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“Have a Go” Hugh Jackman Back on Broadway

He can sing. He can dance. He is ridiculously charming and affable. And yes, he is almost inhumanly handsome. It’s unfair to every other celebrity on earth when Hugh Jackman gets handed a microphone and is told to “Have a go.” 

Hugh Jackman on Broadway is two hours and 10 minutes of sheer entertainment. Even the stoniest-faced tourists and the most jaded New Yorkers were grinning, hooting, and clapping along with the kicky tunes as knocked out by Jackman.

One man shows of this kind don’t really get made anymore, and certainly not on Broadway. Outside of a larger cast performance, only in cabaret or smaller 99-seat black box venues can you watch a song and dance man do his voodoo. If it seems a shame these kinds of shows don’t come around much anymore, it's really because quadruple threat performers like Hugh Jackman are so rare (and affording an 18-piece orchestra to back them up is not cost effective). If you enjoy song and dance even in passing, I warmly encourage you to go. If you love musicals and Broadway, this performance is a mandatory stop in your show-going life-- you only get a few chances in a lifetime to see a rainbow before it’s gone, so hurry up and get over to the Broadhurst Theater.

Jackman’s dancing and singing are top notch and his charm is on full display. He’s simply irresistible. You can’t tear your eyes off him and help yourself from falling for every one of his jokes, even the corniest. Speaking of corn, yes, of course he gives us a great dose of "Oklahoma," as he is obliged to since it was one of the major roles that put him on the map. (You also get to have a laugh at the story about his unfortunate, role-related perm, a literal take on 'Curly' McLain, which he then ended up sporting to his X-Men audition.Wolverine as an 80s hairband guy? As we know, the director could see past the hairstyle.) Jackman's song and dance is broken up with storytelling that helps move us from place to place in what’s essentially a chronicle of his life so far. He's aided by a big screen to show photos and video that complement his efforts. The storytelling also gives him a welcome breather between songs and truly athletic dance moves. His lead up to and performance of “My Boy Bill” from Carousel is a powerful and emotional end to the first half of the show. The second act gives fans of The Boy From Oz a long overdue revisit from Jacko’s embodiment of Peter Allen. For anyone who missed Jackman in that show back in 2003 will wish a time machine (or beg for a revival). 

My absolute enjoyment of the show didn’t keep me from noticing its flaws. It’s not perfect; really, not perfect at all. (Full disclosure, I went during previews so maybe they’ve made refinements). There’s a few too many medleys in exchange for complete songs, and the first act has a little too much by way of chitter chatter and interactive audience antics. In the second half, there's an Aboriginal piece that seems forced or oddly out of place, despite its apparent personal importance to Jackman and the intriguing juxtaposition of the traditional music with the rest of the show. (Plus, the audience reaction for it that piece seems guilt and/or shame inspired; as if the group doesn’t know how to act after a full face of reality about the mistreatment of Australia’s Aborigines, so sheep-like standing-ovating is the only possible default group response.)

All of those issues are all forgiven and quickly forgotten in light of how much fun the experience is in total. What the show might lack in nuance, it makes up for in earnest with high energy, as well as seemingly honest devotion to the material and medium. Jackman’s clearly very passionate about performing. He’s enjoying himself while he’s working it for the crowd and his enthusiasm is infectious. It makes the show a joy. You won’t even realize you’ve been smiling for two hours straight. I wholeheartedly urge you to ‘have a go’ at this one. 

Hugh Jackman Back on Broadway

Broadhurst Theatre
235 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036

Limited run, closing January 1, 2012. 

http://www.hughjackmanonbroadway.com/