Hugh Jackman’s Hollywood Bowl Concert: A Night of Showbiz Magic and Pure Aussie Charm
On a cool Saturday night at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, Hugh Jackman took the stage with a smooth strum of his black acoustic guitar—matching his sleek black tuxedo pants and jacket—and immediately set the tone for what felt like a masterclass in showmanship. “A little bit of Neil Diamond,” he joked to the packed house as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra launched into the upbeat, jazzy opening of “Crunchy Granola Suite.”
Right from the get-go, Jackman was paying tribute to the legends who shaped his style. The Australian actor and singer was channeling the exact energy Neil Diamond brought to the same stage half a century ago during that legendary “Hot August Night” concert at the Greek Theatre. If you know your music history, that performance is iconic — and Jackman clearly knows how to tip his hat with class.
But Neil Diamond was just the first star in Jackman’s dazzling lineup of inspirations for the night. Later on, he slipped into a medley of songs by Peter Allen, the flamboyant Australian songwriter and Manhattan party legend whom Jackman famously portrayed in the Broadway hit The Boy From Oz back in 2003. And who could forget P.T. Barnum? The legendary showman’s larger-than-life persona fueled the 2017 blockbuster The Greatest Showman, where Jackman starred as Barnum himself. That film wasn’t just a hit — its soundtrack went quadruple-platinum and remains a beloved anthem for dreamers everywhere.
With a grin and a quick catch of his breath, Jackman addressed the audience of 17,000 fans: “If any of you haven’t seen The Greatest Showman, you might be thinking right now: This guy is super-confident.” The crowd roared as he belted out the movie’s title track, a song that’s racked up over 625 million streams on Spotify. Jackman’s charisma filled the Bowl, proving that confidence is just part of his showbiz DNA.
It’s actually pretty rare these days to see a male performer bring this kind of theatrical razzle-dazzle to the pop stage. Sure, there are powerhouse women lighting up the scene with Broadway-level flair — Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Chappell Roan, and Laufey come to mind — but Jackman’s blend of jazz hands, show tunes, and genuine warmth stands out in today’s music landscape. What’s even cooler? Despite being best known worldwide as Wolverine — you know, the gruff, mutton-chopped Marvel superhero — Jackman’s versatility as a performer shines bright and wide.
Before Jackman took over, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, under the baton of Thomas Wilkins, warmed up the crowd with a brief set featuring selections from John Ottman’s score for X2: X-Men United. That was a perfect nod to Jackman’s superhero roots and set a thrilling mood for what was to come.
And speaking of the next generation, rising star Benson Boone — known for his slick mustache and jaw-dropping backflips — seems ready to carry the torch. His fresh energy hints that Jackman’s kind of musical-theatrical showmanship isn’t going anywhere. That said, based on Jackman’s high-octane, nearly two-hour performance, you wouldn’t guess he’s ready to pass the baton anytime soon.
The concert was a beautifully eclectic mix, peppered with hits from The Greatest Showman soundtrack, a swinging tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra, and of course, a second Neil Diamond tune: the ever-popular “Sweet Caroline.” Jackman cheekily mentioned that “Sweet Caroline” figures into a new movie where he plays a Neil Diamond impersonator — talk about full-circle!
True to his roots in musical theater, Jackman also treated fans to a couple of iconic numbers from Les Misérables, reprising the role of Jean Valjean that earned him an Oscar nomination in 2012. With an Emmy, a Grammy, and two Tonys already under his belt, he’s just one Oscar away from that rarefied EGOT club. No pressure, Hugh.
One particularly intimate moment came during “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen. Jackman sat behind a grand piano and accompanied himself, delivering a heartfelt performance that gave the evening a tender emotional peak. Then, showing off his crowd-pleasing chops, he dived into “Ya Got Trouble” from The Music Man — the very first show he performed in high school. Wandering through the Bowl’s boxes, Jackman interacted warmly with audience members, greeting friends like Melissa Etheridge, Linda, Jess Platt, Steph, David, Sophia, and Orlando. “It’s tough to say hello and keep the dialogue going!” he laughed, panting with a dramatic flair. “It’s like 53 degrees out here and I’m sweating buckets.”
A highlight of the night was the comedic twist on John Denver’s classic “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” which Jackman reworked to celebrate his “Aussie boy” origins. The audience loved the good-natured jokes about shark attacks, koalas, and even Margot Robbie, along with some sharp political humor. One quick quip was about how “our leaders aren’t 100 years old” — though Jackman quickly added he was “moving on from that joke fast.” Another cleverly rhymed “Life down under is really quite fun” with “I never have to worry: Does that guy have a gun?” That line landed perfectly, a subtle jab that got plenty of laughs and nods.
The emotional heart of the night came with “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman. For this soaring moment, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra was joined by 18 talented members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Youth Orchestra Los Angeles. The song itself might be cheesy for some — loaded with clichés and a melody you’ve heard a million times before — but Jackman’s delivery was so earnest, so full of passion, that you couldn’t help but believe every word. That’s the magic of a performer who sells the idealism, even if it’s a little corny.
All in all, Jackman’s 90-minute show was a vibrant celebration of music, storytelling, and pure theatrical joy. He reminded us all that being a showman isn’t just about flashy moves or big vocals — it’s about connecting, inspiring, and giving the audience a night to remember. And with his blend of Aussie charm, Hollywood star power, and a deep love of classic showbiz, Hugh Jackman proved once again why he’s one of the best in the business.
Exciting Takeaways from Hugh Jackman’s Hollywood Bowl Show:
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Opened with a tribute to Neil Diamond’s legendary 1970s Hollywood Bowl concert
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Mixed Broadway classics, Hollywood hits, and Australian pride throughout the set
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Showcased his Oscar-nominated Les Misérables role alongside Greatest Showman favorites
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Made the crowd laugh with Aussie-themed jokes and clever political quips
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Delivered heartfelt moments at the piano with songs like Dear Evan Hansen’s “You Will Be Found”
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Invited interaction by walking through the crowd during The Music Man’s “Ya Got Trouble”
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Closed emotionally strong with The Greatest Showman’s “A Million Dreams” backed by youth orchestras
If you weren’t there, you missed a genuine night of entertainment from a performer who truly knows how to work a stage—and an audience. Jackman’s Hollywood Bowl concert wasn’t just a show; it was a celebration of decades of musical magic wrapped in a tuxedo and a winning smile.
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