Xanadu on Broadway (Original Broadway Cast Recording 2007)
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Free Music Notes for Xanadu on Broadway (Original Broadway Cast Recording 2007)
Free Music Review: Sharp Cast and Still-Catchy Songs Buoy a Clever Adaptation of the Infamous 1980 Musical Fiasco
Hit: 4 Stars
1980's Xanadu remains one of the most strangely conceived movies Hollywood has ever produced, a mishmash of surreal, forehead-slapping elements that never really congeal. Yet, no matter how big a failure it was on the big screen, it still has those inescapably catchy songs by the Electric Light Orchestra's Jeff Lynne and pop princess Olivia Newton-John's songwriting muse, John Farrar. It's obvious that playwright Douglas Carter Beane has a deep fondness for the midnight cult classic since his 2007 Broadway adaptation recasts a piece of excessive camp into a satirical comedy that uses all of the film's songs (plus a couple of related hits of the day) to punctuate the silly plot turns. I saw the breezy show in December and enjoyed it thoroughly against my better judgment.
Fortunately, the original cast recording fully captures the clever, kitsch-driven shenanigans of the stage production. The leads are fresh and talented - Cheyenne Jackson plays sidewalk artist Sonny Malone as a big, clueless doofus, while Kerry Butler channels Newton-John's contrite purity and Aussie twang as his ethereal muse Kira/Clio. They display both full voices and sharp comic timing for the familiar songs, for example, when they transform the treacle of "Suddenly" into a hilarious duet complete with Butler's pitch-perfect, faux-Gibb breathiness. Her spot-on versions of "Magic" and "Suspended in Time" are as much a tribute to Newton-John's plaintive style as they are integral to the storyline.
When not providing background vocals, Mary Testa and expert scene-stealer Jackie Hoffman hilariously wreak havoc on the young lovers, while comically belting out ELO's "Evil Woman" and "Strange Magic" as the jealous muses Melpomeme and Calliope. Playing Gene Kelly's twilight role of Danny McGuire, Tony Roberts duets sweetly with Butler on the jazzy duet, "Whenever You're Away from Me". While the title tune provides the inevitable finale, it's really Newton-John's gauzy pop hit "Have You Never Been Mellow?" that is turned upside down by the game cast as they trade the sentimental verses with ham-fisted irony. Purists may disavow this cleanly recorded disc in favor of the production-heavy original soundtrack, but this version has too much genuine spirit and wit to ignore.
Free Music Review: A Fun Filled Trip !
Hit: 5 Stars
This Broadway Cast recording is a wonderful trip back to the Eighties! Wether or not the listener lived in the eighties or not it will be an enjoyable trip! Great music! Great Fun! Free Music Review: Great cast recording
Hit: 5 Stars
Love the music, its really good stuff. I saw the show on broadway and it was hilarious and fantastic, was thoroughly impressed!Free Music Review: A Tough Balancing Act...
Hit: 4 Stars
Although somewhat charming in it's own special way, "Xanadu" was truly an awful movie. Although the movie took "The Fall," the soundtrack launched 5 singles into the U.S. top twenty and was "Suddenly" a big hit "All Over the World." The soundtrack contains terrific music which has had many of us "Dancin'" for nearly thirty years. I find that the music has held up well over the years, almost as if "Suspended in Time" and must admit that "Xanadu" is one of the most played albums on my i-pod.
On a more serious note (sorry), it had to be difficult to produce the new Xanadu. Obviously, the producers couldn't take the plot of the original movie very seriously, but they were using the beloved soundtrack and needed to somehow update and incorporate the songs without losing the charm and "Magic."
Overall, I think that all involved have done an admiral job of balancing the kitsch with the art.
At first listen, I wasn't sure what I thought of the new "Xanadu." I was caught off-guard by the Monty Python-ish Australian accent ("The Ministry of Silly Accents?") of Kerry Butler. I was also disappointed that nothing seemed as moving as the original "Suddenly" by Olivia Newton-John and Cliff Richards," and nothing seemed as delightful and timeless as the original "Whenever You're Away From Me" by Olivia and Gene Kelly.
However, after a few listens, the new 'Du worked it's "Strange Magic" on me, and I became quite enamored.
To me, the album seems just a tad silly when compared to the original soundtrack (duh), so I have had to try and just enjoy it on it's own merits.
The producers have been quite honest about the fact that this is not high drama. In fact, the soundtrack is fun, quirky, and literally has me laughing every time I hear it.
Kudos for the new song arrangements. Due to the lighthearted nature of the production, it took me a few listens to realize how brilliantly the arrangers have re-envisioned the original compositions.
Furthermore, and without exception, the cast is remarkably talented and performs the material to perfection.
It's not my favorite track, but I was particularly impressed by the vocals by Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman in "Evil Woman."
I have also decided that the singing ability and comedic timing of Kerry Butler are - if I might also temporarily pretend to speak Australian - Ace! The addition of some of her dialogue has become one of my favorite aspects of the recording.
However, I reiterate, all the vocals performances are excellent.
The new 'Du includes four songs not on the original soundtrack - "Have You Never Been Mellow," "Fool," "Strange Magic" and the above mentioned "Evil Woman." Probably because these numbers are by the same composers (John Farrar & Jeff Lynne) and originally performed by the same artists (Olivia & ELO) that brought us the original "Xanadu," their addition seamlessly enhances the new recording.
I have a suspicion that if I were to experience the Broadway show, and/or somehow forget the original performances from the movie, I would probably give this recording a 5 star rating. Fortunately for all of us, Gene Kelly is simply not forgettable. And in Xanadu, neither are Olivia, Cliff, or ELO.
If you are hoping for a faithful remake of the Xanadu Soundtrack, or a companion piece to it, you may be disappointed by the Broadway recording.
If you want something fun and (kind of) original, with some of the best music on Broadway - yes, I have heard more - I highly recommend this cd.
Free Music Review: Suddenly the wheels are in motion...
Hit: 5 Stars
This Broadway recording is a great tongue in cheek musical of the film that took inself too seriously at the time and didn't get the cult following until years later. If you are a FAN-adu, you owe it to yourself to give this a well deserved listen.