Ah, That Boy From Oz!

[JaneGael]

Posted: 10/7/03 at 5:18am

My husband and I caught the matinee on Saturday, Oct. 5th. We sat second row center amid a sea of people who had not heard of this Hugh Jackman. guy. We were the only ones who were not "Theatah People" and we listened as our neighbors critiqued all the top shows that they had attended as well as the actors whose autographs they had gotten. They were merciless and we found ourselves explaining Hugh's background and credentials...no he didn't get hired because he's a movie star...

Then the show started and the electricity started to build. By intermission our neighbors were no longer asking Hugh who, but rather what was he in last? Programs were whipped out, his bio was read and the talk turned to how grand the opening night was going to be. It was fun to listen to the change in their tune.

By the end of the show these folks were on their feet along with us applauding Hugh's solo and stopping the show for this upstart boy from Oz. They loved him -- we loved him. My husband, who at 6'8" barely fit in the seat pried himself out not once but twice to stand and cheer -- not Wolverine, but Hugh Jackman -- one of the brighter lights on The Great White Way. Long may he shine!

When we left we stopped to see if we could get an autograph for my sister. He was very gracious and signed for many people, stopping to have his picture taken with several. He spotted my husband and recognized him (Dave is admittedly tough to miss when he stands). He signed for us and graciously signed for the tiny woman behind Dave who was waving her program and could barely be seen, when Dave took it from her and held it out to Hugh. When he left, it was not in a limo, but rather a black SUV. They don't go in for that "Star Attitude" down in Oz.

People may come to see The Boy From Oz because Hugh is a handsome man. That's not reason enough to spend $50 to $100. You can rent Kate and Leopold for $2. The reason to spend that kind of money is to be entertained in the way that Broadway made famous. Sure you can critique it to death, but you spoil your own fun. Enjoy the show, it has humor, tears, great performances by all and will leave you singing that you are going to Rio....De Janero.

Peace,
Jane W

[lass]

Posted: 10/7/03 at 7:50am

So glad you enjoyed this, Jane. I'm really looking forward to seeing it next month.

[kec]

Posted: 10/7/03 at 9:21am

Glad to hear you enjoyed it Jane, and that Hugh wowed those "theatah people" around you. I saw an early preview (September 21) and very much enjoyed it. I had seen Hugh in a video of the Oklahoma production he did, and loved his rendition of Curly. But seeing him live was an experience I am very glad I did not miss. I only hope I have a chance to see the finished product sometime in the next year.

He was also very gracious in signing autographs and posing for photos that day at the stage door.

I can well understand your husband's problem with the seats. My cousin, who saw the show with me that day, is also tall and usually has problems with such seats. Fortunately for us, our last row orchestra seats had been replaced with electrical equipment for the show, so we got two seats next to the aisle in the next to last row. She was able to sit comfortably.

[jo]

Posted: 10/7/03 at 9:32am

Jane and KEC --

I have the opposite problem - being of a "dainty" size, I find it difficult watching the show while craning my neck on the side of the person in front of me

I'm glad I got tickets early enough for this show - front row center, and in another instance right by the aisle on Orchestra side ( makes for better line of sight).

Jo

[kec]

Posted: 10/7/03 at 11:14am

"I'm glad I got tickets early enough for this show - front row center, and in another instance right by the aisle on Orchestra side ( makes for better line of sight)."

Be warned, Jo... it may also make you the focus of "Peter's" attention if Hugh continues that little interaction with an audience member that I saw on September 21! I read somewhere that he did the same thing to Paul Schafer (from Letterman?) not too long ago...

[Dollypop]

Posted: 10/7/03 at 6:38pm

How can yoou post a message about THE BOY FROM OZ without mentioning that Jarrod Emick is the REAL star of the show?

[PigletH13]

Posted: 10/7/03 at 6:50pm

Oh DP...he is in our eyes...but not in everyone else's...(sigh). Just repeat after me:

There is no place like South Dakota
There is no place like South Dakota

wait a minute. Yes there is! North Dakota!

[Broadwaylady]

Posted: 10/7/03 at 7:17pm

I can't wait to see it either. I have tixs for December 13th.

[jo]

Posted: 10/7/03 at 8:12pm

KEC,

Not to worry - I'm too "dainty" for him to see me
But may I say that I will be sitting on Front Row Center, Seat #.... on 25 November and that I don't look American

Maybe he is one of those who Marissa Winokur said reads Broadway online - LOL!

Jo

[IssaMe]

Posted: 10/8/03 at 10:09am

Dollypop, I love you - (and I promise never to sit with Barbra again!)

[PigletH13]

Posted: 10/8/03 at 10:20am

You love him and not me>? Well fine! Be that way!

[IssaMe]

Posted: 10/8/03 at 10:26am

Of course I love you, sweetie - even if I don't write to you.
But it's just that I haven't told Dollypop lately (and I do have to make nice with him over that Barbra thing).

[PigletH13]

Posted: 10/8/03 at 10:28am

Well ok....but ya could write to me ya know! I won't bite!

[Alex the Cat]

Posted: 10/8/03 at 11:25pm

I always liked Hugh Jackman, but wasn't crazy about his movies... although I have to say that no one else could take a piece of fluff like 'Kate and Leopold' and make it likeable. I really became a fan, though, after seeing him host the 'Saturday Night Live' Christmas episode in 2001. I didn't know what to expect from him, and the whole mood of the show was very emotional... after 9/11 and everything this city went through, it would have been a difficult show for anyone to host. He came out to do the opening monologue, and before I knew it, launched into my all-time favorite Judy Garland song, 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'. Just thinking of her heart-breaking rendition in 'Meet Me in St. Louis' brings tears to my eyes- but Hugh's rendition was so touching and heartfelt it had me sobbing. It was just the perfect thing to do- beyond any spoken words, the line 'Years from now, our troubles will be far away' was never more apt... there are very few people who can do justice to that song and not make it overly sentimental.

You can always tell on SNL who the hosts are who have really made an effort, and he was so funny and really gave his all to what I think is a classic episode. I saw him (in person) at the Tonys last year and thought he was great there too- the best bits were during the commercial breaks, when he came out and ad-libbed jokes to keep us all awake.

A true class act in my book- can't wait to see 'Oz' on my birthday, Christmas Eve!
Updated On: 10/8/03 at 11:25 PM

[Michelleruth]

Posted: 10/9/03 at 7:25am

I'm going on November 8th! Can't wait!!!!!

[JaneGael]

Posted: 10/9/03 at 6:42pm

I hope everone who wants to go gets the chance. It's a lot of fun, but remember its only 2 hours and I can practically guarantee that you will be so excited you won't remember it. I would suggest going twice if you can, once in the cheap seats to get the idea of what it is all about and then the second time as up front and center as you can get. The mezzanine seats are excellent, extending to about row 8 on the floor. He also teases the folks up there a couple of times, so you won't feel left out.

Try to get seats along the left side of the center row. The chart is here http://www.broadway-theater-tickets.com/includes/Theater/imperial_theater.htm You want to be able to bolt for the doors on the left that open onto 46th street where the stage door is. Go out the doors on the left, make an immediate right and you will see the stage door with his big black SUV. He starts signing to HIS right as he comes out the door, then he signs on the left. I was on his left and had to practically crawl into the big dumpster there. Try to work your way to the front, but don't shove. If Hugh sees you being polite to someone you get brownie points and a smile.

He's one of the Good Guys and after the fiasco with Governor Grope we need a hero.

Peace,
Jane

[Dollypop]

Posted: 10/9/03 at 6:49pm

I hate That Streisand Woman..hate loathe and despise. Her cousin has given me some childhood pictures of the Diva and I've posted them on a wall in the English Department. On my free period I go in there and throw darts at them. Actually, all the little holes on the pictures have improved Barbra's looks.