The Man. The Music. The Show. Explained

Border:yes
Artist:Hugh Jackman
Album:The Greatest Showman
Broadway and Hollywood musical numbers
Number Of Legs:4
Last Tour:Broadway to Oz
(2015)
This Tour:The Man. The Music. The Show. Tour
(2019)

The Man. The Music. The Show. was a concert tour by Australian entertainer Hugh Jackman. It showcased material from the soundtrack album, The Greatest Showman and Broadway and Hollywood musical numbers backed by a live orchestra. Comprising 90 shows, the tour visited North America, Europe, and Oceania. It began on 7 May 2019 in Glasgow and concluded on 20 October 2019 in Mexico City. The tour was officially announced on 30 November 2018, through the tour's website and is produced by AEG Presents, TEG-Dainty and helmed by Robert Fox.

The show was inspired by Classical Hollywood as well as the 2017 film The Greatest Showman with Warren Carlyle as the creative director, and Ashley Wallen as the choreographer. The tour featured costumes from Tom Ford, and an elevated stage with a runway and a round-shaped front. The central theme of the show was Hollywood glamour and extravagant style, and consisted of different segments, with each inspired by different topics. Inspirations varied from Broadway and Hollywood classic numbers to circus. The setlist had more than 20 songs picked from Jackman's career. Critics gave the tour generally positive reviews, praising Jackman's stage presence, vocals and his energy on stage.

Background

Jackman's previous one-man shows including were critically praised for his vocal performance and stage presence and the album The Greatest Showman Soundtrack received widespread commercial success and earned him a Grammy award;[1] It all led to The Man. The Music. The Show. tour which was announced by Jackman on November 29, 2018, via Twitter.[2] The tour is led by AEG Presents, helmed by Robert Fox and directed by Warren Carlyle. It is Jackman's fourth collaboration with Carlyle.[3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

In an interview about the tour, Jackman explained, "Doing an arena show, for me, is perhaps the ultimate because of the amount of energy and excitement that you can create. Surprisingly to me, [...] you can create a special kind of intimacy."[8] He later clarified, "I want every night to feel like those people saw something that only happened that night [...] I've been on stage a lot over my life and I probably feel more at home there than anywhere."[9]

Development

The tour has been described as an 'extravaganza and characteristically theatrical spectacle' included songs from his musical career.[10] [11] [12] Rehearsals for the tour commenced in January 2019 with involvement from the team of creative directors, producers, designers and choreographers.[13] and the rehearsals occurred for 8 hours per day.[14]

The title of the show was explained, "You know the man, you enjoyed the music and now you can see the show." Hollywood glamour and extravaganza were listed as the central themes of the show.[15] Inspirations for The Man. The Music. The Show. tour came from the film, The Greatest Showman, Broadway and Hollywood classic numbers and circus.[16] [17]

Jackman would 'get into different characters' — from Gaston and Jean Valjean to The Boy from Oz’s Peter Allen — when he performs their respective songs. "It’s a state of mind and a commitment and I think the audiences really enjoy the transformation." Jackman said.[18] Speaking to Billboard Jackman stated, "I’m going to do an homage to some of the great musicals. I’m going to dance like I’ve never danced before." and about the setlist, he told, "If I hear the intro to a song and don’t get a tingle, then I take it out. For me, it has to feel like, “I can’t wait to sing this song.” Because if I don't feel that, how can the audience feel excited about it?"[19]

Warren Carlyle was signed as the creative director for the show, while Ashley Wallen choreographed the dancers through intricate dance steps.[20] The large main stage was elevated and set up at the end of the arenas, with a long runway extending from its middle, the pathway ended into a round-shaped front.[21] The tour featured costumes from Tom Ford including, a black snake-print velvet jacket, a metallic silver jacket and an ensemble of white shirt with pleated bib, silk-satin cummerbund and black fedora.[22] [23] [24] [25] [26]

Concert synopsis

The show began with a video montage of Jackman's film characters, as Jackman ascended to the stage, clad in a silver tuxedo to sing "The Greatest Show" followed by a performance of "Come Alive". The show continued with "A Million Dreams", which included a sign language interpreter to translate the lyrics.

Commercial reception

Ticket sales

General sales for the tour started from December 7, 2018. Prices ranged from $50 to $430.[27] Tickets for the shows started selling out rapidly; due to the huge demand for tickets, extra dates were added for Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Dublin and London.[28]

Some of the UK cities sold out within minutes of being available, resulting in Aiken Promotions, warning buyers not to purchase tickets on the website Viagogo, a platform for third-party sellers, claiming, "There is no proof tickets appearing online actually exist." however Viagogo stated, "The tickets sold on our platform are genuine tickets that have been sold on by the original ticket purchaser in good faith."[29] [30]

During the North American leg of the tour, Jackman urged his social media followers to stay vigilant, after an alleged scammer set up fake social media profiles and some became embroiled in a ticket scam. Taking to Twitter, he revealed that fake accounts in his name are targeting his followers, promising meet and greets, to take money from them.[31] [32] [33]

Boxscore

In June 2019, Billboard announced the first boxscores for the tour, reporting the first leg dates. Total gross was $23.4 million with 289,586 tickets sold from 26 shows in Europe. The tour launched May 7 at Glasgow's SSE Hydro, where he earned $2.7 million across three shows. Jackman continued the trek through May and into June, where he posted sell-out finals at Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome (May 17; $783,000; 10,825 tickets), Zurich's Hallenstadion (May 19; $609,000; 6,313 tickets), and the AccorHotels Arena in Paris (May 22; $834,000; 10,566 tickets), among others. The leg finished on a high note with a six-show run at London's O2 Arena from June 2–7. There, Jackman grossed $7.4 million from 93,566 tickets sold.[34]

Critical response

Europe

Mark Fisher of The Guardian gave the concert a score of 5/5, and said, "The renaissance man’s song-and-dance spectacular skips merrily through Jackman's acting career with celebrity pizzazz and unashamed sentimentality."[35] David Pollock of The Daily Telegraph gave it 4/5 stating, "The sense of natural showmanship that made him perfect for the role of PT Barnum was tangible, and – along with his raw, rustic baritone – it carried the evening."[36] Paul Little of The Times reacted positively, saying: "[...]for Hugh Jackman, a combination of charm, being multi-talented and possessing leading man looks defines him."[37] Natalie O'Donoghue of BroadwayWorld gave it 5/5, stating "Jackman is a born entertainer who had the 13,000 strong audience in the palm of his hand the entire evening."[38] Steven MacKenzie of The Big Issue referred to the dramatic moments of the musicals saying, "Of all his formidable, envy-inducing skills, he is a truly great actor."[39] Emily Heward of Manchester Evening News gave it 4/5, writing, "It’s hard to imagine any of Hollywood’s other leading men carrying off an all-singing, all-dancing revue with such charisma. Schmaltzy? Yes. Indulgent? Absolutely. But it’s also irresistibly good fun."[40] Ciara O'Brien of The Irish Times simply wrote, "He came, he tap-danced to AC/DC, he conquered."[41] Francesca Steele of The Times gave it 5/5 saying, "Jackman has oodles of pizzazz and his charm filled the arena."[42] Andre Paine of Evening Standard wrote, "The greatest showman, or a self-indulgent superstar? A bit of both, perhaps. But Jackman’s energetic arena show is supremely entertaining."[43] Sophia Dellapina of Manchester’s Finest branded the show, "A colourful, wild, energetic, stunning hybrid of cinema, theatre, and music." and said, "Although I was slightly distracted by how great his bum looked for the duration of the concert, his dancing was yet another highlight- especially the tap dancing sequence."[44] The critic of EILE Magazine said, "It was slick but had a sense of spontaneity, It was polished but personal."[45] Calling Jackman "An old-fashioned hoofer, crooner and matinee idol."Kate Goerner of TheatreReviewsNorth said, "Indeed you only have to look at the audience to see that here is a performer who appeals to all demographics. From girls' nights out to middle-aged couples to small children dressed up in ringmaster garb, it’s rare to see such a mixed bunch making up a 17,000 strong sell-out Manchester Arena audience."[46]

North America

Writing for the Houston Chronicle, Joey Guerra noted that "Jackman can sing and dance marvelously, to be sure. But he's also gifted with the ability to fully inhabit a character. It turned every song into a real moment."[47] Ross Raihala from St. Paul Pioneer Press dubbed the show "campy and engaging" saying, "Jackman delivered the sort of old-fashioned, high-glamour evening of Hollywood spectacle that was once common on stage and screen, but is rarely produced at this level today."[48] Jon Bream of Star Tribune branded the concert, "uncompromisingly ambitious, flashily entertaining and consistently uplifting."[49] Gary Graff from The Oakland Press described the show as, "an arena-sized song, dance and video spectacular, extravagantly staged and delivered with an engaging, sincere exuberance that transcends its script."[50] Barbara Schuler from Newsday reviewed the show at Madison Square Garden, saying "Jackman was captivated the audience with song-and-dance numbers, along with some lovely, intimate moments."[51] Melissa Ruggieri from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution labeled the show "Jackman’s own Broadway spectacle" whose talents can "ably command the arena."[52] Sarah Harris of Daily Herald wrote, "Jackman put on a thrilling spectacle and dazzled the arena with showmanship."[53] Gil Kaan of BroadwayWorld dubbed the show "sensational" and said, "Utilizing his spectacular combo of sturdy vocals, fancy footwork, and multi-watt charm, Jackman owned the Bowl stage. He certainly knows how to work his audience into a frenzy, hitting all emotions."[54] Naming Jackman, "The last of a dying breed: the all-round entertainer." Charles McNulty from Los Angeles Times wrote, "The two sides of his performing identity — movie star and musical trouper — came together in a homage to movie musicals. He knows how to punctuate a big number with an arm hoisted like a victory flag."[55] Angelique Jackson of Variety stated, "The show is a wide-ranging experience overall, but the setlist feels cohesive because it’s personal, navigating Jackman’s history as a performer and showing off his eclectic musical tastes."[56]

Set list

Setlist from the concert on 7 May 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. It does not represent all shows throughout the tour.[57]

  1. "The Greatest Show"
  2. "Come Alive"
  3. "Gaston"
  4. "All the Way"
  5. "I've Been Everywhere"
  6. "You Will Be Found"
  7. "Someone to Love"
  8. "Soliloquy"
  9. "This Is Me"
  10. "Valjean's Soliloquy/I Dreamed a Dream/One Day More"

Intermission

  1. "The Boy Next Door"
  2. "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)/Don't Cry Out Loud/I Honestly Love You/Quiet Please, There's a Lady on Stage/I Go to Rio"
  3. "Tenterfield Saddler"
  4. "A Million Dreams"
  5. "Luck Be a Lady / Singin' in the Rain / I Got Rhythm / Steppin' Out With My Baby / Sing Sing Sing"
  6. "Nomad Two Worlds - Art Song"
  7. "Nomad Two Worlds - Inhibition"
  8. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
  9. "Mack the Knife"
  10. "From Now On"
  11. "Once Before I Go"

Shows

List of concerts, showing date, city, country, and venue
DateCityCountryVenueGuest ActsAttendanceRevenue
Leg 1 – Europe[58] [59] [60]
7 May 2019GlasgowScotlandSSE Hydro31,991 / 32,172$2,734,850
8 May 2019
9 May 2019
12 May 2019AntwerpBelgiumSportpaleis
13 May 2019HamburgGermanyBarclaycard Arena9,199 / 11,515$969,113
14 May 2019BerlinMercedes-Benz Arena7,623 / 10,840$822,294
16 May 2019CologneLanxess Arena10,322 / 13,510$1,124,260
17 May 2019AmsterdamNetherlandsZiggo Dome10,825/ 10,825$782,606
19 May 2019ZürichSwitzerlandHallenstadionKeala Settle
21 May 2019MannheimGermanySAP ArenaKeala Settle7,499 / 8,479$835,217
22 May 2019ParisFranceAccorHotels ArenaKeala Settle10,566 / 10,566$834,116
24 May 2019ManchesterEnglandManchester Arena43,479 / 44,072$2,985,550
25 May 2019
27 May 2019Resorts World Arena36,107 / 36,107$2,677,243
28 May 2019
30 May 2019DublinIreland3Arena25,035 / 25,035$2,075,718
31 May 2019
2 June 2019LondonEnglandThe O2 ArenaKeala Settle
Robbie Williams
Taron Egerton
(selected dates)
93,566 / 93,566$7,441,090
3 June 2019
4 June 2019
5 June 2019
6 June 2019
7 June 2019
Leg 2 – North America
18 June 2019HoustonUnited StatesToyota Center10,648 / 10,648$1,041,486
19 June 2019DallasAmerican Airlines Center12,587 / 13,714$1,164,273
21 June 2019ChicagoUnited Center13,070 / 13,070$1,328,925
22 June 2019Saint PaulXcel Energy Center13,160 / 13,160$1,326,611
24 June 2019DetroitLittle Caesars Arena12,138 / 13,006$1,216,158
25 June 2019TorontoCanadaScotiabank Arena12,556 / 12,915$1,188,734
27 June 2019BostonUnited StatesTD Garden12,335 / 12,335$1,266,320
28 June 2019New York CityMadison Square Garden34,944 / 36,230$4,242,613
29 June 2019
30 June 2019PhiladelphiaWells Fargo Center12,835 / 12,835$1,289,305
1 July 2019Washington, D.C.Capital One Arena12,831 / 12,831$1,308,382
3 July 2019AtlantaState Farm Arena10,114 / 10,989$1,060,824
5 July 2019TampaAmalie Arena12,507 / 12,507$1,253,403
6 July 2019SunriseBB&T Center10,050 / 11,708$1,037,306
10 July 2019DenverPepsi Center11,433 / 11,848$1,138,038
11 July 2019Salt Lake CityVivint Smart Home Arena21,250 / 21,250$2,104,745
12 July 2019
13 July 2019Las VegasMGM Grand Garden Arena10,212 / 11,242$1,089,574
14 July 2019GlendaleGila River Arena11,183 / 12,226$1,057,510
16 July 2019San DiegoPechanga Arena9,153 / 9,448$885,796
17 July 2019San JoseSAP Center at San Jose11,466 / 11,466$1,214,715
19 July 2019Los AngelesHollywood Bowl
20 July 2019
Leg 3 – Oceania
2 August 2019SydneyAustraliaQudos Bank Arena76,483 / 78,209$6,502,850
3 August 2019
4 August 2019
5 August 2019
7 August 2019
10 August 2019 AdelaideAdelaide Entertainment Centre47,709 / 47,709$3,217,627
11 August 2019
13 August 2019
16 August 2019MelbourneRod Laver Arena
17 August 2019
18 August 2019
21 August 2019PerthPerth Arena45,117 / 48,088$3,818,120
23 August 2019
24 August 2019
27 August 2019MelbourneRod Laver Arena
31 August 2019 BrisbaneBrisbane Entertainment Centre17,770 / 18,166$1,633,870
1 September 2019 27,080 / 27,415$2,485,787
3 September 2019
6 September 2019AucklandNew ZealandSpark Arena17,031 / 17,031$1,404,058
7 September 2019
Leg 4 – North America
1 October 2019BostonUnited StatesTD GardenKeala Settle
2 October 2019PhiladelphiaWells Fargo Center
5 October 2019UniondaleNassau Coliseum10,739 / 10,739$1,268,145
6 October 2019NewarkPrudential Center
9 October 2019PittsburghPPG Paints Arena
10 October 2019ColumbusValue City Arena
11 October 2019ChicagoUnited Center
12 October 2019IndianapolisBankers Life Fieldhouse
13 October 2019Kansas CitySprint Center
15 October 2019San AntonioAT&T Center
19 October 2019Mexico CityMexicoMexico City Arena
20 October 2019
Total

Notes and References

  1. Hugh Jackman is now one 'O' away from an EGOT. February 11, 2019. Entertainment Weekly.
  2. Web site: Hugh Jackman announces world tour. November 29, 2018. CBS News.
  3. Web site: Hugh Jackman to tour with songs from The Greatest Showman. November 29, 2018. BBC Online.
  4. Hugh Jackman Announces Arena World Tour. November 29, 2018. Billboard.
  5. Hugh Jackman announces world tour, set to perform The Greatest Showman songs. November 29, 2018. Entertainment Weekly.
  6. Web site: The greatest showman? Hugh Jackman announces world tour. November 29, 2018. The Guardian.
  7. Web site: Hugh Jackman The Show. Hugh Jackman The Show. en. 2019-02-26.
  8. Web site: Hugh Jackman on what "surprises" to expect from his upcoming world tour. March 13, 2019. NME.
  9. Web site: Hugh Jackman Spills on His 2019 World Tour. December 14, 2018. E!.
  10. Web site: Hugh Jackman Says 'Greatest Showman' Success Made Him Revive Stage Show. December 4, 2019. Variety.
  11. Web site: The Greatest Showman star Hugh Jackman adds Glasgow dates to world tour. February 5, 2019. The Sunday Post.
  12. Web site: Hugh Jackman shares a behind-the-scenes photo of rehearsals for his upcoming world tour. April 26, 2019. Angle News.
  13. Web site: Hugh Jackman heads to the studio to begin rehearsals for his first world tour. January 5, 2019. World News Network.
  14. Web site: Hugh Jackman Teaches Michael Strahan How to Tap Dance on GOOD MORNING AMERICA. May 1, 2019. BroadwayWorld.
  15. Web site: Hugh Jackman on His World Tour. April 9, 2019. KTNV-TV.
  16. Hugh Jackman Wants to Make More People Cry. December 5, 2018. Rolling Stone.
  17. Web site: Hugh Jackman at Manchester Arena. May 31, 2019. Manchester’s Finest.
  18. Web site: Hugh Jackman hypes new tour with backup dancers, orchestra. December 4, 2019. New York Post.
  19. Hugh Jackman Details 2019 Arena Tour. December 12, 2019. Billboard.
  20. Web site: Hugh Jackman Divulges Key Details About His World Arena Tour Hugh Jackman The Show. April 23, 2019. Playbill.
  21. Web site: Hugh Jackman gets a standing ovation from Glasgow's social media after first night of tour at Hydro. May 7, 2019. Glasgowlive.co.uk.
  22. Web site: Hugh Jackman Proves You Can Do Anything In Tom Ford. February 21, 2019. Esquire.
  23. Web site: Hugh Jackman earns the 'Greatest Showman' title in campy, engaging show at the X. June 22, 2019. St. Paul Pioneer Press.
  24. Web site: Hugh Jackman's the greatest showman at Garden. June 29, 2019. Newsday.
  25. Web site: TOM FORD Black Shelton Snake-print Velvet Formal Jacket. lyst.com.
  26. Web site: TOM FORD metallic silver blue O'Connor Cocktail Jacket. tomford.com.
  27. Web site: Hugh Jackman's world tour is one hot ticket. Can you afford it?. December 10, 2018. Miami Herald.
  28. Web site: Hugh Jackman has added an extra date for Dublin 2019. December 7, 2018. entertainment.ie. Web site: Hugh Jackman adds extra Glasgow date to UK tour, tickets on sale now. February 8, 2019. list.co.uk. Web site: Hugh Jackman adds extra dates to UK tour, tickets on sale now. December 7, 2019. list.co.uk. Web site: Hugh Jackman has added a THIRD Dublin performance for next year. December 7, 2019. Joe. Web site: Hugh Jackman Sells Out Both Dates At 3Arena. December 7, 2019. Hot Press.
  29. Web site: Warning not to buy sold-out Hugh Jackman tickets on resale sites. December 7, 2018. Irish Examiner.
  30. Web site: Extra date added for Hugh Jackman - both on sale today. December 7, 2018. BreakingNews.ie.
  31. Web site: Hugh Jackman warns fans against alleged scammer. July 16, 2019. The Laconia Daily Sun.
  32. Web site: Hugh Jackman warns fans against alleged scammer. July 16, 2019. Tyler Morning Telegraph.
  33. Web site: Hugh Jackman warns fans over fake meet-and-greets. July 16, 2019. RTÉ.ie.
  34. Hugh Jackman Delivers Over $20 Million in Europe On the 'Greatest' Tour. June 21, 2019. Billboard.
  35. Web site: Hugh Jackman live review – he really is the Greatest Showman. 10 May 2019. The Guardian. 15 November 2021.
  36. Web site: Hugh Jackman, Hydro, Glasgow, review: the world's greatest showman? Quite possibly. David. Pollock. 8 May 2019. 15 November 2021. Telegraph.co.uk.
  37. News: Music review: Hugh Jackman at Hydro, Glasgow. Paul. Little. 15 November 2021. Thetimes.co.uk.
  38. Web site: BWW Review: HUGH JACKMAN: THE MAN. THE MUSIC. THE SHOW. SSE Hydro, Glasgow. Natalie. O'Donoghue. BroadwayWorld.com. 15 November 2021.
  39. Web site: Hugh Jackman: The man. The music. The show – review. 9 May 2019. Bigissue.com. 15 November 2021.
  40. News: Review: Hugh Jackman at Manchester Arena is irresistibly good fun. Emily. Heward. 24 May 2019. Manchester Evening News. 15 November 2021.
  41. News: Hugh Jackman in Dublin: He came, he tap-danced to AC/DC. Ciara. O'Brien. The Irish Times. 15 November 2021.
  42. Web site: Review: Hugh Jackman at the O2, SE10. Francesca. Steele. 15 November 2021. Thetimes.co.uk.
  43. Web site: Hugh Jackman at the O2, review: 'Supremely entertaining'. Andre. Paine. 3 June 2019. Standard.co.uk. 15 November 2021.
  44. Web site: Review: Hugh Jackman at Manchester Arena. Manchestersfinest.com. 31 May 2019. 15 November 2021.
  45. Web site: Review: Hugh Jackman – The Man, The Music, The Show (3Arena Dublin). Eile.ie. 1 June 2019. 15 November 2021.
  46. Web site: Review: Hugh Jackman - The Man, The Music, The Show, Manchester Arena. Kate. Goerner. 26 May 2019. TheatreReviewsNorth.com. 15 November 2021.
  47. Web site: Hugh Jackman kicks off his U.S. tour in Houston. Joey. Guerra. 19 June 2019. Chron.com. 15 November 2021.
  48. Web site: Hugh Jackman earns the 'Greatest Showman' title in campy, engaging show at the X. Twincities.com. 23 June 2019. 15 November 2021.
  49. Web site: A spontaneous Hugh Jackman charmed with his greatest live show in St. Paul. Jon Bream Star. Tribune. Star Tribune. 15 November 2021.
  50. Web site: Hugh Jackman brings his Greatest Showman chops to Little Caesars Arena . 2019-07-07 . 2019-07-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190707134134/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/entertainment/hugh-jackman-brings-his-greatest-showman-chops-to-little-caesars/article_745e9bac-973f-11e9-8196-37e7f3707c7a.html . dead .
  51. Web site: Hugh Jackman's the greatest showman at Garden. Newsday.com. 29 June 2019 . 15 November 2021.
  52. Web site: Concert review: Hugh Jackman proves an infectious presence, dazzling showman in Atlanta. Ajc.com. 15 November 2021.
  53. Web site: Hugh Jackman, Keala Settle dazzle Salt Lake City with showmanship . 2019-07-17 . 2019-07-17 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190717060931/https://www.heraldextra.com/entertainment/music/reviews/hugh-jackman-keala-settle-dazzle-salt-lake-city-with-showmanship/article_36fe7d9d-d359-5fed-a592-99fafac1d146.html . dead .
  54. Web site: BWW Review: HUGH JACKMAN. THE MAN. Simply Sen.sa.tion.al At The Bowl!. Gil. Kaan. BroadwayWorld.com. 15 November 2021.
  55. News: Review: Hugh Jackman sings, dances and charms, delivering a grand time at the Hollywood Bowl. 22 July 2019. Los Angeles Times. 15 November 2021.
  56. Web site: Concert Review: Hugh Jackman Sparkles and Shines at the Hollywood Bowl. Angelique. Jackson. Variety.com. 22 July 2019. 15 November 2021.
  57. Web site: Hugh Jackman Setlist at The SSE Hydro, Glasgow. Setlist.fm. 15 November 2021.
  58. Hugh Jackman Announces Arena World Tour. Billboard. 2019-06-11.
  59. Current Boxscore Billboard. Billboard. https://web.archive.org/web/20190611174337/https://www.billboard.com/biz/current-boxscore. 11 June 2019. 11 June 2019.
  60. Hugh Jackman Delivers Over $20 Million in Europe On the 'Greatest' Tour. Billboard. 15 November 2021.