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Post by mamaleh on Nov 8, 2013 23:00:30 GMT -5
Again, glad you're safe, Jo. Back to OKLAHOMA! This has been a Hugh and Hugh-adjacent week. Coming home from A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER tonight, I was waiting for the light to change at 42nd St. across from Port Authority, looked to my right and saw Shuler Hensley, who must have just left the Cort theater. We chatted for a bit--I told him he was convincingly menacing in NO MAN'S LAND the other night and he joked about that. Then I reminded him that his Jud Fry would be seen again next week on PBS. I think he hadn't taken any notice. . Must be old hat to him by now. But he really was a fantastic Jud. And nice and friendly, too. Ellen
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Post by jo on Nov 8, 2013 23:29:19 GMT -5
Lucky I could still find that interview of Hugh and Shuler in that West End theatre magazine, Musical Stages --
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Post by chessie on Nov 8, 2013 23:37:45 GMT -5
Jo, it's good to hear that you're out of harm's way. This is a frightening typhoon; the side-by-side radar images comparing it to Katrina were shocking. I can't imagine how devastating it has been for those directly in its path. Stay safe.
Carol
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Post by jo on Nov 8, 2013 23:39:33 GMT -5
Another photo, circa Oklahoma!, from the Hensley site -- I was lucky to be at the performance of BACK ON BROADWAY where Hugh spotted Shuler Hensley in the audience and they gave us some hilarious few minutes. Shuler hugged and lifted Hugh off his feet. Then they sang "It's Been A Hard Day's Night" ...or their version of it - LOL! It showed how Hugh had not changed at all - from their days in Oklahoma! when Hugh was not yet "the Hugh Jackman"! They were obviously just being friends and colleagues and enjoying their time together.
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Post by chessie on Nov 8, 2013 23:55:05 GMT -5
I'm glad you found that interview, Jo - it was a fun read. It's probably been a while since anyone has described Hugh as "rangy." Ellen, you certainly have a talent for being in the right place at the right time! Carol
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Post by jo on Nov 9, 2013 0:31:42 GMT -5
From Shuler, who studied classical singing -- Sounds like a concept that M Cerveris, SJ Block, and A Lambert did not understand much I bet Trevor Nunn agreed with the way Tom Hooper reenacted Nunn's stage version of Les Miserables for cinema. Too bad Shuler is not a film name -- he could have reprised his Javert role ( which he did on Broadway) vis-a-vis the cinematic Valjean ( and old friend Curly from Oklahoma!) Jo
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Post by jo on Nov 9, 2013 22:20:27 GMT -5
One last word on our national tragedy here in the Philippines --
Now that the picture seems to be getting clearer, it is becoming very heartbreaking! The casualty rate is going to be unbearable ( official figures are still not that high but the probability because of the observed conditions in affected areas, some say could reach over 10,000), the damage to natural wonders, property and infrastructure was not even in anyone's speculations, the waiting to know how relatives and friends have fared in hometowns affected has been causing sleepless nights for many because communications have not been reestablished ( it was in total destruction status)....
It seems that the so-called storm surges ( mini-tsunamis, like the New Orleans storm surges except we don't have the levees) have caused the unthinkable damage and the incredible loss of lives! On top of the impact of the fiercest of winds on everything.
But the nation is coming together, and even our international friends have already extended helping hands!
So, thanks to everyone who have thought of us in these very distressful moments.
Jo
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Post by carouselkathy on Nov 9, 2013 23:45:13 GMT -5
Jo,
I'm so sorry! I don't know what else to say. This is overwhelmingly tragic.
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Post by suefb on Nov 10, 2013 6:36:31 GMT -5
Jo - As a new poster, I wasn't even aware of your location until this discussion. Wow, what can I say. I'm so sorry to hear about this tragedy in your country. The scenes of destruction in Tacloban are just awful. And we only see those so far because it's a city. The outlying areas must be hit just as badly, or worse. I hope that relief comes to all those in need as quickly as possible.
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Post by mamaleh on Nov 10, 2013 9:54:05 GMT -5
Jo, what can I say? I'm so terribly sorry about the tragedy in the Philippines. I just hope the country rebounds quickly and that no more lives are lost.
On a much more trivial note, I haven't read that "cluck like a chicken" story in a long time. Thanks for letting us revisit it.
Ellen
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Post by suefb on Nov 10, 2013 10:32:48 GMT -5
Jo, what can I say? I'm so terribly sorry about the tragedy in the Philippines. I just hope the country rebounds quickly and that no more lives are lost. On a much more trivial note, I haven't read that "cluck like a chicken" story in a long time. Thanks for letting us revisit it. Ellen It was actually a new one to me (the whole article...), so ditto on the thanks. I can't imagine having the wherewithal and composure to navigate a complete stage failure like that!
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Post by chessie on Nov 10, 2013 14:44:02 GMT -5
Jo, it's impossible to comprehend the level of horror that has resulted from this storm. My thoughts are with you and your countrymen and women.
Carol
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Post by mamaleh on Nov 12, 2013 9:36:32 GMT -5
I'm finding the PBS promos for its OKLAHOMA! repeat this coming Friday amusing: "The young Hugh Jackman in the role that propelled him to international stardom," or something similar. What is he now, an elder statesman? And while I think his Curly ranks up there with his best work ever, another (hairier) role comes to mind that probably was a wee bit more responsible for his worldwide fame. (But I still prefer Curly!) Ellen
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Post by alma on Nov 12, 2013 13:50:39 GMT -5
I'm finding the PBS promos for its OKLAHOMA! repeat this coming Friday amusing: "The young Hugh Jackman in the role that propelled him to international stardom," or something similar. What is he now, an elder statesman? And while I think his Curly ranks up there with his best work ever, another (hairier) role comes to mind that probably was a wee bit more responsible for his worldwide fame. (But I still prefer Curly!) Ellen I'm with you, Ellen! "Young Hugh Jackman in the role that made him famous"... I got a kick out of that line, too! And like you, I prefer Curly hands down! Alma
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Post by jo on Nov 12, 2013 17:26:51 GMT -5
In a circuitous way, it was the role that gave him international stardom -- because among the audience that saw him in Oklahoma! was one lady who has become the major sole producer of the movies about the Hairy One ...Lauren Shuler Donner saw the performance in London and was enchanted enough to recommend a curly-haired cowboy for the role of a badass Canadian mutant! Also, another talent scout saw the performance in London - one producer named Harvey Weinstein saw the production and eventually cast him in a role that had many people especially the women swooning, that of the time-travelling Duke of Albany ( a film directed by one James Mangold - who shows up 13 years later to direct the actor in one of the best movies about the Hairy One ). As for bragging rights - may I say again that I was lucky enough to have been in London at around the time that the show was close to ending its run? I loved Rodgers and Hammerstein but I had never seen any of their musicals onstage except for the first revival of South Pacific at Lincoln Center, with Florence Henderson at the NY State Theatre ( although I had already seen most of them in the cinema -- Oklahoma!, Carousel, King and I, South Pacific, State Fair, and Sound of Music - I even had a copy of SIX PLAYS OF R&H). I went to London on an unexpected business trip ( a corporate presentation) and did not have the usual time to get great tickets for shows. But I did pick up tickets for this revival, because London had successfully revived CAROUSEL before that. To be honest, I wasn't as much a fan of Oklahoma! as I was of South Pacific, King and I, and Sound of Music - but who could resist seeing a stage musical by this duo? I couldn't even see his face that well ( I was able to get front row seats - but only at the Dress Circle - equivalent of front mezzanine, compared to where I would usually sit near the front row for any theatre performance) -- but his voice was strong and powerful and terribly engaging ( and this after I had just been to Wales to see a concert of my favorite singer and musical theatre actor Michael Ball!). I thought this newcomer had a legit stage voice! Praise indeed from a Michael fan! And then there was the way he carried himself on stage -- such commanding presence! Another stage star was born - in my mind. I thought I would follow his career in the theatre. But I never heard any more news in London theatre circles ( the internet was not as busy in 1999 -- and I was too busy with my job then)...until someone alerted me to this video of a musical with such a fantastic leading man. I told her that I had seen the show ... and did not rush to get a copy of the video, until sometime in mid-2002! I kept waiting for him to appear in another West End show, but it seems he decided to go west instead, to Hollywood! So, filmography-wise, I saw him for the first time onscreen in XMEN-2 and had only backtracked for XMEN, Kate and Leopold, and Someone Like You! And by that time, I was ready to buy tickets for The Boy from Oz, when it would open on Broadway the following year! OKLAHOMA! is probably my most-watched Hugh Jackman performance! I will watch it again this weekend, as many people would for the PBS re-telecast. Oh,what a beautiful prospect Jo
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Post by jo on Nov 12, 2013 17:54:49 GMT -5
In case you haven't seen this -- Before the show opened officially in London, there was a huge concert ( a tribute to Cameron Mackintosh called HEY, MR. PRODUCER) and among the numbers was this solo from a soon-to-become-an-international-star! www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFjxMGM36HkEnjoy!
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Post by jo on Nov 12, 2013 18:27:45 GMT -5
And then there is this memorable interview ( circa Van Helsing filming) with Michael Parkinson in London, where he sings a Oh What A Beautiful Mornin' -- www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjRNxUadPGoI wonder what would have happened if he pursued a theatre career in London instead? At the time ( in the earlier part of his career), I did not realize he was actually a passport-carrying Brit, too...and his family were mostly settled there. Jo
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Post by mamaleh on Nov 12, 2013 21:34:25 GMT -5
Aw, I remember that "Parky" interview fondly. Besides the VH hair, you can tell it's not exactly new from the "I'm not paying $75 to hear you sing" comment Hugh cites. Nowadays it's more like twice that amount!
Who knows where his career would have taken him had he stayed in London theater. I have a feeling he'd have made it big no matter what his career path.
Ellen
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Post by birchie on Nov 16, 2013 22:42:58 GMT -5
Nobody has mentioned watching the PBS Oklahoma! broadcast so I'll ask...did anyone watch it besides me? As I've mentioned a time or two, or ten, it was my favorite Hugh DVD before Les Miserables and is actually how I discovered him...in the original PBS broadcast in '03 I believe. Anyway I watched because they were advertising that it would be broadcast in HD so I thought they would have gotten it from the BluRay so I wanted to see the quality and of course, I don't really need any excuse to watch Oklahoma! again. I loved watching it again but I was a bit disappointed because it was an edited version. Small edits, but edits none the less! Also the quality really wasn't any better than my DVD. Did anyone else watch? Sue
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Post by alma on Nov 17, 2013 12:14:49 GMT -5
Oh, I was right there with you, Sue. Wouldn't have missed it for the world. I hadn't taken the time to watch it for a long while, so it was a very special treat.
And I discovered it is definitely my favorite... sorry, folks! Even above Les Miserables. But that's just me. It leaves me exhilarated. Les Miserables is such a beautiful story, but it gets me down sometimes. I can watch Oklahoma! over and over and over. Of course, you have to consider that I have a special weakness for dancing and great choreography, and Susan Stroman's leaves me delighted!
I love to follow Hugh with my eyes in scenes where there's lots of other characters and action taking place, like "The Farmer and the Cowman" and I marvel at Trevor Nunn's direction, with attention to the smallest details in expression and placement or action in ALL the characters. They don't stand there and let their eyes follow Aunt Eller, they're wiping their nose on their sleeve, or glaring at someone across the stage, bickering at someone beside them...
And Shuler just blows me away. Every second.
The nuances in Hugh's performance, even when he's way back behind a dozen people... masterful. Replay it and watch Hugh right after The Farmer and the Cowman, when they're about to auction off Ado Annie's and Laurie's hampers: Hugh is standing behind the wagon rolling a cigarette while they're scolding Annie... watch him. And not just him; all the actors REACT to the action and dialogue, they don't telegraph what's going to happen. Thank you, Trevor Nunn.
Trevor really knows his business bringing out the best acting in Hugh, including timing and delivery: how Curly tries to mask his disappointment when he hears Laurie is going to the social with Jud... And in the "proposal" scene, how he stammers and his voice breaks, not just when he asks Laurie to marry him, but when he says that now that he's got her to help him, he's going to amount to something yet...
Oklahoma! is dramatic at times, but overall it's a HAPPY musical. Yup, definitely my favorite. I could watch it all over again today!
Now, if Hugh could once again get directed by Trevor Nunn...
Alma
P.S. Notice how Hugh's forearms look sort of "thin" (they weren't really, just comparing!) in those pre-Wolverine days? They never got that thin again...
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Post by jo on Nov 17, 2013 18:22:10 GMT -5
Hugh has always acknowledged Sir Trevor Nunn as his mentor. Trevor even came to see him in TBFO and he told Hugh : " This is your LEAR!", with reference to one of the most difficult roles in classical theatre. A few years back, Trevor was trying to mount a musical production of Gone With The Wind in London and according to buzz, he was trying to persuade Hugh to take the role of Rhett Butler. I saw the production in London but it was more focused on Scarlett O'Hara ( as the movie was), so maybe it did not interest Hugh enough, plus it was being staged across the pond. Sir Trevor has such a rich theatre CV ( I was lucky to have seen quite a few of his directorial hits). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevor_NunnHugh has hoped that they can work together again, maybe in a classical play, as Sir Trevor was once Artistic Director for THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ( which originated Les Miserables in the London stage) and later on was also Artistic Director for THE ROYAL NATIONAL THEATRE (another government-supported arts institution, which produced OKLAHOMA!). Is Hugh still young enough for his favorite play HENRY V ? I wonder if Hugh ever touched base with Trevor when he was filming Les Miserables? Trevor did originate the English version of the stage musical - and helped create the character of Jean Valjean. Jo
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Post by jo on Nov 17, 2013 19:20:59 GMT -5
On the PBS feedback section, someone wrote this anecdote a years ago --
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Post by alma on Nov 17, 2013 23:02:17 GMT -5
On the PBS feedback section, someone wrote this anecdote a years ago -- Jo, I'd never read that before! What a wonderful anecdote. Where's the smiley for AHHH!!!!! And YES! We can keep hoping Hugh gets to work with the outstanding Mr. Nunn again... SOON! Thanks! Alma
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Post by jo on Jan 5, 2014 19:42:23 GMT -5
Someone unearthed this playful photo of young Hugh (aka Curly) from rehearsals for OKLAHOMA! Love the daisy ...Must have come from Ado Annie's strawboater! Jo
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Post by jo on Jan 5, 2014 20:07:18 GMT -5
Seeing the above photo -- Can't help but be reminded of Maureen Lipman's (aka Aunt Eller) quote about Hugh Jo
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