Review: Hugh Jackman’s charm makes ‘Broadway to Oz’ a must watch [Watch Video]

The world knows him as “Wolverine” from the “X-Men” movies. But Hugh Jackman, yesterday mesmerised musical theatre mavens with his “Broadway to Oz” performance at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. His “ The Boy from Oz” tour in 2006 was his last live performance in Australia.

The “Hugh Jackman: Broadway to Oz” concert is an absolute contrast between Jackman’s Hollywood superhero image and his talent for musicals. During the show, Jackman tells the audience how he auditioned for the role in “X-Men” between matinee and evening performances of “Oklahoma!”

The tour charts Jackman’s 20-year journey from being an Australian screen and stage actor to becoming a Hollywood sensation.

His electrical performance yesterday mesmerised the audience who marvelled at his versatility and charm. Finally, Australian audiences have understood how this handsome, booty-shaking performer was able to gracefully charm America and become one of Hollywood’s most banked upon actors.

In the show, Jackman flawless integrates Aussie humour with high-flying New York showmanship. The performance includes stimulating Broadway-like singing and dancing with interim jokes and funny tales of Jackman’s growing up in Australia, awkward photos of his preposterous childhood haircut and the like.

Jackman’s unwavering spirit, his fine voice and superhero fitness made everybody watch in awe. He is ably supported by his ensemble of dancers, singers, orchestra and choir.

Jackman draws a lot on musicals he loved as a kid. Some of his favourite performers were Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. “Broadway to Oz” includes hit numbers from “Carousel,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Guys and Dolls” and a beautiful “Les Miserables” medley.

His soulful rendition of “I Still Call Australia Home” is truly inspiring and reminds Aussies how the “Boy from Oz” conquered the world without losing his identity and love for his country.

However, the show wouldn’t be complete without the presence of Jackman’s love of 2o years – his wife Deborra-Lee Furness. She is the inspiration behind the musical.

“Hugh Jackman: Broadway to Oz” is playing at;