Wicked Gala Delights

Being the second-oldest house on Broadway, the Hudson Theater has certainly seen its fair share of stardom and after-parties. But on Nov. 12 it hosted a very special party-a party that celebrated not one, but 99 new full-length pieces of musical theater.

The New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMF) gala was held at the Hudson in honor of the writers, performers and collaborative team that worked to put together the 2006 NYMF season. The festival is dedicated to giving up-and-coming musicals and other creative works a chance on the Great White Way at a fraction of the cost associated with full-scale Broadway productions. Created in 2004 by Executive Producer Issac Robert Hurwitz and Director Kris Stewart, NYMF runs the entire month of September and boasts over 300 performances each season along with many other special events, concerts, readings and workshops.

After a cocktail hour complete with silent auction, and a dinner hour replete with New York cheesecake, live performances showcasing new works, highlights from the festival as well as parodies of Broadway hits were interspersed between the presentation of awards. Many of these musical numbers aimed to poke fun at the NYMF gala honoree, veteran Broadway producer Kevin McCollum. In addition to producing such renowned shows as Rent, Avenue Q and The Drowsy Chaperone, McCollum is also responsible for supporting NYMF and overseeing its establishment and growth.

McCollum, himself, somersaulted onto the stage to conclude the ceremony. While he may be man with the great big casting couch, he stressed that he tries hard not to play the role of the expert. McCollum gave the traditional shout-outs to family and friends during his speech, but sincerely apologized to Hurwitz and Stewart for not believing in them initially. With a voice of authority, he once said that their idea for NYMF was impossible. But in just three years time with one musical short of 100, they have proved him wrong and succeeded in introducing a propensity of fresh talent to the New York stage. And as for McCollum, well, he couldn't be happier.