Host of the Tonys?

Is Hugh Jackman hosting the Tony Awards again this year? I have a feeling that I heard that somewhere, but I'm not 100 percent positive. And if so -- wouldn't he be better off in the seats when he (probably) wins his award?

And speaking of Hugh Jackman -- I've seen some pictures and videos of him on television with long hair, and in the Boy From Oz (I haven't seen it yet), doesn't he have shorter hair? So does he wear a wig or does he somehow style it differently?

Couldn't they find anyone else?

I thought he was great last year and will be just as good this year. It helps Broadway cross over if people who don't know Broadway yet know him end up watching the show. PLUS his movie Van Helsig will be out and he will be HOT!

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They were still filming Van Helsing when the TONYs were going on. He flew in and out within 24 hours to host.

The TONYs usually garner very low ratings unfortunately - so anything they can do to attract viewer (Jackman as host) is a great thing.

And having worked on the TONYs last year I can honestly say that he did an incredible job, was so thrilled and genuinely excited and honored to be there....

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Whoa whoa whoa....Joizey, of course they could have found someone else, but clearly Hugh is the best pick for this. He's adored by MANY. Yes, and who do YOU think would be the "best choice" then if not Hugh? I'm curious?

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Well, the year of the PRODUCERS sweep it was all about Matthew and Nathan so it's not even as bad as that.
I think Hugh is a great crossover choice to help broaden the exposure. Not to mention he's BEAUTIFUL and CHARMING.

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Same reason as Joizey...he was the host last year (like variety/change) and he is most likely going to win an award/perform. There is many people who could do it...but he IS doing and there is nothing I can do.

TBFO is cancelled for June 6th due to the Tony's dress rehearsal.

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I kind of enjoyed the 1999 Tonys when there was no specific host. Tom Wopat and Bernadette Peters came out singing "There's No Business Like Show Business" and then introduced each pair of presenters. I thought it was charmingly different.

They should have Mel Brooks and Anne Bankcroft host. Those two were histerical on Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Hugh Jackman was great last year; but I agree that perhaps they could have gone in a different direction so as to be more diverse...plus the fact that he will be nominated. But I'm sure he'll be terrific this year as well.

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"so anything they can do to attract viewer (Jackman as host) is a great thing."

Which is why I keep saying "Bring on the Naked Baritones!"

Hell, I'd watch if I weren't a normal Tony viewer.

Hugh Jackman has done a lot for Broadway this season.

He continues to bring in the crowds to see what many critics have described as a truly great and memorable triple-threat performance in THE BOY FROM OZ.

He has hosted not just last year's TONYs but the TONY HONORs as well.

He has contributed time and effort in raising huge amounts for Broadway charities. He has lent his name to other causes, including ACTORS EQUITY's.

I am not particularly enamored of awards hosts who are comedians with canned monologues. I would rather see someone like Hugh presiding over the TONYs. There are tons of charisma to spare when he is onstage - and surely a camera-friendly and disarming image on the TV screen. I am not sure how other stage actors project on the small screen but Hugh has the benefit of being a master of both stage and screen.

Broadway is lucky to have him this season!


Jo

Er, kavana- First of all, Jackman nails his jokes just fine in BFO. But if you don't like him, I know I'm not going to convince you otherwise. :) Second, I distinctly remember a tribute to Al Hirschfeld last year.