People throughout the world have been watching with concern as Hurricane Irene has hit the East coast of the United States.  CNN has been on my TV for many hours today.  I watched as Irene hit the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a place I visited with 3 Clay Aiken fans.

Now, I am watching as Hurricane Irene makes its way to New York City, another place I have visited with Clay friends.

Hurricane Irene prompted the cancellation of all Broadway musicals and plays for Saturday and Sunday.  This included performances of  “Zarkana” by Cirque du Soleil at Radio City Music Hall and Lincoln Center Theater’s “War Horse.”

Since New York’s extensive public-transportation system of subways, buses and ferries shut down, it would have made it almost impossible for many patrons to get to theaters.

I feel sorry for the poor ticket holders to shows such as Book of Mormon, sold out for months and months.  Will they ever get to see the show?

The cast and crew of the long-running production of “Chicago” will have to delay their celebration. According to Playbill.com, the Tony-winning Broadway revival of Chicago would have become the fourth longest-running production in Broadway history at the Saturday matinee, surpassing the run of A Chorus Line with a total of 6,138 performances.  Now, that milestone will be delayed until the Monday, Aug. 29, performance.

This is the first time Broadway has shut down for an emergency since the blackout in 2003.

Many of Clay Aiken’s fans were able to see him on Broadway when he starred in Spamalot at the Shubert Theatre in Broadway.  I keep thinking how disappointed I would be if I had flown to New York to see Clay and the show was cancelled…a real “bummer”.

Yollie950 put together a wonderful video of the highlights of Clay’s performance in Spamalot.  Even though I have seen this before, I had so much fun laughing at Clay’s amazing performance on Broadway.  Be sure and click on the video.  It is the perfect way to relax and laugh at a time when laughter is difficult.

CANN sends out positive thoughts to each of you who are facing the effects of Hurricane Irene.  I hope you are safe and sound!!

Are you OK??