During the opening night of his concert series, Hugh Jackman took a moment to reflect on his recent blockbuster film and addressed a personal quirk he had about it. The 56-year-old actor shared his thoughts during the "From New York, With Love" concert at Radio City Music Hall on January 24th. While praising the film and his collaborators, Jackman humorously mentioned a minor dissatisfaction regarding the dance sequence featuring Deadpool. Despite not being part of that scene, Jackman decided to offer fans an exclusive performance, combining jump rope skills with choreography, much to the delight of the audience. The evening was filled with memorable moments, including a surprise appearance by Ryan Reynolds and performances from Jackman's iconic roles.
Jackman's reflections began during a heartfelt segment where he discussed his experiences working on the blockbuster. He collaborated with close friends Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy, both of whom were instrumental in the film's success. Jackman expressed admiration for the project but noted a small reservation about the film's opening dance sequence. This scene featured the character of Deadpool dancing to an *NSYNC song, which left Jackman feeling somewhat excluded. Although he acknowledged it wasn't essential for him to be in every frame, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy over the missed opportunity to showcase his own dance moves.
The actor then shifted gears to entertain his live audience. Determined to make up for the lack of screen time in the dance sequence, Jackman introduced what he called "the dance that got away." Armed with a jump rope, he performed an energetic routine that captivated the crowd. Jackman made sure to credit trainer Beth Lewis for helping him prepare for this unique performance. The routine was fast-paced and showcased Jackman's versatility as a performer, culminating in a mini Wolverine-style celebration. To top it off, he surprised Lewis by inviting her on stage along with a couple of Radio City Rockettes, creating an unforgettable moment.
Throughout the evening, Jackman treated the audience to a variety of performances, drawing from his extensive career. Highlights included renditions from "The Greatest Showman," "The Music Man," and "Les Misérables," as well as hits like "That’s Life" and "New York, New York." The show marked Jackman's first new concert offering in five years, and he expressed deep gratitude to the audience for their support. Reflecting on his journey, Jackman shared emotional words at the end of the night, thanking everyone for choosing to attend the concert. He reminisced about hosting the Tonys at Radio City Music Hall 22 years ago and how performing there had always been a dream of his.
The "From New York, With Love" concert series promises more captivating performances over the coming year, with tickets now available for purchase. Fans can look forward to more surprises and heartfelt moments as Jackman continues to share his passion for music and performance.