Xanadu: The Marco Polo Musical - History of The Show

History of The Show

In the early 1950s, Seventh Army Special Services, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, was a lively center of entertainment, sending out soldier variety shows featuring singers like Private Vito Farinola (Vic Damone) and the newly-formed Rhythm Aces. But with the encouragement of Lt. General Manton Eddy, General Charles Bolte and particularly General Anthony McAuliffe, it was decided that the American occupation army should also present a more serious side of American culture. A Seventh Army Symphony was formed, conducted by Corporal Samuel Adler, and concert soloists, like pianist Amo Cappelli and violinist Peter Schaffer were featured. A Seventh Army String Quartet and other chamber music combinations gave frequent concerts. A legitimate theatre unit included director Adrian Hall and actor Philip Bosco.

In 1952 it was determined that Seventh Army should produce an original Broadway-size musical comedy that would tour civilian theatres as well as military bases. Private William Perry, a composer then serving in Berlin, was transferred to Stuttgart and given carte blanche to draw on creative personnel and performers wherever they might be stationed. Perry's long-time collaborator, lyricist William S. Wheeling, then serving in the Air Force, joined the team as did choreographer and Broadway tap dance star Robert Scheerer. Private Johnny Gilbert, who already had established a prominent singing career, was brought in to play the lead.

In the spring of 1953, Xanadu, the story of Marco Polo's epic but entertaining journey to the court of Kublai Khan, was premiered and warmly received. The first extended tour included performances in Vienna, Trieste in Italy, and throughout Germany, often in famous opera houses. A number of the songs became immediately popular through broadcasts on the Armed Forces Network. Later tours included Great Britain and other parts of Europe, and the show was still being performed five years later.

After leaving the service, members of the original company went on to have successful careers in show business. William Perry received Tony nominations for his 1986 musical, Wind in the Willows, starring Nathan Lane, and his television productions for PBS have received both Emmy and Peabody awards. Robert Scheerer resumed his Broadway career as second lead to Julie Andrews in The Boy Friend and later became an important film and television director, three times nominated for Emmy awards. Virginia Boyle, who played the female lead in Xanadu, established a career as a country and western singer and songwriter. Johnny Gilbert became the host or announcer of numerous popular television game shows, and his voice is still heard every night saying, "This … is … Jeopardy!" In the accompanying cast picture, Johnny is wearing a diamond-pattern costume and is standing next to composer William Perry.