Can Hugh Jackman Save 'Oz'?

[Rob]

Posted: 10/26/03 at 11:01pm

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/27/arts/theater/27OZ.html

Posted: 10/26/03 at 11:05pm

ARRG! Why the heck does NYTIMES have to be registered? I mean come on people.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 10/26/03 at 11:21pm

Jon, it takes 3 seconds to register and they send you no spam. It's free. You'd do it if Linda Eder told you to.

Posted: 10/26/03 at 11:26pm

Hmmmm... damn you Namo for being right. LOL LOL

[etoile]

Posted: 10/26/03 at 11:34pm

But to answer the question, can Jackman save OZ? NO! Once the pre-booked tour blocks wear off it will be a very cold new year. Any night it hasn't been up on TKTS? Oh yeah, the day Rosie bought all the tickets on TABOO preview opening night.

Bottom line - it's not a good show. And the only reason to see it is to say you saw Jackman.

Posted: 10/26/03 at 11:35pm

Well I like the music too! I mean even if I do not see the show I will buy the cast recording as I have always liked Peter Allen.

[alterego]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 8:11am

I doubt if he can. It will linger a little longer than most with reviews of the type that it received. Anyone want to bet it's gone by April?

[Cadriel]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 11:21am

I think he'll win a Tony Award for it.

Of course, I think it'll be closed by then, but I still think Hugh Jackman is a good bet for the Tony.

-Wayne

[logan30]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 11:21am

Parts of the show (especially the book) made me cringe but I'll never forget Mr. Jackman's performance. He had the audience eating out his hands. I'd recommend it to anyone. The show will run as long as Mr. Jackman remains with it. (As to whether or not it makes back its investment that's the investor's problem not mine.) If you think a major star can't save a mediocre show here's a few examples of how they can:
Bernadette Peters (Song & Dance)
Julie Andrews (Victor/Victoria)
Maggie Smith (Lettice & Lovage)
Liza Minnelli (The Act)
Kathleen Turner (The Graduate)

I'd rather pay another hundred dollars to see Hugh Jackman again (who actually lifts the show to a stellar level) than ever sit through that dreadfully dull Millie musical again.

[sheekala]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 12:12pm

BFO, LSOH and Wicked were all up on TKTS for most days last week.

[tpdc]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 12:22pm

BFO will cetainly run as long as Jackman remains. People are buying tickets to see him sing well known Peter Allen songs. That is what they get. Is it art? No. I would suspect the audience for this show will be very happy with what is on stage at the Imperial.

[BC]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 12:34pm

Hugh Jackman is committed by contract for a One Year run in this show (October 2004.) The show had a hugh 10 million dollar advance before it opened. If Jackman wins the Tony award in June, ticket sales could advance even further for the five remaining months of Jackman's contract after the Tony Awards the first week of June 2004.

[sheekala]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 12:39pm

As long as Jackman is in it runs.

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 12:42pm

I hope the Tony for best actor goes to Avenue Q.

[tpdc]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 2:03pm

You can tell from this article that people in the community are really thrilled that a hot movie star would make a commitment to a show for a year at the peak of his career. Hugh also got great reviews and has had wonderful word of mouth for this performance. I think it's going to be very hard for anyone else to walk off with the Tony as best actor is a musical.

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 2:08pm

So just because he's a movie star he gets extra Tony kudos?

[bwaylyric]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 2:32pm

Right now, Hugh is definitely the frontrunner for the award. Look at his competition: Hunter Foster? Avenue Q dudes? None of them got the A+++++ reviews that Hugh received.

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 2:33pm

I think Euan or George will be up against him and have a good chance.

[bwaylyric]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 2:36pm

Taboo's bad buzz (backstage riffs, postponements, crew changes) might hurt their chances more than Oz's bad reviews will do for Hugh. Plus the Tony telecast would love to see a Hollywood hottie receive the trophy. Updated On: 10/27/03 at 02:36 PM

[LC]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 2:40pm

I don't think they would nominate George, Euan maybe.

[tpdc]

Posted: 10/27/03 at 4:11pm

Sure the Tonys love movie stars. How else could Elizabeth Taylor get a nomination for THE LITTLE FOXES? I don't he could win the Tony if he wasn't actually good in the role, but being a big movie star and committing to the role for a year will get his serious consideration for a nomination.