Xanadu: Cheyenne Jackson to play Sonny from 22 Jun, while James Carpinello recovers

Cheyenne Jackson will step into the principle male role of Sonny, in the Broadway musical Xanadu, on the 22 Jun 2007, temporarily replacing James Carpinello who broke his foot during rehearsals on 12 Jun 2007.

Jackson played the role of Sonny in a workshop production of the show. His Broadway credits include Aida (2000), Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002) and All Shook Up (2005).

Jackson said about his new role "I'm excited to join the cast of Xanadu while James Carpinello recovers � my heart goes out to him, as he spent months working on this project, only to be injured so close to opening night. I am honored to borrow his skates."

Producer Robert Ahrens said, "After difficult days for James and the company, I am pleased to welcome Cheyenne. Stepping in on such short notice exemplifies the true Broadway spirit."

There is no word as to when Carpinello is expected to return to the musical.

Andrew Ward, Carpinello's understudy, who has played the role of Sonny since the 12 Jun and will continue in the role until Cheyenne joins the company.

The show has postponed its opening night, originally scheduled for 26 Jun 2007. A new opening date is expected to be announced shortly. The musical has been in previews at the Helen Hayes Theatre since 23 May 2007.

Xanadu also features Kerry Butler, who plays Kira, the musical's female principle role. The cast includes Tony Roberts as Danny, with Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman playing the two evil muses.

The ensemble features Curtis Holbrook, Anika Larsen, Kenita R. Miller, Andrew Ward and Marty Thomas.

In Xanadu, which is based on the mega-flop musical movie of the same name, the Greek muses incarnate themselves on Earth to inspire men to achieve. One of them, incarnated as a girl named Kira, encounters an artist named Sonny Malone.

Xanadu, is directed by Christopher Ashley, with choreography by Dan Knechtges. The creative team includes David Gallo (sets), Howell Binkley (lighting) and David Zinn (costumes).

The book for the musical is written by Douglas Carter Beane, based on the screenplay by Richard Christian Danus and Marc Reid Rubel.

The movie musical Xanadu was released in 1980, and starred Olivia Newton-John (Kira), Michael Beck (Sonny Malone), and Gene Kelly (Danny), and was directed by Robert Greenwald.

Through the movie failed badly at the box-office, the film's soundtrack, with music by Olivia Newton-John, Electric Light Orchestra, UK pop idol Cliff Richard, and the San Francisco-based art-rock band The Tubes, went plantinum.

The Broadway musical features many of the film's songs, with extra material provided by the Electic Light Orchestra. Eric Stern is the shows musical director.

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Cheyenne Jackson