Hugh to Host "Xmas in Washington"

[njr]

Dec 15, 2013 8:27:29 GMT -5 jo said:

CNN clip re Hugh hosting the Christmas show in Washington --

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5596u80NegU&feature=youtu.be




He was glad they edited the rest of the Christmas Kangaroo clip from SNL

He says he will definitely be singing...and his family will be there!


Jo

His nose looks good!

Nancy

[jo]

music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=843669

Obamas get into holiday mood at benefit concert

Dec. 15, 2013, 7:01 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obamas are getting into the holiday spirit with a little help from Hugh Jackman, Sheryl Crow and Janelle Monae.





President Barack Obama and his family are attending the 32nd annual "Christmas in Washington" concert Sunday night at the National Building Museum. The event is a benefit for the Children's National Health System.

Before the concert began, the president, his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Sasha and Malia, helped collect presents for patients at Children's National. The president planned to speak to guests at the concert.

Other performers include the Backstreet Boys, actress Anna Kendrick, retired NBA star Charles Barkley and Pat Monahan, the lead singer of Train.

The program will air Friday on TNT.

[jo]

Mark Knoller‏@markknoller5m
At Christmas show, Pres Obama thanks Hugh Jackman for leaving Wolverine claws at home: "It can’t be easy to wrap presents w/ those things."

Lol - I wonder if Malia and Sasha agreed - have they ever watched an XMen movie ...Maybe they asked Oscar and Ava if he is handy around the house ?

On the other hand, it would be easy to have someone cut the paper wrapper when it doesn't fit!


Jo

[jo]

A full preview ??


www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/12/15/backstreet-boys-celebrate-christmas-in-washington/4032715/

Obamas, Hugh Jackman celebrate 'Christmas in Washington'

Cindy Clark, USA TODAY 8:21 p.m. EST December 15, 2013


President and Mrs. Obama were in attendance at the annual holiday concert.


(Photo: Pool Getty Images)



WASHINGTON -- Christmas got a presidential seal of approval Sunday night.

The Backstreet Boys opened TNT's Christmas in Washington concert with a medley of their original holiday songs, Christmas Time and It's Christmas Time Again. President Obama, Mrs. Obama and their daughters Sasha and Malia looked on.

Also on the lineup at the 32nd annual holiday concert: Hugh Grant, Sheryl Crow, Janelle Monae, Anna Kendrick and Pat Monahan. Grant served as host for this year's festivities,which benefits the Children's National Health System. President and Mrs. Obama were front and center for the holiday fun, and the American Family Choir, Washington Youth Choir and AFTRA Choir accompanied the star singing talent. Charles Barkley, NBA Hall of Famer and analyst for TNT's Inside the NBA, made a special guest appearance.

After noting that Christmas is a "time for warmth of family and friends," Jackman pointed out that he is the first Australian to host Christmas in Washington. "Even TNT is outsourcing these days," he joked.

Jackman said he wasn't sure what to get the Obamas, but decided on a "gift that speaks to the true meaning of Christmas: a box set of all seven X-Men and Wolverine movies."

Kendrick, who was just in Washington one week ago to perform at the Kennedy Center Honors, was up next, singing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Monahan sang Merry Christmas Baby, and Crow crooned the classic, Please Come Home for Christmas.

Monae sang This Christmas, and then the entire lineup came together for a closing medley when Jackman put his voice on display during Angels We Have Heard On High. Then President Obama and Mrs. Obama took to the stage.

Obama pointed out that while he loves getting Christmas presents, it's "a time to remember the story of a child born to two faithful travelers on earth." He said this time of year brings "a message of hope." "We wish this holiday season, and all holiday seasons, peace on earth."

The evening ended as it has in years past: with the Obamas, the star-studded lineup and the audience singing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

During rehearsals earlier in the evening, the Backstreet Boys, who are celebrating 20 years of being together, said the holidays are a time to focus on their families.

"We're all with our families (during the holidays). That's our holiday gift to each other: peace of mind and separation for a second because we're always together," said A.J. McLean. "We have a really unique dynamic," says Brian Littrell of the group's longevity. "It's something that we're really proud of."

Of the holidays, they all have special plans. "This will be my daughter's second Christmas...now she's all about opening up presents, so that's really cool," says McLean. As for Nick Carter, he'll be celebrating the holiday with his fiance, Lauren Kitt. "We've taken some (past) traditions and we're also starting new ones," says Carter. "She's half Mexican, so we'll be eating tamales on Christmas. She introduced that to me, and then I introduced her to Charlie Brown Christmas, which I love watching."

Howie Dourough will be attending midnight mass on Christmas Eve with his family, "then we come back and my mom makes a bunch of Spanish traditional foods...then the adults actually open gifts the night before, and then we get things ready at my mom's house for the kids the next morning."

Christmas in Washington will air as a special at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Dec. 20 on TNT.

Hugh Grant?? Shame on you, USA Today

Why did Hugh not open the show, if he is the host? Or maybe the show will be edited when it finally shows?

Did Hugh sing only as part the medley? Not a solo? But it was ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH!

But a pity if they did not use his triple-threat talent in full!


Jo

[jo]

www.thenewstribune.com/2013/12/15/2950367/obamas-get-into-holiday-mood-at.html

Obamas get into holiday mood at benefit concert

By PHILIP ELLIOTT

Associated PressDecember 15, 2013 Updated 15 minutes ago




The first family, from left, Malia Obama, President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and Sasha Obama, pose with children dressed like elves at the National Building Museum in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013. The first family is attending the taping of the annual 2013 Christmas in Washington, celebrating its 32nd year anniversary. MANUEL BALCE CENETA — AP Photo



WASHINGTON — The Obamas got into the holiday spirit Sunday evening with a little help from Hugh Jackman, Sheryl Crow and Janelle Monae.

President Barack Obama and his family attended the 32nd annual "Christmas in Washington" concert, a benefit for the Children's National Health System. After an evening of Christmas carols at the National Building Museum, the president said Americans should remember Jesus Christ's lessons of charity and compassion.

"Through his example, he taught us that we should love the Lord, love our neighbors, as we love ourselves. It's a teaching that has endured for generations. And today, it lies at the heart of my faith and that of millions of Americans, and billions around the globe," Obama said.

"No matter who we are, or where we come from, or how we worship, it's a message of hope and devotion that can unite all of us this holiday season," he added.

Before the concert began, the president, his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Sasha and Malia, helped collect presents for patients at Children's National Medical Center in Washington. Mrs. Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, watched from nearby.

The Obamas met five of the hospital's young patients, who were dressed as elves.

"Hey, you guys, you going to help us?" Mrs. Obama asked.

"Good job, elves," the president said. "Nice job."

Jackman, who hosted the concert, also urged the audience to remember those less fortunate.

"It is the season of compassion. Let us not forget those who are down and out, who are suffering and who have little hope: the Washington Redskins fans," Jackman said. "I can say it, I'm a Giants fan."

The Redskins lost to the Atlanta Falcons earlier Sunday and fell to 3-11 for the season. The New York Giants also lost, though, getting shut out by the Seattle Seahawks as their record fell to 5-9.

Other performers at the concert included the Backstreet Boys, Anna Kendrick and Pat Monahan, the singer from the band Train. Retired NBA star Charles Barkley also was on hand to talk about programs at Children's National.

The concert will be broadcast Friday evening on TNT.

[Kelly]

Dec 15, 2013 18:53:19 GMT -5 njr said:

Dec 15, 2013 8:27:29 GMT -5 jo said:

CNN clip re Hugh hosting the Christmas show in Washington --

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5596u80NegU&feature=youtu.be




He was glad they edited the rest of the Christmas Kangaroo clip from SNL

He says he will definitely be singing...and his family will be there!


Jo

His nose looks good!

Nancy

His nose looks great but his adams spple looks a bit pointy.

[jo]

Hugh looks great and I do like his sartorial style these days!


Jo

[mamaleh]

From what I've read, it appears he sings only in the finale. Better than nothing.

Ellen

[ruby]

Dec 16, 2013 0:48:47 GMT -5 mamaleh said:

From what I've read, it appears he sings only in the finale. Better than nothing.

Ellen

Hugh sings Angels We Have Heard on High then the finale is Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

[jo]

[jo]

[jo]

[jo]

The grand lady standing next to that handsome bloke ( sigh!) is the First Lady's mother, Mrs. Marian Robinson.


Jo

[jo]

[jo]

Will Deb frame these ones

[jo]

[jo]

[mamaleh]

Those are gorgeous photos. Hugh looks so "up."

Ellen

[mamaleh]

Dec 16, 2013 2:10:27 GMT -5 ruby said:

Dec 16, 2013 0:48:47 GMT -5 mamaleh said:

From what I've read, it appears he sings only in the finale. Better than nothing.

Ellen

Hugh sings Angels We Have Heard on High then the finale is Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

I'm assuming "Gloria/Angels..." is part of the finale as the lead-in. Maybe, maybe not, though.

Ellen

[birchie]

After seeing this I don't have much hope that he did anything solo <boo> <awww>

‏@realhughjackman
Rehearsing with the most amazing choir. Christmas in Washington. #potus #flotus #family

http://instagram.com/p/h-WzOEChEm

Sue

[jo]

There are some parts which he probably does solo ( remember when he sang at the Walmart event - he was singing the solo part when the video was abruptly cut off?). But that's it, other than also being part of the choral finale of Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

The production director did not recognize talent when he has been handed it - Hugh is the only legit musical theatre star during the concert and the director wasted the opportunity to highlight such a gift

Jo

[jo]

[mamaleh]

Love that devilish smile of super-glee on his face in that photo. He is obviously so jazzed to be there!

Ellen

[jo]

His expressive left eyebrow shows it all


Jo

[jo]

Christmas stories with Hugh --

www.huffingtonpost.com/pat-gallagher/hugh-jackman-hosts-christmas-in-washington_b_4449645.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003

Pat Gallagher.
Celebrity/Entertainment Journalist, www.twitter.com/@pat_gallagher


Hugh Jackman Hosts 'Christmas In Washington'... And Yes, Virginia, He Does Recycle Christmas Gifts


Hugh Jackman is the ultimate host. Having hosted three Tony Awards and one Academy Award show over the years, the Emmy winner (for the 58th Annual Tony Awards) and Tony Award winner (for "The Boy From Oz") is playing host for the 32nd annual holiday spectacular "Christmas In Washington," which has an impressive lineup of musical performers including Sheryl Crow, Anna Kendrick, the Backstreet Boys, Janelle Monae and Train's lead singer, Pat Monahan.

The "Wolverine" actor sat down with me after rehearsals to share some of his most memorable and hilarious Christmas stories. (If you recycle Christmas gifts, you're not alone!)

You are such a great actor and a popular host of award shows. How does it compare to host a show for the President of the United States as opposed to the Hollywood community?

It's interesting. I've never done it before in front of the President of the United States, so this is a first for me and the first time I have performed in Washington, D.C. ... so it's a different kind of crowd, which I love. I've been on the stage and I've done shows in Australia and London and obviously New York and Hollywood. They've all got a different vibe. There's something different about Christmas which is separate and special. I love this time of year. There is a heart to it which is, I think, really important to convey.

Christmas is such a happy time no matter how old you are. Do you ever wish you could be a child again at Christmas time?

C'mon, I'm an actor. What are you talking about? (Laughs) I haven't grown up yet, not even remotely. It's actually getting worse. I'll tell you why, because I've got people like Michelle (his publicist) around to do things for me. I'm actually getting more child-like. It's like, where am I going? I don't even know what I'm doing after this. (Laughs)

Do you have a special childhood memory of Christmas?

Oh, yes. I can tell you ... I've got to be careful because I'm not sure how many kids will be reading this. We went camping every Christmas. We would have Christmas at home, and my father and mother were English, so we would eat a full hot meal. It would be 100 degrees and we were sweating over the roast and the mashed potatoes and the pies and the steamed Christmas pudding with the money inside wrapped up in foil. We would do all that and then, the next day, we would go camping and we'd always go to the beach. There were five kids and my father was an accountant, so he would have a five-man tent for the six of us. (Laughs). One time we actually went before Christmas, and I remember waking up and seeing Santa trying to deliver my stocking in this tent with five kids sleeping, and Santa stepped on my hair. I'm one of the very few kids who has had his hair trodden on in the middle of the night by Santa.

What's your favorite Christmas movie?

"Elf". I love "Elf!"

Could you see yourself ever doing a role like that?

Yeah, I'd love to do something like that. I wouldn't be nearly as good as Will Ferrell, but I'd love to try. Every Christmas in my family when we were growing up, we would watch "Singing in The Rain." My dad loved that movie and he played that every Christmas. I just think that's a great movie, so after the meal we would always put that in the VCR.

Have you ever watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" with your kids?

No. Now my son is 13 so he wants to watch "South Park Christmas." We're slowly moving past the innocent ones. (Laughs) I can't remember the names of the ones I grew up with, but I remember one with puppets. I love "Miracle of 34th Street."

What's the most hideous Christmas present you've ever gotten?

I vividly remember asking my dad for a boogie board. I'm Australian, so that's what we're all about: surfboards and boogie boards. Actually, I didn't know how expensive a boogie board was, and my dad had to watch how much money he spent on us for Christmas. So he bought me a blow-up raft ... for the surf -- the kind that you'd lie in a pool, not surf with. I didn't want to hurt his feelings, so I took it to the beach trying to catch the waves with this blow-up raft, and all the kids were making fun of me.

Did you pretend you liked it?

I did for about five seconds, and then I was stabbing it. 'Oh, look dad, it won't blow up.' (Laughs)

Do you recycle Christmas gifts? Have you ever done that?

All the time. Can I tell you what me and my friends did? One year, I was given one of those miniature tool kits. It's got everything, but it's miniature. I was given that by my friend Paul. I gave it to Mark the next year for Christmas, he gave it to Irving the year after and the fourth year, Irving gave it back to Paul without any of us knowing. So it took four years to get back to the original owner -- unopened. (Laughs)

Christmas can be a stressful time of year. What's your go-to relaxation regimen?

Cricket. Every year, I go to watch Cricket. Cricket is the most relaxing thing in the world. Unless you play it, it's just bizarre. No one would understand why you sit there for eight hours. The game goes for five days. Not a lot happens. There's five hundred pitches in a day. Everyone just sits and chats and we catch up and watch cricket all day and do nothing. It's the only day -- as a father -- I'm allowed to sit and do nothing. It does relax me.

What's your favorite memory of Christmas with your wife and children?

I've got to say, right now, I'm predicting this year is probably going to be the most special. I just looked at [the seating arrangements in] that front row [at rehearsals for Christmas In Washington] and I saw [the seating charts] -- the first family and my family in the front row there. I think it's all going to be good, although I've got to admit, I did a show on Broadway two years ago. My kids have grown up with me doing the theater. My [8-year-old] daughter was so comfortable and used to me doing stage work that in the middle of my show, she put up her hand and she said, 'Dad.' I said, 'What?' She goes, 'I need to go to the bathroom.' So I stopped the show and said, 'Fine, you can go to the bathroom.' So she comes up on stage and walks off into the wings. (Laughs)

She can't understand why the President doesn't come by for a cup of tea. She's a little [put out] that the President doesn't come by for a cup of tea. She says, 'The President is in town, why doesn't he come by?' (Laughs) So she might go up to the President and go, 'What's the matter? What's the deal? I don't understand ... And why have you got the seat right in the middle?' (Big Laugh) My little princess.

Christmas in Washington -- a holiday tradition benefiting the Children's National Health System -- will air Friday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) exclusively on TNT. The concert is attended each year by the President and First Lady.