It's colourful, it's camp and it's everything you hoped it would be - Pleasuredome has opened its doors in style.
So, what's all the fuss about?
Picture this: You're walking through the streets of New York. Mischief lines the dark alleyways you pass, a curious glance may pique your interest.
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Hotdog venders fight for your attention, a call your stomach just can't resist.
A lonely guitarist serenades you with his passionate tones. You stop for a moment to take it all in.
Then a police car wails with excitement as its red and blue lights flood your vision.
The best part about all of this is you don't even need a plane ticket, or time machine, to experience all that is '80s glam New York.
Forget everything you know about musicals and prepare yourself in one of the most immersive theatrical experiences ever created.
The venue is a production warehouse in the Auckland suburb of Avondale, which has been converted into a mini city to walk around in.
From drinking in the New York-styled bars, to the actors that engage with you on the street (that includes the risky hookers too - no, seriously). The immersive experience is a real treat.
Part one of Pleasuredrome sets the tone for the rest of your pleasurable night.
And just when you think the experience is over, think again. Yes, there's an actual show to be had.
Lucy Lawless - or as I've officially dubbed her, Lucy Flawless - is a superstar by every definition of the word.
From her incredibly powerful voice to her compelling performance, Flawless is the glue that sticks this project together. My mind was at odds; a greenie activist performing in sequin, surrounded by glitter and fire. I loved every second.
The other star of the show is Sydney performer Ashleigh Taylor. If there's someone to watch in the next couple of years, this is the girl you want to know about now.
Then, of course, there's the dancers. Twenty of New Zealand's best were on point, on trend and polished. The choreography was slick and comical.
There's something to be said about a show where your main concern is being so excited you may be annoying the people behind you. Luckily for me, not one person was seated in my seated section - everyone was on their feet, having a party.
As for the costumes, I wanted glam, sequins, over-the-top outfits and I wanted the drag dial to be turned up to hair-as-high-as-me-level. That's precisely what I got.
I could go on, but words don't do Pleasuredome justice.
One thing I will say though is director Michael Hurst and producer Rob Tapert should hold their heads high, because they've delivered something I don't think we've ever experienced in New Zealand.
It's a hot mess I was happy to be a part of and one everybody should experience.
Newshub.
