Why the Hugh backlash ???

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 6/6/05 at 3:53pm

Ok, first of all I have to say that obviously I didn't see last night's show, being a European and all ! But I am really surprised about the many negative comments about Hugh ! In the recent poll here on BWW almost 2 thirds of the votes said they loved it that he was presenting ! What happened overnight ? Was he that bad ? I can't believe it, since I think he is incredible ! But it saddens me to see that, even here, people are waiting in the corner to crucify a performer overnight. Till yesterday, Hugh was the best thing since sliced bread and today most comments are on the line of "Oh, he is so over, can't sing, can't dance", " "Bring someone else next year" etc. I am puzzled !

[rKrispyt]

Posted: 6/6/05 at 4:07pm

wow

I dunno about the whole "can't sing, can't dance" stuff, it was just...I can't explain it.

left a lot to be desired is all. One of those things where it's obvious that the spark is gone and it's time to move on and get someone else, that's all.

I personally am not feeling any Hugh backlash just....like at first Rosie did it and it was fun adn then after awhile it just fizzled.

Hugh just fizzled last night. Well, for the time that he was actually there. That was anohter thing, the opening number was done by Bernadette Peters, (which was just a voice over singing basically of videos of this year's musicals that weren't in contention), and then a short medley of hte show's nominated (in addition to individual performances that later followed).

Then Peters' opening number was immediately followed by an entrance by Billy Crystal (no hugh in sight) who then proceeded to deliver the opening monologue, and then hugh came in and there was banter, then he said a lil somethin', did a lil spiel dance (which isn't his fault, he made creme brulee from lemons with the material he was given to 'perform') and then basically disappeared for the rest of the night. Like, he didn't even announce the presenters, it was a voice over.

all in all we saw very little of Hugh last night and what was there was not magical at all. Nothing against him, it just didn't seem like he was all that into it or that they let him be that charismatic host he had been in the past. It's like...I dunno, almost felt like he didn't really have time to do it but they wanted him so they made it work with very little involvement from him, that's the feeling I got in the end.

oh - check out this thread, they're sorta discussin' it there but without any kind of negativity towards Hugh:
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=853190&dt=060605035257

Updated On: 6/6/05 at 04:07 PM

[chitown]

Posted: 6/6/05 at 4:10pm

Hugh did just fine.

Most of what you'll read on these boards is backlash. Don't base too much on them. Everyone here is a critic of everything.

[Dirty Rotten Scoundrel]

Posted: 6/6/05 at 4:11pm

hugh did great! there wasnt enough of him!!
i wish that aretha didnt have to sing with him!

[nmartin]

Posted: 6/6/05 at 4:22pm

For whatever reason, Jackman's performance last night was painful to watch. I was embarrassed for him during the song medley. Before I suffer a barrage of attacks, I don't know why it came off so amateurish but it did.

[CGoldstein]

Posted: 6/6/05 at 4:23pm

I liked Hugh!

[november]

Posted: 6/6/05 at 4:29pm

Yes Hugh did a fine job, I think he is pure talent

Posted: 6/6/05 at 4:32pm

"I don't know why it came off so amateurish but it did."

That is a matter of opinion, and you are more than entitled to it. However, everyone at the gathering we attended - which included mostly industry professionals - thought he was great.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 6/6/05 at 4:32pm

I don't think it was Hugh's fault (other than his constant apologizing/justifying for making jokes about people). The writers didn't give him much to work with, he wasn't present most of the time, and his dance medley was just plain weird.

It would be nice to see a change of host for next year. I love Hugh, but he hit his hosting peak last year (I still remember being in complete awe during "One Night Only"), and a change of pace would be nice.

Posted: 6/6/05 at 4:35pm

I was so excited to Hugh this year as host again. I thought he did a great job... he was funny and charistmatic. I wish that he didn't have to sing with Aretha but he outshined her, so it doesn't really matter. He wasn't shown that much in this year's Tonys, but in comparison to last year... keep in mind that he was also a nominee last year. But he did a great job and I'm really proud of him... his singing and dancing was amazing and terrific, but I also have to agree that "One Night Only" was alot more pizazy than anything that happened this year

--korenglish
Updated On: 6/6/05 at 04:35 PM

[Marquise]

Posted: 6/6/05 at 4:41pm

No Hugh backlash here. Just wish we'd seen more of him on last night's telecast.
Updated On: 6/6/05 at 04:41 PM

[PJ]

Posted: 6/6/05 at 4:43pm

I said on another thread about how Hugh left much to be desired. I think they should bring in someone fresh and new next year.