Jackman back to host Tonys
Win for host could push 'Boy' grosses back to 100%
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Jackman did the honors last June even though his Broadway debut in musical "The Boy From Oz" was then four months away. He ultimately received raves for his perf, although most critics nixed the show.
Early in its run, "Boy" grossed near the show's potential of $955,655 at the Imperial Theater, where it set several house records last fall. Receipts have fallen over the winter months, however, and last week it did $678,520, playing to 82.8% capacity.
Jackman's appearance on the awards telecast -- plus a likely Tony for his perf -- could push the "Boy" grosses back to 100% capacity for his final three months. His one-year contract is up in September.
Not since Liza Minnelli starred in "The Act" in 1977-78 has a show's success been so dependent upon its headliner. When Minnelli got the flu, "The Act" shut down. When Jackman went on vacation recently, performances were suspended. To date, he has not missed one scheduled perf of the Peter Allen bio tuner.
Jackman's hosting the Tonys takes care of one potential problem for the telecast's producers: How to secure the star a song on the TV program if his tuner is not nommed for best musical. "Avenue Q," "Wicked" and "Caroline, or Change" are more likely to be honored in the tuner category, leaving "Boy" and "Bombay Dreams" to duke it out for the remaining nom slot. ("Taboo" and "Never Gonna Dance" are more remote possibilities due to their February shutterings.)
As host, Jackman can sing "I Go to Rio" and wear a Hawaiian shirt regardless of "Boy's" fate.
