Description: Boy, that Hugh Jackman can do it all! He stars in this musical about the life of Australian Peter Allen – flamboyant performer who married Liza Minelli, wrote staying-power songs like Olivia Newton John’s “I Honestly Love You” and “Arthur’s Theme,” for which he won an Oscar, and who died of AIDS at age 46.
Let me start by saying that Hugh Jackman was amazing, and so was the rest of the cast – especially the women who portrayed Judy Garland and Liza Minelli. Perhaps it was because I had seen The Lion King the night before, and it’s just hard to follow that lead, but I wasn’t terribly taken by the story or the music. As I said, the performances themselves were great, I just didn’t “get into it” if you know what I mean.
It was, however, entertaining. Hugh Jackman really interacts with the audience – calling a young gentleman out of the very back row to come sit front row center, and asking a couple who arrived late why they were late. “Was it sex?” He asked. “Don’t worry, you’ll catch up.”
For Hugh Jackman fans, exit the theater after the show from stage left – as you’re facing the stage. About a half hour after the show he makes an exit from that side of the theater, and takes about five minutes to sign autographs. While I wasn’t lucky enough for an autograph, you can see from the photos that I was close enough to see his gorgeous smile, and drink in his essence for a while. What a hottie! (I’m sure his wife agrees.)
The people of NY that I spoke to – even the usher I spoke with during the intermission for the Lion King – couldn’t say enough good things about the show and Hugh Jackman. I agree – about the Hugh Jackman part. I’d say the $79 ticket was a bit high, but I was entertained for two and a half hours.
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