For the first time in five years, entertainer Hugh Jackman, opened up his live performance at Radio City Music Hall on April 18. Tickets are selling out to his show, which will end October of 2025. Jackman is primarily known for his role as Marvel’s Wolverine, but is also renowned for his theatrical performances.
In theater, Jackman is regarded for his roles in The Greatest Showman, The Boy from Oz, Les Miserables, and The Music Man. Hugh Jackman will be performing these roles and the concert may include other surprises from his career.
Angel Wahba, a freshman who watched many of Hugh Jackman’s movies and shows, stated that, “The Greatest showman, it was such a good musical and I’m honestly happy that he’s performing some of the songs from the musical at his concert.”.
Hugh Jackman started acting when he was five years old and over his career has played many diverse roles ranging from a superhero to a father of a depressed teen. However, one of his most notable roles was the superhero, Wolverine in “X-men” and “Deadpool & Wolverine”. His role as a superhero and the chemistry between him and Ryan Reynolds, impressed fans. Wahba shares, “I would like to see Ryan Reynolds featured in Hugh Jackman’s performance because he is really funny and I would like some comedy incorporated into the concert.”
On April 19, Hugh Jackman’s opening night, Ryan Reynolds made a surprise entrance and brought his humor to the stage and he even praised his dear colleague and friend, Jackman, for his versatility as an actor, singer and a dancer. Reynolds also praised Jackman for his support of mental health.
Samantha Zellmer, a freshman, also mentions a guest she would like to be featured in Hugh Jackman’s performance. Zellmer highlights, “I would want the Bearded Lady, Keala Settle, to be a part of Hugh Jackman’s performance because her character is unique and she brings lots of confidence, especially to young girls.”
Although Keala Settle did not make an appearance on his opening night, Mikaela Straus, who is famously known as “King Princess”, shared the stage with Hugh Jackman and they gave a glimpse of their upcoming collaboration in the film “Song Sung Blue.” Keri Rene Fuller also made an appearance and performed “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman.
It is important for performers to communicate with their audience even if it is in an indirect manner. Zellmer emphasizes the value of his connection, she highlights,“I think it’s very important for Hugh Jackman to connect with his audience because it shows what type of person he is and that he isn’t just in shows for fame and money.”
A performer communicating with their audience is crucial, acting genuine and heartfelt does not count as communicating with an audience. According to fans, Hugh Jackman has displayed how to truly communicate with an audience by bringing interactiveness to the show, such as allowing Ryan Reynolds to demonstrate a comedic Q&A.
Jackman’s fans have been praising him, not only for his talent, but also for the way he interacts with them. Supporters on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, and Twitter, support him in the comment section of clips of his acts. A fan online with the username, janpyfrom, commented, “Wonderful show thank you Michele and Giselle for taking me to the second night, unforgettable performance.” Another fan, diso4053, commented, “Love the song and the way the audience responds–good job Hugh!”
Jackman also talks about his personal journey in his career, support for mental health, offering heartfelt moments that showcase his personality and what kind of person he is. Hugh Jackman has collaborated with Gus Worland, an Australian television and radio personality, for a mental health charity, Gotcha4Life’s ‘Mid Your Mate.’ Jackman continued to share his deep care for mental health throughout his performance. Not only does Hugh Jackman speak about his contribution to mental health but he also shares how grateful he is to the cast, orchestra, band, singers, crew and most importantly, his supporters and fans. This raises and elevates his status in the media and in the eyes of people even more.
