Hugh Jackman kicked off the Hollywood Bowl’s 2025 season with an electrifying concert that showcased his multifaceted talents.
Clad in a black tuxedo and strumming a matching acoustic guitar, Jackman immediately set the tone for the evening by bringing a nostalgic touch to his performance.
Opening with Neil Diamond’s lively ‘Crunchy Granola Suite,’ Jackman honored the legacy of showbiz veterans, mirroring Diamond’s iconic 1972 performance captured in ‘Hot August Night.’
Throughout the concert, Jackman drew inspiration from various flamboyant entertainers, highlighting his admiration for Peter Allen, the Australian songwriter he portrayed on Broadway in 2003.
The evening also featured renditions of numbers made famous by P.T. Barnum, the ringmaster of spectacle, whom Jackman embodied in the hit film ‘The Greatest Showman.’
As he remarked to the audience, ‘There’s 17,000 of you, and if any of you did not see “The Greatest Showman,” you might be thinking right now: This guy is super-confident.’
This exuberance was evident in Jackman’s performance of the film’s title track, which has amassed over 625 million streams on Spotify.
In an era where male pop performers often shy away from theatricality, Jackman’s vibrant style stands out, especially since he is widely recognized as Wolverine, the rugged character from the Marvel franchise.
Before Jackman took the stage, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, led by conductor Thomas Wilkins, entertained the audience with a brief orchestral set, featuring selections from John Ottman’s score for ‘X2: X-Men United.’
The evening suggested potential successors to Jackman’s theatrical legacy, as seen in the rising popularity of artists like Benson Boone, but Jackman’s commanding presence left little doubt that he remains focused on his own artistic journey.
The concert spanned various genres, from pieces from ‘The Greatest Showman’ to a lively tribute to Frank Sinatra, further showcasing Jackman’s versatility.
Adding to the show’s charm, he performed a well-loved Diamond classic—’Sweet Caroline’—which he noted would feature in an upcoming film where he plays a Diamond impersonator.
Fans of Jackman were also treated to a couple of his performances as Jean Valjean in the film adaptation of ‘Les Misérables,’ where he earned an Academy Award nomination.
With accolades including an Emmy, a Grammy, and two Tonys, Jackman stands on the brink of achieving EGOT status, only needing an Oscar to join the elite group of entertainers.
In a highlight moment, Jackman sat at a grand piano for ‘You Will Be Found’ from ‘Dear Evan Hansen,’ showcasing his vocal prowess.
He then energized the crowd with ‘Ya Got Trouble’ from ‘The Music Man,’ the first musical he ever appeared in as a teenager, as he dived into the audience, engaging with fans along the way.
As he returned to the stage, he comically recounted his interactions with friends in the audience, saying, ‘Very difficult to say hello to friends and still do that dialogue.’
During the performance, Jackman showcased his sense of humor, especially in a reimagined version of John Denver’s ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy,’ infusing it with his own Australian flair.
He shared lighthearted anecdotes about Australian culture, referencing shark attacks, koalas, and even Margot Robbie, while adding a few cheeky political quips about leadership.
The emotional highlight of the night came with ‘A Million Dreams’ from ‘The Greatest Showman,’ where Jackman performed alongside 18 members of the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, creating a moving spectacle that resonated with the audience.
Despite the song’s trite lyrics and familiar melody, Jackman delivered it with a heartfelt sincerity that captivated those present.
In conclusion, Jackman’s performance at the Hollywood Bowl not only honored the legacy of musical theatre but also demonstrated his enduring ability to connect with audiences through song and storytelling.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2025-06-08/hugh-jackman-hollywood-bowl-opening-night
