GRUELLING SCHEDULE AS

AUSSIE HUGH JACKMAN TAKES

HIS SHOW ON THE ROAD

By SHIRLEY BROUN

HUGH JACKMAN is about to embark on his first World Tour with a gruelling schedule that must be seen to be believed.

Hugh Jackman

The wonderful Aussie with the big, all-embracing smile and laughing eyes has been captivating audiences for quite some years now.

He first caught my eye when he performed in a Simon Gallaher theatre production on the Queensland Gold Coast during the early 1990s.

Hugh was a special guest who towered above the rest in high platform shoes, hips swaying as he presented Elvis …. I knew at that moment this man was going to be a STAR! And I am pleased to report – I was right.

The next time I saw Hugh was in the $12 million Australian production of Beauty and the Beast during its Melbourne run, as a guest of Australian Showbiz royalty Colin Jacobsen (Col Joye) and his brother Kevin.

THE PERFECT `GASTON'

Hugh was 27, tall, handsome, supremely talented and made the perfect `Gaston’.

Newly graduated from the acting academy, Hugh said to me in an interview at the time (1996): “I was such a fresh graduate, but I didn’t feel the pressure of the audition because I didn’t think I had a chance of getting the role. Gaston is rather arrogant, yet comical at the same time, so I played it to the fullest in my audition – you have to love to hate him.”

The role’s physical demands were a fitting precursor to the road his career was about to take when he headed for the USA.

“Gaston is such an emotional character and is physically demanding. I often feel like Peter Garrett from Midnight Oil … dripping sweat throughout each performance,” said Hugh Jackman.

Even back then, Hugh was training in the gym five times a week as well as two or three sessions with a personal trainer.

WEDDING BELLS RING OUT

It was at that time too, in fact the same month, that Hugh would marry `the love of his life’, actress Deborra-Lee Furness who was appearing in the television series, Fire.

The love he has for Deborra-Lee and the way he spoke about her, made me love her too. They share such a very special relationship.

Opening night of Beauty and the Beast in Sydney saw our paths cross once again, this time amid a huge, very exciting opening night party that was attended by the who’s who of Australian show business such as Col Joye, Don Lane, Brian Henderson and so many more inspirational Aussies.

WARDROBE MISFUNCTION

As we all walked from the theatre to the party venue someone accidently stood on my dress and it pulled the hem down, which spoilt the look somewhat.

So, I looked around for a needle and thread and found – would you believe – Hugh Jackman who was heading up to the stage with fellow cast members to be introduced to the guests.

“Hey Shirl, what’s up,” he said with a big assuring smile, so I told him my dilemma.

Despite his need to be up on stage almost immediately, Hugh took the time to find the wardrobe manager … who sewed me up in very quick time indeed.

Such is the caring nature of a real gentleman who is today adored by millions.

In my view, Australia could not have a better role model than Hugh Jackman.

Hugh admitted to me all those years ago that he just loves being on stage and having fun in every show. He sings, dances, acts and is the complete package.

No wonder the world has fallen in love with him. I know I did, all those years ago.

FIRST WORLD TOUR

Hugh’s first world tour `The Man, The Music, The Show’ will be phenomenal and he is really going to cover some territory when it kicks off on May 7 in Glasgow until his final performance in Auckland New Zealand on September 9, 2019.

Hugh Jackman has made an impression on audiences of all ages with his many skills and talents, as successful on stage in front of live crowds as he is on film.

From his award-winning turn on Broadway as the 1970s singer/songwriter Peter Allen, to his metal claw-wielding Wolverine in the blockbuster X-Men franchise, Jackman has proven to be one of the most versatile actors of our time.

Jackman garnered his first Academy Award® nomination, for Best Actor, for his performance in Tom Hooper’s Les Misérables, based on the popular stage show created from Victor Hugo’s famous novel of the same name.

Jackman’s standout performance as protagonist Jean Valjean also earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical, as well as Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award® nominations, for both Best Ensemble and Best Male Actor in a Leading Role, and a BAFTA Award nomination.

Most recently, he was nominated for his role as P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman.

Sales for the soundtrack to the film have broken records the world over and reached multi-platinum status in many countries including the UK and America.

Below is a list of all the dates and venues for Hugh Jackman’s `The Man, The Music, The Show’ which will see him performing hit songs from The Greatest Showman, Les Miserables and more from Broadway and film, accompanied by a live orchestra. The tour is produced by AEG Presents and TEG-Dainty.
For further details go to: www.hughjackmantheshow.com and www.tegdainty/hughjackman

TOUR DATES

World Tour begins in Glasgow, UK on May 7-9 and includes Merksem (Antwerpen) Belgium May 12, Hamburg Germany – May 13, Berlin Germany – May 14, Koln Germany – May 16, Amsterdam Netherlands – May 17, Zurich Switzerland – May 19, Mannheim Germany – May 21, Paris France – May 22, Manchester UK – May 25; Birmingham UK – May 27-28; Dublin Ireland – May 30-31; London UK – June 2-7; Houston Texas – June 18; Dallas Texas – June 19; Chicago – June 21; St Paul – June 22; Detroit – June 24; Toronto Canada – June 25; Boston – June 27; New York City, Madison Square Garden – June 28-29; Philadelphia – June 30; Washington DC – July 1; Atlanta – June 3; Tampa Florida – July 5; Sunrise Florida – July 6; Dever – July 10; Salt Lake City – July 11-12; Las Vegas, MGM Grand Garden Arena – July 13; Glendale – July 14; San Diego – July 16; San Jose – July 17; Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood – July 19-20; Qudos Bank Arena Sydney, Australia – Aug 2-3; Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Aug 10; Rod Laver Arena Melbourne – Aug 16-17; RAC Arena Perth – Aug 21 & 24; Brisbane Entertainment Centre – Aug 31; Auckland NZ – Sept 6-7.

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