As the President of the Board of The Drama League, I am thrilled to announce that international superstar Hugh Jackman will receive the Drama League’s Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater.
First bestowed in 1985, the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre recognizes performers, composers, lyricists, choreographers, and directors whose careers have defined the utmost standard of excellence in musicals, and Hugh Jackman is the perfect example of excellence in musicals.
Hugh Jackman started in musical theater at home in Sydney, Australia and after starring in the National Theatres critically acclaimed Oklahoma in 1999, he went on to Hollywood. Although many of his X-Men Wolverine fans didn’t know he could sing until his Academy Award nominated performance in Les Miserables in 2012, his theater fans were aware of his excellence in theater from his 2004 Tony winning performance in The Boy From Oz, and his 2012 Special Tony Award.
This season he is back in The Music Man with Sutton Foster. Together, this musical theater duo has been heralded as Broadway royalty and the audiences at the Winter Garden Theatre are on their feet every night with extended standing ovations. It is the must-see show of the season.
I had a chance to ask this pillar of excellence a few questions.
How does it feel to be back on Broadway in a musical?
In a word—awesome! There is nothing more rewarding than live theater. After the first night of previews, I kept thinking why did I wait so long to come back to Broadway!
Did the pandemic change how you feel about being back with a live audience?
Not really. I know that the protocol set is being taken very seriously. It is to ensure the safety of the cast, crew, and the audiences. We test often and are diligent about mask wearing, etc. I think you’ll find that most of us will do anything to be able to perform on stage.
Awards season has just begun, and you have already been asked to accept the Drama League Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater Award. Please tell us what this award means to you?
The Drama League award for distinguished achievement in musical theater is a great honor. I am humbled to be receiving this award. As we all do 8 shows a week, the time together is rare. So, to be in the room with my peers, for a joyful occasion, gives me great happiness.
