Hugh Jackman's Stage Career

[jo]

Playbill.com celebrates Hugh Jackman's recent special TONY award with a Photo archive of his stage appearances - from Beauty and the Beast to Back on Broadway.

There are 43 photos in the gallery - so, enjoy!

www.playbill.com/news/article/167479-PHOTO-ARCHIVE-Hugh-Jackmans-Stage-Career-So-Far

[jo]

They have even included two photos from Les Miserables, but forgot to include any from The Boy from Oz - arena tour. His reprise of TBFO in Australia was not a clone of the Broadway show ( which seemed more on the serious side, comparatively-speaking). TBFO-Au had a more concert-like atmosphere, revised stagings of original production numbers on Broadway, new numbers ( Legs Diamond dance routine) and was quite spectacularly staged in 10,000-seater venues. Yet the charm reached out to everyone in the audience!

[jo]

It's sad that we have not been able to save all the videos from the old forum, but I found this one again.

It was the time when Hugh guested with Brit TV presenter Michael Parkinson, who seemed to be a fan as he confessed he saw OKLAHOMA! with Hugh more than once.

This is not the entire interview ( I had the full one when a friend from the UK sent me a VHS tape then) but focuses on the part when Michael Parkinson prods Hugh to sing Oh What A Beautiful Mornin' for the audience -- this is one of his best extemporaneous renditions of that song, albeit not complete.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjRNxUadPGo

"the next Howard Keel... the big virile guy, big virile voice"!

Enjoy!

And he does look great with shoulder length hair ( obviously from the time of the Van Helsing filming)

[airinn]

Yeah, you have to appreciate Van Helsing hair - makes interviews so easy to date!

[mamaleh]

I remember that interview. Hugh imitates what his dad might have said: That he looked like a "damn hippie." LOL.

[mamaleh]

Thinking about the possibility of HOUDINI's being on permanent hold, I happened upon a song sample from the upcoming BIG FISH (opening this October at the Neil Simon Theater), which once upon a time Hugh was flirting with doing. It's a pretty good song (you can hear it here: bigfishonbway.tumblr.com/. I wonder if it will turn out that he chose wrongly. In that case, does anyone think it's too soon for BACK ON BROADWAY--AGAIN! ?

Ellen

[ocjackie]

It only ran 10 weeks, and was packed every time I was there. That's what I've been thinking. Bring it back with of course some of the old stuff, but add the new Les Mis stuff, and I still think you'll have a packed house. Can they get a theater? I think a lot of people are really dissappointed about Houdini and he sold out the Broadhurst before, I think he can do it again. I'm definitely all for it >. Anybody else want to come?

[mamaleh]

I was thinking of Hugh's turn as Billy Bigelow while watching Lincoln Center's concert production of CAROUSEL tonight on PBS. Nathan Gunn--whom I'd forgotten reminds me physically of Russell Crowe--is also in his 40s So Billy could be written as a longtime ne'er-do-well. Maybe if HOUDINI vanishes (sorry!), CAROUSEL could come up again. The new concert version featured Hugh's old friend and costar Shuler Hensley as Jigger; would have been fun to see them together again. And Warren Carlyle choreographed. Would have been just like old home week if Hugh had repeated his 2002 Billy. (Jason Daniely repeated his Mr. Snow.) Gunn has a great voice but his acting was so-so, and he appeared stiff and doughy. Still, the score soared as always.

Ellen

[carouselkathy]

Apr 26, 2013 22:57:21 GMT -5 mamaleh said:

I was thinking of Hugh's turn as Billy Bigelow while watching Lincoln Center's concert production of CAROUSEL tonight on PBS. Nathan Gunn--whom I'd forgotten reminds me physically of Russell Crowe--is also in his 40s So Billy could be written as a longtime ne'er-do-well. Maybe if HOUDINI vanishes (sorry!), CAROUSEL could come up again. The new concert version featured Hugh's old friend and costar Shuler Hensley as Jigger; would have been fun to see them together again. And Warren Carlyle choreographed. Would have been just like old home week if Hugh had repeated his 2002 Billy. (Jason Daniely repeated his Mr. Snow.) Gunn has a great voice but his acting was so-so, and he appeared stiff and doughy. Still, the score soared as always.

Ellen

Exactly right, Ellen. Kelly was terrific. Everyone was great. Nathan is one of my favorite singers, but didn't have the acting depth I was hoping for. Did you notice Julie's added line about Billy hitting her in the death scene? I also think that the show portrays the abuse question with honesty, not apology. The added line clarifies that.

[mamaleh]

Yes, I did. I liked that the book faced up more squarely to that problematic issue. I liked Kelli, too, but I think Jessie Mueller stole the show. Loved her Carrie!

Ellen

[birchie]

Thought I'd add my 2cents about Carousel...well maybe a dime!
Kelli was wonderful as always but I didn't care for Nathan Gunn as Billy. Fine singer but as an actor...he's a fine singer. Also he sang it in much more of an operatic style than previous Billies that I've liked-John, Gordon and of course Hugh! Loved seeing Shuler Hensley. I would love to see him get more roles. The ballet was beautifully done. It was, of course, missing from the Carnegie Hall concert so it was nice to see. Bravo Warren! I was surprised that Audra only mentioned playing Carrie and not Julie in her introduction. Watching this really made me wish even more that there was a better recording of the Carnegie Hall concert. I'm grateful that we at least have the balcony video, such as it is.

I was very glad they addressed the domestic violence issue a bit. It's always been my sticking point from making Carousel one of my top 5. I so love the music! Musically, it's probably #2 but the way that issue was (not) dealt with over the years has left a lot to be desired for me. They still left in the part at the end where Julie tells her daughter that you can get hit hard and it doesn't hurt at all. At the time it was written that would have not have mattered to many and it was based on an even older play so I justify it by trying to keep those things in mind. I had many clients over the years that would never say that and even battered women from a century ago would probably not say that, they just wouldn't have said anything. But the original play was written by a man so he wasn't aware of that and the same for R&H, they were products of their times. The problem for me, and for many others who have worked in this field, is that once you've visited a woman in the hospital after she's had her face scarred and lost an eye as a result of being beaten with a beer bottle you find even small things, like that dialogue, objectionable. I know Hugh was working on updating Carousel and it looks like some progress has been made but it still needs better dialogue on this issue.

I had to laugh at the end watching how easy it is for Billy to get into heaven. After watching Les Miserables over and over and seeing Jean Valjean struggle so long to be worthy, it did seem a bit laughable...just whisper a few sweet nothings and give them a star Billy! LOL! I'd love to see Hugh do an updated movie or stage version, but only if they change the dialogue at the end. The music is so beautiful that it deserves to have the dialogue completely updated so that it will last another 60 yrs. Archaic attitudes are still archaic attitudes even when they are set to beautiful music. Anyway, I'm thankful for small progress & hopeful for more.
Sue

[Jamie]

Apr 27, 2013 16:01:51 GMT -5 birchie said:

The problem for me, and for many others who have worked in this field, is that once you've visited a woman in the hospital after she's had her face scarred and lost an eye as a result of being beaten with a beer bottle you find even small things, like that dialogue, objectionable. I know Hugh was working on updating Carousel and it looks like some progress has been made but it still needs better dialogue on this issue. ... I'd love to see Hugh do an updated movie or stage version, but only if they change the dialogue at the end. The music is so beautiful that it deserves to have the dialogue completely updated so that it will last another 60 yrs. Archaic attitudes are still archaic attitudes even when they are set to beautiful music. Anyway, I'm thankful for small progress & hopeful for more.
Sue

That's the big issue with this musical. Once you have seen the damage, you can't go back again. There are very few situations where I am really rigid, but this is one of them. Without a major change, I simply couldn't support a revival, even with Hugh. You are right that the music is magnificent, but they have to either eliminate the wife beating or substantially change that dialogue.

[alma]

I agree with all of you. I liked the music, and the singing, and some of the acting, but this just didn't "click" for me. Too sad, too tragic. A misogynist... a selfish heel... is the "hero" of a musical? And he's let off and makes it up that easily?!?

I guess these are just different times, although things will continue as they are for few more millennia, I know.

Just too sensitive on this misogyny thing.

Alma

[alma]

Feb 12, 2013 23:55:49 GMT -5 ocjackie said:

It only ran 10 weeks, and was packed every time I was there. That's what I've been thinking. Bring it back with of course some of the old stuff, but add the new Les Mis stuff, and I still think you'll have a packed house. Can they get a theater? I think a lot of people are really dissappointed about Houdini and he sold out the Broadhurst before, I think he can do it again. I'm definitely all for it >. Anybody else want to come?

Ellen and Jaqckie, for me NO show Hugh ever does will equal his "being himself" like in Back on Broadway. That's just the absolute best.

Alma

[foxie]

want to come??in a flash!!! >

[jo]

for me NO show Hugh ever does will equal his "being himself" like in Back on Broadway.

But concerts really are not meant for Broadway! It was a very enjoyable evening ( 4 San Francisco performances and an equal number of shows plus one at the Broadhurst for me) - a very special one! But I am actually a little saddened that there are too many concert-types on Broadway now.

The show did not qualify him for a Best Actor in a Musical competition award - because it is not technically a stage musical. Although he did get a second TONY for his work as a performer in general and for his humanitarian efforts.

I would love him to get back to a traditional musical - HOUDINI as a first preference ( if that is still a go) or another new work or even a revival of a classic. I guess I am more of a theatre purist, sorry

He can do concerts at other times - which can also be a TV special so everyone will have access to it

Jo

[alma]

I know what you mean, Jo, and you're right, of course!

What I meant was that I might or might NOT love a particular show Hugh's in, like I've loved some of his movies and others... not so much.

I loved The Boy From Oz, but although I did not see A Steady Rain, by what I read I have a feeling perhaps I would not have loved it as much, although that would not prevent acknowledging excellent work from both him and Daniel Craig.

But there is just no way I could NOT love Hugh in a concert-type show.

And yes, on Broadway we look for a storyline, don't we?

Alma

[jo]

Ironically, The Boy from Oz was a jukebox musical, not the traditional kind of work for classic musical theatre

But TBFO was a biopic and since the musical numbers used to depict the life of Peter Allen were by coincidence autobiographical in nature, they did not seem to be too shoehorned.

Jersey Boys was hailed as another hit biopic -- but towards a certain portion of the show, it became more of a nostalgia concert -- arghh... And sorry to say, I was quite disappointed with the stage musical of Mamma Mia! even if I knew it was a jukebox musical. The music ( which were great ABBA tunes) did not fit the storyline at all

I wonder how Hugh would have been received if he had done Valjean on stage? Or would he even consider doing a stage interpretation now, after his movie interpretation has already been hailed as an acting triumph?

If I could turn back the time -- I would have loved to have seen him as Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard ( my second fave ALWebber) and even Beauty and the Beast ( probably a fantastic Gaston ;D). And had I known about the Carousel concert - I could have postponed my trip that year to NYC to coincide with that time.

Don't we wish we knew for certain what awaits the immediate future in terms of his musical stage involvement

Btw - my other musical theatre favorite, Michael Ball from the UK, has just won his second Olivier award ( this time for Sweeney Todd, following his earlier win for Hairspray). Michael is of course known for his glorious voice - also a great entertainer whose concerts are all sold out ( he does practically annual concert tours in the UK), on top of his recording career ( more than a dozen gold albums and occasional platinum ones). He was the original Marius in Les Miserables in 1985 ( and remember how he hosted the programme and interviewed the stars during the Les Miserables film premiere last December), following his first stint on stage as Frederic in Pirates of Penzance. After a long hiatus, he had gone back to the musical theatre in a big way -- he has done ALWebber (Phantom, Aspects of Love, Woman in White, and a concert version of Sunset Boulevard) and Stephen Sondheim (Passion, Sweeney Todd) and other musical theatre great works. He has actually sang the role of Valjean in a private concert of Les Miserables for the Queen of England and her guest the Prime Minister of France in a concert presentation at Windsor Castle. His Empty Chairs at Empty Tables is the gold standard for all Mariuses although he has also recorded two Valjean songs ( Bring Him Home and more recently Suddenly). He is of course known for Love Changes Everything... He has done only one film ( more like a documentary on the life of composer Henry Purcell) -- but his career is busier than ever. Other than theatre, he is a great concert performer ( charismatic and fast on the draw in terms of humor -- much like someone we know ) and is now also involved in radio and TV presenting ( aka hosting). He has also hosted the Oliviers twice and has presented the only one-man pop concert type of programme at the famed British classical music festival called The Proms! But the theatre remains a major part of his career - he even appeared with the New York City Opera in its Gilbert and Sullivan staging of Patience and the English National Opera staging of Kismet.

So, it seems I am blessed to have two favorites with varied career options in which they are excellent in - and theatre is a big part of them!

Jo

[birchie]

Apr 28, 2013 22:11:21 GMT -5 jo said:

<snip>
He can do concerts at other times - which can also be a TV special so everyone will have access to it

Jo

That would be my dream come true...That he would do his live show for people who can access the theater at the time but film it either as a TV special, which they don't seem to do much anymore, or for sale as a DVD. I think the DVD would be the best choice given his love of charitable works. The DVD sales could mostly go to charity.
A win-win all the way around! Do it Hugh :-/ >
Sue

[alma]

Didn't know where to put this:

Last night Jimmy Fallon pulled a Peter Allen move:



Fallon is talented. But he's no Hugh Jackman:




Alma

[jo]

Thanks for reminding us about that appearance on Good Morning America. I remember seeing the clip of that promotional appearance when it was aired and while it showed how sensational Hugh Jackman could be onstage, it did not totally prepare us that he would be truly spectacular in THE BOY FROM OZ! Beyond the triple threat talent, it was his ability to be a true entertainer ( especially during the fourth-wall moments with the audience) which made us want to come back over and over to the show.


And here's the clip, for those who missed it --

www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1fDPSxCDg4


Jo

[jo]

FLASHBACK!!

A very concise feature and interview on THE BOY FROM OZ --

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G2Xygs2q_k


Jo

[jo]

Playbill has added the photos from THE RIVER to the vault of memories on Hugh Jackman's stage career --

www.playbill.com/multimedia/gallery/photo-archive-what-a-beautiful-mornin-hugh-jackmans-stage-career...-so-far-6076/1

As of last count (Playbill includes the concert staging of Carousel and the film adaptation of Les Miserables in his impressive musical theatre portfolio) --

Musicals ( 7 - Beauty and the Beast, Sunset Boulevard, Oklahoma!, Carousel, The Boy from Oz, Back on Broadway, Les Miserables)

Plays ( 2 - A Steady Rain, The River)


The list does not included two reprises of his shows -- The Boy from Oz arena tour and One Night Only in L.A.).

Hmm...which stage performer/actor can boast of a similar number and variety of theatre-related performances. I wonder if Hugh ever considered a Sondheim role ( other than his talking of his interest in Sweeney Todd -- he could have been the alternative to Johnny Depp's portrayal on screen). Michael Ball comes to mind but he has performed only in musical theatre roles -- Pirates of Penzance, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love, Chittty Chitty Bang Bang, Passion, Patience, concert version of Sunset Boulevard, The Woman in White, Hairspray, and Sweeney Todd). No straight plays.

I forgot -- Hugh's YouTube hit of WHO AM I ( aka "I'm Wolverine!") could have also qualified for a future stage return ...And how about that very brief singing of some Gilbert and Sullivan verses in Kate and Leopold - LOL!


Jo

[Jamie]

Nov 13, 2014 15:14:01 GMT -5 jo said:

Playbill has added the photos from THE RIVER to the vault of memories on Hugh Jackman's stage career --

Hmm...which stage performer/actor can boast of a similar number and variety of theatre-related performances. I wonder if Hugh ever considered a Sondheim role ( other than his talking of his interest in Sweeney Todd -- he could have been the alternative to Johnny Depp's portrayal on screen). Michael Ball comes to mind but he has performed only in musical theatre roles -- Pirates of Penzance, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love, Chittty Chitty Bang Bang, Passion, Patience, concert version of Sunset Boulevard, The Woman in White, Hairspray, and Sweeney Todd). No straight plays.

I forgot -- Hugh's YouTube hit of WHO AM I ( aka "I'm Wolverine!") could have also qualified for a future stage return ...And how about that very brief singing of some Gilbert and Sullivan verses in Kate and Leopold - LOL!


Jo

For Sondheim I would love to see what Hugh could do with A Little Night Music or Sunday In The Park With George. For revivals in general then Kiss Me Kate. Would love to hear him sing The Life That Late I lead and So In Love.

[jo]

If Hugh ever did revivals of musical theatre material --

I do agree about KISS ME KATE!

*It's a role that suits Hugh to a T! I have seen both the musical adaptation with Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson as well as the original Shakespeare play Taming of the Shrew ( with Burton and Taylor). Both leads were very masculine types!

*It is based on Shakespeare's TAMING OF THE SHREW (and maybe the closest for Hugh to get into something from the Bard, even if it's only an adaptation, unless he can eventually work out something- a classicl play - with Trevor Nunn).

*The musical score is by Cole Porter - so, the songs will please a lot of people! Maybe even the younger generation.

*How about Trevor Nunn to direct the musical?


Maybe someone could suggest the project to Hugh, if an opportunity arose at the stagedoor?

Jo