Marc Malkin

Universal Pictures/ZUMAPress.com

Hello from New York City!

Today, my first report for you from the bright lights of Broadway.

I just saw Xanadu, a musical adaptation of the 1980s Olivia Newton-John flick. Yup, the camp classic rollerskating disco musical movie has been turned into one of today’s most anticipated shows. It officially opens next month.

But I checked out a preview performance. While I didn’t expect much, I will now admit that I loved it. It’s fun, silly, and très campy.

When I was walking out of the theater, a fellow audience-member, who I did not know turned to me said, “Is this the gayest show on Broadway or what? I’m going to see it over and over again.”

Paul Kolnik

Like the movie, the musical revolves around Sonny, a Venice Beach artist who is visited by an ancient Greek muse named Kira (the Newton-John role in the movie). Kira inspires Sonny to open a rollerskating rink (remember, this was a movie from 1980!). But things go awry when Kira defies Zeus’ strict rules prohibiting muses from falling in love with mere mortals.

The show features all of the film’s pop-song hits, like the infectious “Magic,” “Have You Ever Been Mellow?” and, of course, “Xanadu.”

Paul Kolnik

Cheyenne Jackson plays Sonny. He’s great to look at, but he also does the dopey airhead-artist thing really well. Kerry Butler’s muse reminds me of Suzanne Somers’ Chrissy Snow from television’s Three’s Company. She’s perky, cute and her comic timing is impeccable. And I have to give the gal gold stars for performing for the majority of the show in rollerskates.

Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa play Kira’s evil sisters. They steal every scene they’re in. They are wickedly funny.

Xanadu is pure cotton candy fun. The costumes are straight out of the '80s with lots of headbands, spandex and legwarmers. Plus, it’s just 90 minutes long with no intermission; you can leave your brain at the door because there’s really not much to think about.

While the show pokes plenty fun of the movie (Kira has an awful Australian accent—on purpose!), Newton-John is giving her seal of approval. I'm told she's expected to attend opening night on July 10.

Make sure to click below for today's Planet Gossip Now video blog. I talk Xanadu and give ya some scoop on Steve Martin's plans for another Pink Panther movie.