Hugh Jackman in San Francisco

[eileen6]

Posted: 5/21/11 at 5:25pm

Just returned from San Francisco and was fortunate enough to see Hugh Jackman's one man show and it was great. I am so hoping that it will surface in NY even for a short time. I actually can say it was fun and he really knows how to appeal to an audience made up of all different age groups.

[jo]

Posted: 5/22/11 at 10:18am

It was a very entertaining show - more like a personal musical journey, highlighting his career and his life with music from musical theatre, the movies, and popular culture. The Curran was convulsing when he led us on a finger-snapping rendition of FEVER and amazed us with his talent with the opening number of OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNIN', with SOLILOQUY from Carousel ( in a tribute to his father, son, and daughter) and SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW ( in a tribute to his homeland Australia). The 2005 TONYs Opening number NEVER GONNA DANCE was used to portray humorously the dichotomy between his stage and movie careers.

He appealed to all demos ( including a 15-year old who went there only for a Wolverine autograph and ended up shyly dancing with the two Broadway singers/dancers). In one performance, the Co-Chairman of FOX Studios, Tom Rothman, was present - hopefully, it means there is a strong interest in a movie musical for Hugh Jackman!


Updated On: 5/22/11 at 10:18 AM

[nealb1]

Posted: 5/22/11 at 11:18am

I saw the show last weekend and he was fantastic! He's so natural, and his talent is so effortless.

[Brick]

Posted: 5/22/11 at 1:36pm

It definitely needs some cutting and thinking in portions, but his charm and talent is so winning.

[BroadwayTravis]

Posted: 5/22/11 at 1:50pm

So jealous of all of you who got to see the show. I think it has a longer future. Glad to see it is going to Toronto in July. Somewhat closer to my hometown of Detroit, but I can't make the trip and don't think he'll come here. Although, I'm hoping we get a premiere of his next film, "Real Steel" since it was filmed in the D.

There's always rumblings and gossip. Has anybody heard something about an expanded tour or a NYC run? Toronto is usually one step away. Just curious.

Also glad to see he got Patrick Vacriello as musical director. I think he is the best on Broadway and certainly worked well with Hugh on "The Boy From Oz".

[sabrelady]

Posted: 5/22/11 at 2:03pm

Seeing this in TO on my Bday July 9th and for the 1st time in YEARS, I can't wait for my birthday to come faster!!!!

[jo]

Posted: 5/22/11 at 5:10pm

>>>It definitely needs some cutting and thinking in portions, but his charm and talent is so winning.<<<

I quite agree about the SF show to be a work in progress -- maybe enhancing the book and a review of the songlist ( especially from the movies) will make the show even more entertaining. No question about Hugh's ability to hold the audience's attention at all!

He did say in some interviews that the show might eventually wind up in NYC.

[mamaleh]

Posted: 5/22/11 at 9:13pm

Not to NY for a while, unfortunately--at least that's what the B'way pundits say. I also had the pleasure of seeing it several times in San Francisco and am gearing up for a trip north to Toronto. Rumor has it that Chicago's next. Not sure I can swing that one as well, but I'll sure try. His strong voice (especially on classic musical theater songs), vivacity, personality and charm are so winning that he can put over virtually any number and leave the audience wanting more. "Fever," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," "Over the Rainbow" and "Luck Be a Lady" were highlights in S.F., but the absolute standout was his stirring "Soliloquy." I can hardly wait to see how the show has been tweaked for Toronto.

[eileen6]

Posted: 5/22/11 at 9:39pm

I too have a feeling it will be a longtime until it hits NYC but it is worth the wait. I actually felt really good coming out of there, no thinking things out just plain unadultered entertainment. He appeals to all age groups and he really knows how to interact with his audience. I know someone else I saw this year who could take a few lessons in interaction with an audience from this guy and I mean that in the kindest way. I even enjoyed the two fellows that represented the Nomad Two Worlds.

[NMA2]

Posted: 5/22/11 at 9:48pm

I saw it towards the end of the run, and definitely agree that with a little tightening and work on the book this could be even better. His charm and stage presence made up for any rough or awkward (mostly book-related) moments.

[jo]

Posted: 5/22/11 at 10:52pm

He was tweaking the show during the run in SanFran --

*Luck Be A Lady was replaced by Mack The Knife
*The Beatles Hard Day's Night was dropped from the soundtrack list.

If Chicago's next, as rumored, it seems he is targeting renowned theatre towns.


Updated On: 5/22/11 at 10:52 PM