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AUDREY'S SOCIETY WHIRL: Whoopi Goldberg Joins Cast Of Hit Broadway Musical 'Xanadu.'
*Whoopi Goldberg will be doing double duty for the next six weeks serving as one of the hosts of the popular ABC daytime, award-winning talk show, “The View” during the day, and playing the role of Caliope in the hit Broadway musical “Xanadu,” at night from now through Sunday, September 7, at the Helen Hays Theatre, 240 West 44th Street. Goldberg will be replacing Jackie Hoffman who created the role while she’s releasing her new CD, Jackie Hoffman Live from Joe’s Pub. Hoffman returns to the production on September 9.
Goldberg could hardly contain her excitement about being back on the Great White Way as a cast member of “Xanadu.” "What better way to stick my toe back on to the Broadway stage than to join the amazing cast of ‘Xanadu,’” she exclaimed! “It's such a fun show and is definitely my sensibility, as written by the divine Douglas Carter Beane. For me, it's going to be unbelievable!"
Producer Robert Ahrens and the cast are rejoicing over their new cast member. In speaking on behalf of the entire “Xanadu” family and fellow producers, Ahrens said, “We are overwhelmed and appreciative that Whoopi has chosen to return to her turf of Broadway with our musical. We are thrilled!"
This is a win-win situation for both the play (causing a run on the box office) and the premier comedienne (gratuitous publicity for “The View”) who belongs to an elite class of artists who have won the Grammy (“Whoopi Goldberg, 1985); the Academy Award ("Ghost, 1991); the Golden Globe ("The Color Purple, 1985 and "Ghost", 1991); the Emmy (as host of AMC's "Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel", 2002); and a Tony (Producer of "Thoroughly Modern Millie", 2002).
Goldberg is equally well-known for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of children, the homeless, human rights, education, substance abuse and the battle against AIDS. This past June the top grossing comedienne received critical acclaim from having brilliantly hosted the 2008 Tony Awards for CBS.
The show is perfect for theatergoers who are tired of the epic plays that run over two hours long. “Xanadu” only runs 90 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are going like hotcakes and I’d suggest you hurry if you want to catch the multi-faceted and multi-talented comedians, film actress, stage actress and radio and television personality.
Performance schedule for “Xanadu” is Tuesday at 7 pm, Wednesday through Saturday at 8 pm, Wednesday at 2 pm and Sunday at 3 pm. For additional information and tickets call Telecharge.com at (212) 239-6200. (Photos by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.)
Whoopi Goldberg greets her fans after opening night performance
Tony Roberts, Whoopi Goldberg, Marty Thomas
Xanadu's creator Douglas Carter Beane
Theatre Marquee for Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg with cast members Marty Thomas, Kenita Miller, Andre Ward, Kerry Butler, Cheyenne Jackson, Tony Roberts, Whoopi Goldberg and Jacob ben Widmar
Audrey J. Bernard is an established chronicler of Black society and Urban happenings based in the New York City area.
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