Hugh Jackman Kicks Off 24-Date Broadway Run with Emotional Opening Night

Hugh Jackman took the stage at Radio City Music Hall in New York City with an emotional and celebratory opening night for his new concert series, From New York, With Love. The 56-year-old entertainer held back tears as he thanked a packed house, remarking on how he once dreamed of performing in the iconic venue after hosting the Tony Awards there 22 years ago.

“I said thank you at the beginning, and I’m going to say it again. You all chose to be here with us on our first night at Radio City,” he told the crowd, voice quivering with gratitude. “My dream was to perform here. Thank you for being here.”

The show, which marks Jackman’s first concert run since his 2019 The Man. The Music. The Show. world tour, spans 24 performances. Audiences can expect classic numbers from his most popular stage and film roles, including The Greatest Showman, The Music Man, The Boy From Oz, and Les Misérables.

A Star-Studded Evening

Close friends and collaborators were in attendance on opening night, notably actor Ryan Reynolds and filmmaker Shaun Levy. At one point, Ryan joined a segment called “Hugh and A,” during which Jackman fielded impromptu questions from the audience.

Also cheering Jackman on from the crowd was his new partner, Sutton Foster, who dazzled in a black-sequined dress. The pair worked together in a recent Broadway revival of The Music Man before transitioning their longtime friendship into a romantic relationship.

A Triumphant Return

Following the performance, Jackman shared his enthusiasm on social media.

“What an incredible night it was,” he wrote alongside photos. “We opened our show at the @radiocitymusichall. It had all the feels. The love, the glitches, the sweat, the tears, the laughter and, and, and the love emanating from the audience was enormous. We all felt it. And the icing is we get to keep the party going 23 more times.”

Ryan Reynolds also posted a cheeky review, humorously giving the show 4.9 out of 5 stars, citing the absence of a car chase. He praised Jackman’s versatility, joking that he “had no idea he could sing and dance” despite knowing his knack for “stabbing and grunting” from their work together on the Deadpool & Wolverine film project.

Changes Behind the Scenes

Jackman’s personal life has undergone a significant shift in recent months. He and his former spouse announced their separation in September 2023, after 27 years of marriage. Foster, who previously co-starred with Jackman, filed for divorce from her husband earlier in the year.

As Jackman continues his 24-show run, fans can expect plenty of music, heartwarming anecdotes, and a celebration of a storied career that has spanned film, stage, and television—proving once more that the Tony- and Emmy-winning performer remains one of Broadway’s most beloved figures.

Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com