Is Harry Connick, Jr. the next Hugh Jackman?

[chasswann]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 9:42am

I also saw both of these actors perform. While Harry Connick Jr. has the most marvelous set of pipes and performed well, at times he did appear uncomfortable onstage. However, to compare him to Hugh Jackman, who is in another class of performance, is entirely without merit. Harry can certainly perform to the utmost of his ability in front of a piano, orchestra or microphone and captivate an audience. On TV or in film, he is just another run-of-the-mill workaday actor. Hugh, on the other hand, is a true theatre triple threat and can reach out to the audience over the footlights in a way not seen onstage since many of the old-time Broadway stars (who were able to hone their skills thru vaudeville, Catskill hotel revues or just the abundance of stage work that was once available in the "Golden" Era)have passed away. He was truly electrifying and his performance will always be indelibly etched in my memory in a category that few have attained. He is entirely stunning on stage. I've been attending theatre, ballet and opera my entire life and see Broadway shows on a frequent basis. I've also seen Hugh host the Tonys live. It takes a special talent to be able to do what he can do (and if any of you have seen other "film" actors like Julia Roberts or Denzel Washington attempt live theatre, you know what I mean!)

[Craig]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 9:58am

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=893753&dt=29