Houdini the Musical With Hugh Jackman?

[Iloveshows]

Posted: 5/17/09 at 10:42am

Does anyone know what is really happening with Houdini the Musical that is purported to star Hugh Jackman? (and to be directed by Jack O'Brien).

At one point it was announced for Spring of 2010, and then Hugh Jackman recently said he was working on the magic for it, but then in another article it said that the original "writer" of the book had stepped aside and another book writer was being approached. But if they're going for Spring of 2010 on a show that is perhaps bookless? And then we read that it was going to open in San Diego first (Jack O'Brien's original stomping ground) and then move to NY.

Anyone know any news?

And Hugh Jackman is so busy with other projects that it seems hard to imagine him taking a full year off now, although he certainly was great in The Boy from Oz.

So what's up?

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 5/17/09 at 1:26pm

Jack O'Brian is busy getting three international casts for the Phantom sequel up and playing.

If he can fit in something else, he must be Houdini.
Love Never Dies

[jo]

Posted: 5/19/09 at 5:09pm

Variety reports that ALWebber has confirmed that the Phantom sequel will open in London in March and on Broadway in the same season. I guess that means a replacement for Jack O'Brien must be found if they still plan a possible spring 2010 opening for Houdini.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118003833.html?categoryid=15&cs=1

The other problem is that Hugh has signed up for a new movie called THE UNBOUND CAPTIVES ( with Rachel Weisz and Robert Pattinson) which is supposed to start filming by yearend. That really does not leave much time for rehearsals to be able to open in the spring.