Broadway Trivia Question: A-List Actor in a Musical

My co-worker raised the point that A-list actors don't seem to originate Broadway musical roles (this arose from us discussing Jake Gyllenhaal's incredible voice for SITPWG).

As you all are far better versed in musical history than I, I wanted to pose the question. The example that immediately popped into my head was Hugh Jackman in 'The Boy from Oz', understanding this was preceded by an Australian production starring Todd McKenney.

Interested in reading your responses!

dramamama611 said: "Was he considered a-list at that time?"



I would say he was. By that point he already had done the first two X-Men films (with the sequel being even more highly acclaimed than the first one), had a Golden Globe nomination for Kate & Leopold, and had finished shooting Van Helsing (which was planned to spawn its own franchise, even though it ultimately disappointed at the box office and never took off). The producers also knew that he was the draw and decided to go dark during his vacations rather than put on his understudy/standby.

By May 2003, the second XMen movie had been released, opening at # 1 in the USA in 3741 screens and grossing $ 407 million worldwide. Also, Jackman became the top-billed actor for that movie, overtaking the likes of Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Halle Berry. Other than Kate and Leopold ( produced by Harvey Weinstein), he also starred in another romcom (Someone Like You) with Ashley Judd.

While filming Van Helsing ( which was not a box office disappointment, $ 300 mllion worldwide gross and opening at # 1 in the USA, but admittedly not a critical success), he was asked to host the 2003 TONYs. Also, while not a Broadway name, he starred in the Carnegie Hall concert of CAROUSEL in 2002 with Audra McDonald. He would not have been asked to host the TONYs or be in a Carousel concert, had Jackman not been considered a box office draw given that his known background in the USA was only in films. Of course, he had already been introduced to international audiences, via the Royal National Theatre revival of OKLAHOMA!, helmed by Trevor Nunn ( who also directed him in Australia for SUNSET BOULEVARD, his second stage production there after BEAUTY AND THE BEAST). It was while playing in Oklahoma! that he was seen by the first XMen producer Lauren Shuler Donner and by Harvey Weinstein and that may have played a large part to his successful move to Hollywood.

His musical stage background plus his Hollywood success were probably the key reasons for his originating The Boy from Oz on Broadway!

Updated On: 2/8/17 at 07:03 PM

Nathan Lane & Matthew Broderick in the Producers?

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Yes, Hugh Jackman was A-list back in 2003-2004 (or at least I considered him to be.) His name was above the title and the show closed when his contract ended in fall 2004.

The most recent I can think of is this season with Josh Groban. While technically not originating it, he is originating it on Broadway. Don't know if he falls in the category of A-List Actor, but is certainly a name that's selling tickets.

Thanks for the clarification on my question...I truly didn't realize that! My ability to keep timelines straight is practically non-existant.

Not a problem, dramamama, I had to pull up both ibdb and imdb to check the timelines myself for Jackman's movies and The Boy from Oz.



I would attribute part of the reason that you don't see as many A-list Hollywood actors headlining new musicals on Broadway these days is that the timelines are now so much more extended than they used to be in regards to the development of a new musical. Many musicals now go through years of development between readings, workshops, and pre-Broadway productions (whether that be Off-Broadway or out of town tryouts).