Back -- TO -- Broadway for Hugh?

[jo]

Hugh has been quoted in several recent interviews about wanting to return to Broadway in a book musical soon. It didn't seem to be the stage adaptation of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN because according to him, they are still working out the final format for any live performance ( Broadway/ArenaTour/VegasShow/Concert). Hugh has also said that he is liking the material coming his way. He has emphasized that he would like to do a book musical next!  So, a variety show like Back On Broadway is out of the question currently.


Playbill has listed, as of June 2018, shows that have either been announced or seems likely to be announced for the 2018-2019 season. Please note that the current season ( which ends with the TONY awards in early June) has not yet closed.


Here are the new season's possibilities --

www.playbill.com/article/what-shows-are-heading-to-broadway-in-the-20182019-season

Btw, among those listed in June is the revival of KISS ME KATE, with Kelli O'Hara. More recently, Will Chase has been announced in the male lead role. So, that one is out of the question. It is a Roundabout production, which are usually limited runs.


Are there other new major shows that could attract Hugh that have not been announced or buzzed about? Would he be interested in a revival at all?

Andrew Lloyd Webber said in September 2018 that he expects to complete his take on the Cinderella story by end of the year. It is a revisionist and modern tale on the Cinderalla story. However, he expects it " to follow the usual development trajectory for a musical of 18 months-two years minimum."

www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/andrew-lloyd-webber-plans-new-cinderella-musical-project-1142775

Stephen Sondheim has been working on a new musical -- based on the life of surrealist film maker Luis Bunuel. It was supposed to have premiered this year but plans did not jell for a Broadway opening.The producer is Scott Rudin and the director is Joe Mantello. Early buzz is that it is as melodic as Passion. I wonder if the plans to stage it are still current. This could be something that may interest Hugh?


Stephen Schwartz ( Wicked...and worked with Hugh on the unfinished HOUDINI) has updated on his work program, via a newsletter ( please scroll down) --

www.theschwartzscene.com/quarterly-newsletter/issue-62-fall-2018/

The two more promising projects are the musical adaptation of Prince of Egypt and Rags.

[jo]

[jo]

Not sure where to post this -- but it could very well be rehearsals for a forthcoming show?

http://instagram.com/p/Bqm0IMDBKZT

And STICKS - he was likely referring to his long legs, which he once called showgirl legs when he was dancing at Radio City Music Hall for the TONYs!

[jo]

It's back to the stage for Hugh --

But likely NOT Back to Broadway!!

Nov 29, 2018 7:02:45 GMT -5 jo said:

A One-Man Variety Show -- according to a Variety Exclusive!!!


variety.com/2018/legit/news/hugh-jackman-stage-show-1203038997/

HOME Legit News
November 29, 2018 3:55AM PT


Hugh Jackman Reviving One-Man Stage Show (EXCLUSIVE)
By Brent Lang
Brent Lang
Executive Editor of Film and Media


CREDIT: Maarten de boer for Variety

Hugh Jackman is reviving his one-man stage show and is planning a multi-city tour, Variety has learned.

To get fans in the spirit, Jackman will perform two songs on the plaza at 30 Rockefeller Center as part of the “Today” show concert series.

A set list hasn’t been determined for the touring stage show, but the Tony Award winner will likely perform songs from musicals he’s been associated with such as “Les Miserables,” “The Boy from Oz,” and “Oklahoma.” He will also add two or three numbers from “The Greatest Showman,” according to knowledgable insiders.


Most of the performances will be in international venues, but Jackman is expected to some domestic stops on the tour, including a visit to Los Angeles. Jackman has previously performed his one-man act on Broadway and in Los Angeles, where he raised money for the Motion Picture and Television Fund during a 2013 stint.


Jackman’s one-man show is not the only stage production that will could feature music from “The Greatest Showman,” last year’s hit movie musical about P.T. Barnum. The film’s backers, which include Fox and Peter Chernin’s Chernin Entertainment, are having preliminary talks with a number of interested parties. A Broadway engagement is unlikely, but the show could include circus performers and music from the movie and is eyeing a debut in Las Vegas, London, or Australia.

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the songwriting team from the film, are expected to be involved in some capacity, as is director Michael Gracey. It’s unclear what Jackman’s involvement will be with the stage version of “The Greatest Showman,” though he may have a producer role.

Jackman is currently playing former presidential candidate Gary Hart in “The Frontrunner” and will next appear opposite Allison Janney in the drama “Bad Education.” His stage credits include his award-winning turn as Peter Allen in “The Boy From Oz,” as well as starring roles in the Broadway productions of “A Steady Rain” and “The River.”

On Instagram, the actor teased that he will make a big announcement on Thursday. Presumably he plans to reveal that he’ll be taking the stage again soon.

[jo]

Jackman’s one-man show is not the only stage production that will could feature music from “The Greatest Showman,” last year’s hit movie musical about P.T. Barnum. The film’s backers, which include Fox and Peter Chernin’s Chernin Entertainment, are having preliminary talks with a number of interested parties. A Broadway engagement is unlikely, but the show could include circus performers and music from the movie and is eyeing a debut in Las Vegas, London, or Australia.

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the songwriting team from the film, are expected to be involved in some capacity, as is director Michael Gracey. It’s unclear what Jackman’s involvement will be with the stage version of “The Greatest Showman,” though he may have a producer role.

Personally this is disappointing news -- that the live adaptation of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN may not include Hugh in its debut!!


Jo

[jo]

Hmmm... I thought that he wanted to do a book musical ?! Didn't he say that as late as his most recent interviews?

If it was not the live adaptation of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, I was hoping at least for a new show.


Hope there is clearer news when he gets interviewed on the TODAY show!!


Jo

[jo]

[jo]

http://instagram.com/p/BqxBOcZH9LJ

[jo]

http://instagram.com/p/Bu6uJs0HWXv

Reprised on his Twitter account --

www.broadwayworld.com/article/Rialto-Chatter-Hugh-Jackman-Will-Return-To-Broadway-In-THE-MUSIC-MAN-20190312

[mamaleh]

If this is true, I think he took that school musical too much to heart. . While it would be great to have him back on the boards, I can’t help but wish he’d choose a different show, one that’s not been done to death. Shipoopi!

Ellen

[jo]

Supposedly Scott Rudin is producing - people on BWW are speculating that it will revived in a very spectacular way like HELLO, DOLLY!

Busy looking for my DVD of the movie
(Edit: Cant find it … checking with Amazon if it is still available )


Will it ready for spring 2020? Hmmm... not too sure. REMINISCENCE will start filming only in late October. It is an action thriller and may take a few months to film. If it slips into January, will there be time to start rehearsing for THE MUSIC MAN so it can open in early April ( cutoff for TONY qualification)?


A show site has already been put up.


musicmanonbroadway.com/



And also a Facebook Page.

www.facebook.com/MusicManBway/

[jo]

[jo]

Someone's already applying for the role of Marian

[jo]

On an aside -- what happens to any follow-up project for THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, whether stage adaptation or film sequel?

By March 20, Disney and Fox would have closed the deal...and Disney can start planning or re-planning any ex-future projects of FOX. Hmmm...


Jo

[jo]

So much speculations going on --

*Who is going to be Marian?
*Which Shubert Theatre will host the show?
*Which season will it be part of? Coming spring...or into the fall?
*How will the pricing go?


Sample Twitter questions?

[jo]

LOL!

[mamaleh]

Ha, that looks like a still from a production of FOLLIES.

I took a closer look at the suitcase in the Instagram photo. It indicates opening night as October 22, 2020. That’s not next season, that’s season after next. More time to film a couple of good movies in the interim, I hope. Maybe THE GOOD SPY?

Ellen

[jo]

He replaced the Instagram notice with a more informative one

http://instagram.com/p/Bu8xDTAnkj8