Hurricane Hits NYMF

The Great Hurricane of 1938 or, as it was nicknamed, "The Long Island Express" made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Sept. 21, 1938. Its human toll was enormous as was its individual effect on those unfortunate enough to be in its path. One very dramatic and theatrical story that came from the catastrophe was that of Academy Award-winning actress Katharine Hepburn. She was staying

in her family’s beach home in Old Saybrook, Connecticut when the surprise storm hit, washing it and her 1933 Oscar for Morning Glory over the cliffs. Hepburn narrowly escaped death, waded to safety, and her Oscar was later found intact. Now that’s a story! The big story today is that cabaret’s very own Michael Holland is making waves over 70 years later with his own Hurricane, and this time it’s a musical. A part of this year's NYMF Festival, its cast of thirty performers makes it the biggest show the festival has ever mounted.

The eye of the storm, Mr. Holland, a MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs), Bistro and Nightlife Award-winning performer and half of the popular duo Gashole (along with Karen Mack), who have presented so many shows they’ve become a cabaret staple, appears to be poised for even greater success in the future. Like the Hurricane of ‘38, Michael Holland is a major force of nature to be reckoned with. Hurricane, directed by Michael Bush, features both music and lyrics by Michael Holland and he co-authored the book with Eric Bernat. After selling out its initial run, two performances have been added: Friday, October 9 at 5pm and Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 5pm.

(Complete schedule:  Hurricane runs Mon. Sept. 28 at 8pm; Thurs. Oct. 1 at 9pm; Sat. Oct. 3 at 5pm; Sat. Oct. 3 also at 9pm; Tues. Oct. 6 at 5pm; Fri. Oct. 9 at 5pm; Sat. Oct. 10 at 9pm; and Tues. Oct 13 at 5pm. The Theatre at St. Clements is located at 423 West 46th Street, between 9th & 10th Avenues -- accessible from the A,C.E,N,R,1,2,3, trains at 42nd Street. Tickets are $20, available at 212-352-3101 or www.nymf.org . NiteLifeExchange’s critic for the NYMF Festival,Rob Lester will be reviewing the show shortly.