Van Hansis fans are no doubt counting the minutes until today's Very Special Episode of As the World Turns, which promises some big moments for everyone's favorite Alpha Gay Oakdale Teen, Luke Snyder. (We'll be here liveblogging the big event at 2PM Eastern, don't forget.)

But lo and behold, that's not all the Van we have in store for you today! Here are some brand-spankin'-new pics of Van from his smash off-Broadway debut in Charles Busch's Die Mommie Die!, currently running to rave reviews. It's a Vantasia! A Vantasmagoria! A Vandemic! A ... okay, I'll shut up.

But is it just me, or does it look like there's a been a bit of Vanscaping in the above pic? Alright, alright ...

Enjoy!

And my favorite (eyes up, Van!) ...

• The cast of Xanadu, the Gayest Musical Ever, will ring the closing bell today at the NASDAQ. If anything can keep the economy from sliding, it's the sight of Cheyenne Jackson in short-shorts.
  

• James Marsters (looking adorable at top) on his hotly-anticipated Torchwood role: "I'm introduced and kiss the hell out of the male lead and then kick his ass. Or maybe he kicks my ass. We kick each other's ass." Ah, new love...

• Hey, Van fans! Here's an adorable off-the cuff video interview with Hansis on the eve of his off-Broadway debut in Die Mommie Die. (Thanks to QueerTwoCents for the tip!)
  

• Rosie O'Donnell may have inked a deal for a primetime talk show opposite Larry King, on MSNBC. I for one think she will be much easier to take after happy hour.

• This whole Ernie Fletcher anti-gay Hail Mary re-election attempt gets even weirder: running-mate Rudolph referred to Democratic opponent Beshear and his running-mate as "a couple of San Francisco treats" over the weekend. What, they're Rice-a-Roni?!