Old Hugh Jackman has really embraced this whole social media thing, hasn’t he? Ahead of tonight’s Tony Awards, which of course he is hosting, the actor unleashed a promo vid in which he can be seen bouncing around in the show. But there are some nerves creeping in there, too.
Hugh Jackman at the X-Men: Days of Future Past premiere
“There’s always a little bit of pressure, but mostly put on myself. It couldn’t be a nicer, more welcoming crowd and I can say that from experience, because the first time I came here, I actually had never been on Broadway and I said, ‘Guys, I can’t do that’,” Jackman said.
More: “Why Is Hugh Bouncing?”: Hugh Jackman Jumps For Joy Ahead Of Tony Awards
“And they said, ‘Don’t worry, they’ll be very welcoming.’ I didn’t really believe it until I walked out and I was amazed. So, I’m excited. I’ve got a lot of surprises in store,” he said.
Tonight’s show, which will air on CBS at 8pm E.T, sees “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” leading the pack with 10 nominations, followed by “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” with eight nods. “After Midnight,” “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical,” “The Glass Menagerie” and “Twelfth Night” are all up for seven nominations each.
“There hasn’t been a juggernaut frontrunner. This season I have no idea what’s going to happen. It’s kind of anyone’s game right now,” Gordon Cox, theater editor at Variety, told CBS News.
“I don’t think one should underestimate the power of Carole King…And people have a strong affection for her and that show does deliver exactly what it needs to,” said Cox.
“It tells an emotional story with music that people have a really strong affection for and it also is self-evidently a production that will do well on the road. So I think there are a lot of reasons to vote for that show. Just as there are a lot of reasons to vote for ‘Gentleman’s Guide.’ A lot of people admire how well-made it is and how old-fashioned it is — with a modern wink to it. It’s very clever and funny. Both those shows have strong chances.”
From Bryan Cranston to Neil Patrick Harris, check in tomorrow to see a full list of Tony Award winners.
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