Starring Olivia Newton – John, Gene Kelly & Michael Beck
Xanadu rolled into the 1980’s and inspired the roller disco era
Music by Electric Light Orchestra & John Farrar
Xanadu title track was a UK No 1 smash hit for Olivia Newton-John & ELO
Synopsis
Step into a magical world with superstars Olivia Newton-John (Grease) and Gene Kelly (Singing’ In the Rain and An American in Paris) as they take Xanadu! Xanadu was Gene Kelly’s last movie appearance.
A beautiful muse is sent from above to inspire struggling artist and help motivate him to open a roller-disco. The dazzling soundtrack includes songs by Electric Light Orchestra and John Farrar such as Magic, I’m Alive, All Over the World. Throw on your roller skates, turn up the volume and enjoy this out-of-this-world fantasy!
The films amazing choreography scenes were created by Kenny Ortega who was also responsible for the classic dance sequences in ‘Ferris Buller’s Day Off’ and ‘Dirty Dancing’. Kenny also worked with Michael Jackson on his tours and directed the ‘This is It’ Tour.
The Don’t Walk Away sequence in the film was directed by animation Director Don Bluth (An American Tail & All Dogs go to Heaven).
Gene Kelly involvement with the film the famous 1940’s dance sequence with Olivia was filmed after the film had wrapped. It was a closed set only for Gene, Olivia, Kenny and the cameraman and soundman were present on set no one else.
Olivia was thrilled and nervous to be dancing with the legendary Gene Kelly.
Kenny Ortega had to convince Gene to be in the film as he had doubts about being in Xanadu, this was to e Gene’s last appearance in a movie. Gene agreed to have a one-off meeting with Kenny. Kenny’s enthusiasm and knowledge of Gene’s dancing and movies won over Gene. After the meeting Gene became Kenny’s mentor and friend for the next 20 years. Kenny Ortega is now revered as one of Hollywood’s top dance choreographers.
Gene’s character name of Danny McGuire was the name of his character in one of his first starring roles from the 1940’s movie ‘Cover Girl’ which also starred Rita Hayworth and Phil Silvers.
The Film won Best Film Song, at the Ivor Novello Awards accepted by Jeff Lynne
Xanadu had a new lease of life in 2007 when the story was adapted to a new stage production which was premiered on Broadway in New York. Danny McGuire role was played by actor Tony Roberts who has appeared in many of Woody Allen films including Annie Hall. The production was nominated for several Tony Awards.
There was also a stage production of Xanadu which appeared in London at Southwark Play House in 2015.
Bonus Features
· Going back to Xanadu: A retrospective documentary featuring the cast and crew discussing the making of Xanadu and its lasting legacy.
Like a Phoenix Rising, the Daisies unearth their third single Holy Ground. From the opening bars, the track puts everyone on notice that The Dead Daisies are steadfastly determined to prove that melding classic elements with a contemporary freshness will excite fans and win over even the harshest of critics.
Holy Ground (Shake The Memory) was the first song Glenn wrote for the pre-production sessions at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles and what became the title track of the upcoming album of the same name being released on January 22, 2021.
Glenn says: “Holy Ground has an intense groove, dramatic light & shade and a massive chorus. It’s about awakening to the present moment, shaking the memory and a transformation into consciousness.”
With this crazy year nearly over, this track is aptly named and highlights living in the moment and making the most of it. Its positive message is a reinforcement to enjoy what life has to offer at any given time.
“Holy Ground is a deep intense musical ride that takes unexpected turns and drops you off exhausted but happy!!” – Doug Aldrich
The band recently got together for a jam in Los Angeles and felt the energy & chemistry between them when playing tracks off the new album. It was just the medicine they all needed: to get fired up for what we hope will be a huge 2021!
The Dead Daisies stand firmly on Holy Ground.
THE DEAD DAISIES ARE:
Vocals/Bass: Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Country Communion)
Guitar: Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, Dio)
Guitar: David Lowy (Mink, Red Phoenix)
Drums/Vocals: Deen Castronovo (Journey, Bad English, Hardline)
An Alsatian and South German classic, the tarte flambée or Flammkuchen, is similar to a pizza, though its traditional toppings include crème fraiche, thinly sliced onions and lardons. Usually baked at an intense heat in a wood-fired oven, the tarte flambée would be cooked in a matter of minutes due to its paper thin crust. A tarte flambée allows endless variety with both sweet and savoury toppings. The soft and milky crème fraiche is perfect to not only pair with cured meats but also with sweet fruit, such as pears, and salty cheese, such as Parmigiano Reggiano. The umami flavour of Parmigiano is enhanced by the sweetness of the fruits, and the ripened goat’s cheese, or Buche de Chevre, adds a complex, bold flavour and an incredibly soft and creamy texture to the delicate tarte. Complemented with figs, honey and rocket, this tarte is the ideal summer dish!
For 1 oval tarte, approx. ø 21x28cm
For the dough:
100g plain flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tbsp. oil
55ml water
For the topping:
100g crème fraiche
25g Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated
2-3 fresh figs (alternatively canned fruit)
1 fresh pear (alternatively canned fruit)
7-8 thin slices of ripened goat’s cheese (Buche de Chevre)
Fresh rosemary
1-2 teaspoons of runny honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil to taste
Handful of rocket (optional)
Chopped walnuts (optional)
What you’ll need:
Mixing bowl
Fork
Tablespoon
Measuring cup
Kitchen scales
Large, flat baking tray (lined with non-stick baking paper)
Small rolling pin
Chopping board
Large Kitchen knife
Grater
Method:
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oil, salt and water to prepare the dough. Use a large fork to combine the ingredients and then your hands to knead the dough.
On the flat baking tray, roll out the dough very thinly. Make sure that the surface is dusted with flour to avoid stickiness. Roll out the dough in an oval shape of approx. 21x28cm in diameter. Take a fork and pinch the surface with it to avoid air bubbles forming in the dough during the baking process.
Evenly spread the crème fraiche on the dough, but leave the very edges uncovered. Add a pinch of salt, and then cover the cream with grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
Thinly slice the pear, figs and goat’s cheese and arrange on the tarte. Add fresh rosemary and cracked black pepper.
Pre-heat the oven to 250°C (fan) or highest gas mark.
Bake the tarte in the oven, middle rack, at 200°C (fan) or gas mark 7 for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
After removing the tarte from the oven add a honey drizzle and a little bit of good olive oil on top. Add a handful of fresh rocket and chopped walnuts as well and serve the tarte immediately.
(Credit to: Castelli/Parmigiano for these beautiful recipes)
February 27, 2021 274 Constantine the Great 1807 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1902 John Steinbeck 1930 Joanne Woodward 1932 Dame Elizabeth Taylor 1939 Dame Antoinette Sibley 1941 Lord (Paddy) Ashdown 1950 Rabbi Julia Neuberger 1957 Timothy Spall
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