FLASH FRIDAY: Bring Hugh Home

Hugh Jackman is everywhere this week and it appears he has really arrived in a big way, both in Hollywood and on Broadway - announcing his return to the Great White Way later this season in a solo musical; starring in a new Dreamworks action CGI extravaganza opening in theaters soon, REEL STEEL; as well as the biggest news of all which is saying something, his being cast in the lead role of Jean Valjean in the big screen version of the international musical sensation LES MISERABLES, opposite Russell Crowe as Javert. Broadway babies have known since his Tony-winning work in the Peter Allen musical THE BOY FROM OZ that Hugh can cut up a carpet and knock out a tune like the best gypsies in town, but it is his immediate and lasting rapport with the audience and his eminently likeable manner that seems to pour forth from every orifice that make him perhaps the greatest Broadway leading man of the twenty-first century. With these new endeavors offering ample opportunities for Hugh to sing, strut and show his stuff for an international audience in a major way, his one-man-musical and LES MIZ are the ideal way to showcase his significant triple-threat talents in full while REEL STEEL fulfills his action star ascent. So, today we are going to take a look at some of Hugh's best filmed stage work as available on YouTube, complete with his equal parts rousing, exhilarating and phenomenal Tony Awards performances over the last few years - including this year's unforgettable duet with Neil Patrick Harris; as well as his inimitable take on the disco DREAMGIRLS knock-out "One Night Only", and, of course, a glimpse at his actual Tony-winning role itself as the Boy From Oz. In addition to all of that, we also have his pseudo-audition for LES MIZ in the form his duet with Anne Hathaway at the Oscars - and rumors are flying that Hathaway has been cast in the role of Fantine in the film after all, the character who sings the song they share in one of today's featured clips, the classic "On My Own". We also take a look at REEL STEEL and his brand new stage show in its tryout form in both Toronto and San Francisco, plus his live in-character retort to a cell phone while starring with Daniel Craig in A STEADY RAIN and much, much more!

Star; Singular

What can be said about Hugh Jackman that has not already been said? He has it all - movie star good looks and the career to go with it, a triple-threat talent, ample charm and palpable affability and he is a committed family man. Oh, yeah, and he's Wolverine, too! But, before the WOLVERINE prequel sharpens its blades later next year, Hugh is taking on a number of new stage and screen ventures that have everything to do with all that we Broadway babies have been hoping for from him for eons, ever since he burst onto the musical scene with his charismatic lead performance as Curley in OKLAHOMA! and his flawless essaying of the title role in THE BOY FROM OZ around the turning of the time tables, going into the 00s. Now, or at least coming up in 2012, he has finally reached his full potential with a Broadway show all his own and a leading role in a movie musical to go along with his action star Hollywood status. Indeed, it forces on to ask: what can't Hugh Jackman do? That is certainly the best question we can ask about the man given what we now know about his many charms and gifts. Clearly, as these clips richly suffice, he can actually do it all - and then some. Let's all hope he will make this year's Tony Awards super-super special and host for the fourth time - or, better yet, co-host with this year's sensational MC, Neil Patrick Harris! Or, maybe a return to the Oscars - this time accepting one instead of presenting?

Kicking off the countdown - in this case, quite literally; given the high, high kicks courtesy of Hugh and The Rockettes - here is Hugh Jackman hosting the Tony Awards as only he can, with the utmost in style, showmanship and star power as he commands the stage of Radio City. Be dazzled! This is why many call him the best of the best of the best.

Next, here is Hugh Jackman and Neil Patrick Harris trading barbs and good-heartedly bitchy repartee at this year's Tony Awards that Harris himself hosted for the very first time in 2009. Which host can boast the most? Who will out-sing whom? Who can out-medley whom? Click to see and hear here! And, here, here for these two smashing, dashing Broadway superstars showing that class and crass and art and commerce can co-exist harmoniously - and that real entertainment still sporadically can be found on live TV! Here's to more in the future - particularly if either of these two is involved.

Continuing the Tony Awards theme - since, after all, the stage is Hugh's true first home; from SUNSET BLVD in Australia to OKLAHOMA! in the West End and on Broadway up to THE BOY FROM OZ and his well-earned Tony win all of his huge Hollywood success in a string of hits such as X-MEN and WOLVERINE notwithstanding - here is perhaps Hugh's most impressive star turn of them all - which is really saying something! In a medley brilliantly devised by Michael John LaChiusa, here is Hugh's medley from the 58th Annual Tony Awards. He won't dance… or will he? Bonus points go to whoever out there can name all the songs quoted in this head-turning showstopper of showstoppers supreme.

Now, entering on an elephant and giving new meaning to over-the-top, here is Hugh Jackman veritably embodying noted Australian songwriter and showman Peter Allan in this Tony Awards performance from the musical THE BOY FROM OZ in 2004. Be sure to spot the Sarah Jessica Parker cameo - and, those pants!

After viewing that performative entertainment explosion, it is no surprise to see that Hugh took home the Tony Award for his take on Allan. Here is his heartfelt acceptance speech, presented to him by his dear friend and AUSTRALIA co-star Nicole Kidman. Perhaps an Oscar is on the horizon for Hugh - after all, given the Herculean job of carrying the whole enterprise that Jean Valjean in LES MIZ unquestionably is, he could very well get the gold for that! Only time will tell, but if anyone can do it it will be Hugh! It's high time - or, should I say: Hugh time!

Moving from the Tony Awards to the Academy Awards just as Hugh moved from a big Broadway career to a huge Hollywood one - never forgetting his roots all the while, of course - here is Hugh Jackman's opening monologue and song from when he hosted the 81st Oscars ceremony. Don't miss the special appearance by his supposed soon-to-be big-screen LES MIZ co-star Anne Hathaway and her take on one of the show's most famous songs, "On My Own"! What do you think of this Valjean/Fantine pairing? What about adding Russell Crowe as Javert into the mix? LES MIZ is the Broadway adaptation many have been waiting for with abated breath for many, many years, so let's hope Hugh gives the best work of his career - and who else besides me cannot wait for his "Bring Him Home"?

https://www.youtube.com/embed?v=Terhj8mjPwY&feature=player_detailpage

Now, check out this absolutely riveting and awe-inspiring musical medley sequence from the Oscars two years ago featuring Hugh Jackman leading a bevy Hollywood's best known belters - Beyonce, Zac Efron and more included! Of special note, this sequence was directed by Broadway and Hollywood visual genius known for films like MOULIN ROUGE! and Broadway enterprises like LA BOHEME, InDepth InterView participant and theatre champion Baz Luhrmann. Plus, this clip virtually defines Hollywood production values! Be wowed!

Following that, get a look at the trailer for Hugh Jackman's newest film, REEL STEEL, opening nationwide on October 7.

As a mere tiny taste of his new solo Broadway show, here is a clip of Hugh Jackman singing "Fever" in his one-man-show in its Toronto tryout from a few months ago. Sizzling!

As a special bonus, check out this TMZ clip of Jackman onstage with Daniel Craig in A STEADY RAIN and his in-character reaction to a disruptive audience member's cell phone call during the performance! He never misses a beat!

Lastly, here is a clip taken from the San Francisco run of Hugh Jackman's new solo show at the Curran Theatre in May. What changes will be made before the Broadway bow? We'll have to wait and see!

So, if given the choice, on what stage do you personally prefer Hugh - proscenium stages of Broadway or soundstages of Hollywood? Well, why can't we have him on both?! With the LES MIZ announcement and the confirmation of his new one-man-show both arriving simultaneously it seems as though in 2012 we will have just that - a whole lotta Hugh! And, a whole lot more!

After all, Hugh can do it all - and, with a killer smile, too - canine or otherwise. How fantastic that in LES MIZ he can now sink his teeth into a meaty, bloody movie musical role fit for Wolverine. Chow down and dig in!