PHOTO CALL: Stanley and Von Essen Bring Xanadu to West Coast

By Ernio Hernandez
17 Nov 2008

Xanadu star Elizabeth Stanley
Xanadu star Elizabeth Stanley
Photo by Carol Rosegg

Elizabeth Stanley and Max von Essen currently star in the pre-tour engagement of the Broadway musical Xanadu at California's La Jolla Playhouse.

The La Jolla run precedes the official national tour launch in Chicago in early 2009.

Joining Stanley and von Essen are Sharon Wilkins, Joanna Glushak and Larry Marshal with Tallia Brinson, Amy Goldberger, Vince Rodriguez III, Jason Michael Snow, Kristofer Stock, JB Wing, Julius Thomas III and Tiffany Topol.

Christopher Ashley directs and Dan Knechtges choreographs Xanadu, which features a book by Douglas Carter Beane with songs from the film soundtrack (by John Farrar and Jeff Lynne).

The musical "tells the story of one of the nine muses of ancient Greece who comes to earth to inspire the greatest of artistic achievements – a roller disco," as show notes read. "Along the way she falls in love, bumps into an old acquaintance and for the first time, feels the desire to create herself."

Here is a look at the new production:



Elizabeth Stanley (center) and the Xanadu muses


Max von Essen Elizabeth Stanley


Sharon Wilkins and Joanna Glushak (center) with Sirens


Elizabeth Stanley (center) and the Xanadu muses


Elizabeth Stanley and Max von Essen


Elizabeth Stanley and Max von Essen Elizabeth Stanley and Larry Marshall


Elizabeth Stanley (center) and muses


All photos by Carol Rosegg.