Xanadu Makes Whoopi

Tony Award winner Whoopi Goldberg returns to Broadway tonight in the hit musical Xanadu. For a limited time (through September 7), she will cover the role of mischievous muse Calliope; Jackie Hoffman, who originated the role, is taking a six-week sabbatical from the show to promote her new album, Jackie Hoffman Live from Joe's Pub. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to hear the Whoopster's version of "Evil Woman".

Also arriving in the land of disco balls and roller skates this evening is Xanadu's returning leading man Cheyenne Jackson. The Dearie Award winner dons his short shorts once again after his recent run in the Encores revival of Damn Yankees. To commemorate the occasion, Cheyenne has submitted his own "Cue & A" over at Playbill.com. In it, he reveals that he is a 100% Cancer, his pants have split many a time on stage for "obvious reasons" and he is "MAC-curious".

In other stage fave news, Tom Wopat returns to familiar territory tonight. Wopat, who wrapped up his Tony nominated run in A Catered Affair just this past weekend, is back to "razzle dazzle 'em" as lawyer Billy Flynn in the long-running Chicago.

And speaking of Chicago, the Xanadu tour will open there in January, following its launch in La Jolla this November.

UPDATE: As usual, Broadway.com was on the scene for Whoopi's opening night, and they have the pictures to prove it.