Von Essen (Sonny), Larry Marshall (Danny), Sharon Wilkins (Melpomene) and Joanna Glushak (Caliope) with an ensemble cast including Tiffany Topol, Kristofer L. Stock, Vincent Rodriguez III, J.B. Wing, Julius Thomas III, Jason Michael Snow, Amy Goldberger and Tallia Brinson.

Media Contact
Jamie Cuba, 412-325-1201; cuba@pgharts.org
Diana Roth, 412-471-8717; roth@pgharts.org

Photos
Click the images below to download print-quality files.
Photo credit: Carol Rosegg

Xanadu: Elizabeth Stanley (Kira) and Company

Xanadu: Larry Marshall (Danny), Elizabeth Stanley (Kira), Max von Essen (Sonny) and company