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The Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Making sure everyone can see the plays': can Hugh Jackman make theater less elitist?
One night last month in the West Village, I had the pleasure of being nervous for Hugh Jackman. On stage at the Minetta Lane Theatre, the 56-year-old movie star and Broadway veteran appeared startlingly undefended and vulnerable. In character as a middle-aged university professor infatuated with his 19-year-old pupil, Jackman addressed the audience for a play called Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes with the lights up, as if helming a lecture full of shy students put on the spot; when one viewer sneezed during Jackman's monologue, he paused to say bless you. I fretted a few rows from Wolverine, more aware of my fellow audience members' faces and cellphones than I've ever been at a New York show and acutely attuned to the fact that this all could go awry at any moment. Theater is always a contract between audience and performer, but years attending big Broadway shows have inured me to its fragility. At the Minetta, with just the commanding presence of Jackman and the lit audience at his feet, that contract felt thrillingly, temporarily exposed. That electric current was the point of Together, a new initiative prioritizing intimate, affordable theater founded by Jackman, director Ian Rickson and producer Sonia Friedman, which has occupied the Minetta for the better part of the spring. 'The starting point for this company was to not have a filter between [actors] and the audience, and for there to be a real connection, an intimate connection,' said Friedman, recently deemed the 'most prolific and powerful theater producer working today' by the New York Times for launching such Broadway and West End juggernauts as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Stranger Things and Funny Girl. 'It's a partnership spiritually, creatively, artistically, and we're all there to support one another.' The company, launched in conjunction with the Amazon subsidiary Audible, seeks to provide an alternative to Broadway's ballooning ticket prices and large, technically intricate productions. Together's first two shows – Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes, a #MeToo-themed play from Canadian writer Hannah Moscovitch, and a reworking of August Strindberg's 1888 play Creditors – are heady, relatively low-tech and actor-forward, with two and three performers, respectively. (Notably, all performers have big screen credits – Liev Schreiber, Maggie Siff and Justice Smith starred in Creditors.) And at a time when the average Broadway ticket goes for over $120 – or as much as $921 this spring, for a starry production of Othello – a quarter of Together tickets are comped and distributed through the Theater Defense Fund to seniors, students, veterans, teachers and other community groups. Another quarter are sold the day of performance, via digital lottery or in-person box office, for $35. 'We're trying to make theater less elitist,' said Rickson, a veteran Broadway and West End director who is based in London. 'I have felt existential about curating work for an increasingly elitist audience, but I hate saying that because they're people too. What you want is a range of people to experience the work.' The company's ticket model 'in and of itself is allowing for a different demographic', said Jackman via email. 'You can absolutely feel it. The audience is wildly different for every show.' In production and in ethos, Together emphasizes a return to basics: an actor, a director, a stage and community. The trio, who worked together on the Broadway 2014 show The River, first conceived of the idea on, fittingly, a river walk in London in 2020. It was the height of the pandemic, and the group longed not just for the return of theater, but the return of a certain freedom from their early careers, when the pressure was off, the stakes were low and the enthusiasm was high. 'There's huge expectations when Hugh's in a play, there's huge expectations when I'm producing a play,' said Friedman. 'And we just thought, how can we approach this work as if we were doing this at the beginning? Can you have that fearlessness? Why can't we go back to basics?' 'Together was created with the idea of community – removing barriers so that everyone is able to participate in theater,' said Jackman. 'Making sure that everyone can see the plays no matter who they are. Also, encouraging experiences of theater that are electric, elemental and relatively simple in terms of bells and whistles. Material that goes right to the heart.' Rickson returned to the history of radical, public-art theater in New York, from the Yiddish theater district of the early 20th century, to the pioneering Group Theatre collective of the 1930s, to the New York outfit of the New Deal's Federal Theatre Project, to the Actors Studio. 'There's a radical ancestry here,' he said, that inspired the new company's rules: equal pay for actors, no star billing, an element of public access and no designated press nights. The group tinkered with Together over several years, meeting every few months in New York or London to discuss ideas. Meanwhile, the financial landscape for live theater in New York only grew more challenging. Costs shot up anywhere from 20-30% after the pandemic, and never came back down. On Broadway, 'something that was going to cost $4m pre-pandemic is now $7m', said Friedman. 'If it costs so much to put on a piece of work, and it costs so much to run that piece of work, you have to charge a particular ticket price.' Together self-consciously stops short of proposing to fix Broadway's price creep – 'I don't have the answers,' said Friedman. 'If what we are doing helps create a conversation about how the system might change, fantastic. But that is not our driving force.' But it does provide an alternative to that system, from power players within that system who espouse, as Friedman put it, 'huge respect for the industry I work in, but also with a huge sense of concern and caution about the way we're going'. It's worked financially, at least so far, because, unlike Broadway, Together is a non-commercial business. Audible, the audiobook subsidiary of Amazon, funded its first season. The corporation recorded the works for distribution on its platform, and Together got access to the Minetta, which has been in partnership with Audible for live theater since 2018. The shows are deliberately low-tech, the sets minimalist – a few pieces of furniture, drinks and, in the case of Sexual Misconduct, one (non-functioning) lawnmower – keeping costs low. The first technical rehearsal, a process of moving from the rehearsal room to the theater that can take weeks on Broadway, took a single day. The changeover between plays takes just 15 minutes. Though the company has attracted big names so far, Together retains a sense of a scrappy, experimental theater group with no set path. All three founders described the company as a sort of professional pressure release valve, an ideas generator rather than an endpoint. 'I love the idea of it being ephemeral – it could happen in London, it could happen in Sydney, it could happen in anywhere,' said Rickson. Creditors wraps in June, but the trio is already in brainstorming mode, positing potential future iterations of Together that could include a mentoring program, a different home base, a continuation of its inaugural panel series, or allowing big-name screen actors the chance to test out theater without the pressure of an eight-days-a-week Broadway commitment. 'When we announced it and launched it, I think we were quite timid in terms of what we're trying to achieve, because we don't want to come across as having found the answers to Broadway or finding the answers to how you do work,' said Friedman. 'But we're ambitious about the future and we're talking about it constantly.' 'I think the only thing we absolutely know is we're going to make a commitment for as long as we feel we can,' she added. 'Is that years? Is it the rest of our lives? Who knows? But we're in. We're in for the long haul with Together.'
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Hugh Jackman looks every inch the action star as he flaunts his bulging biceps while arriving at a New York theatre
He might be tackling some heavy emotional material on stage, but Hugh Jackman looked anything but burdened as he stepped out in New York this week. The 56-year-old Aussie heartthrob was spotted arriving at the Minetta Lane Theatre in a casual but eye-catching ensemble, to rehearse for his new play. The Wolverine actor showcased his gym-toned figure in a fitted navy polo that clung to his muscular frame, black athletic shorts and matching sneakers. Hugh looked every bit the fitness enthusiast in the snug navy polo that accentuated his well-defined physique, along with black athletic shorts and matching sneakers. He carried a bicycle helmet tucked under one arm and flashed a beaming smile as he greeted a fan waiting outside, pausing to chat warmly before heading inside for another day of rehearsals. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. It was a relaxed and cheerful sighting amid an intense period for the actor, who is currently starring in the off-Broadway production Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes opposite 25-year-old rising star Ella Beatty. Hugh is currently starring in a play with Ella and the pair were recently seen larking it up during rehearsals. The Aussie actor shared some photos to social media which captured him and Ella hamming it up during a break. Hugh had his arm wrapped around the budding actress, who is the daughter of Hollywood legend Warren Beatty, and beamed from ear to ear as he gave the camera a thumbs up. Meanwhile, Ella was all smiles as she pointed to the logo on her shirt, which read: 'New York's Real Aussie Embassy.' Hugh captioned the photos with some amusing words: 'Ella agrees!' It follows reports that Hugh is turning up the heat on stage - as he continues to date his new girlfriend, Broadway actress Sutton Foster. In the intense play, Jackman plays Jon, a three-time divorced, middle-aged college professor and novelist who dives into a forbidden relationship with his 19-year-old student Annie, played by Ella Beatty. The Wolverine star doesn't hold back in the provocative off-Broadway show — swearing up a storm, getting graphic about sex, and locking lips in multiple steamy make-out scenes with Ella. Foster, 50, even made a backstage appearance this week, trying to quiet whispers that their new relationship has been on shaky ground since going public in January. But the show's raunchy moments can't be easy to watch for Foster, as Hugh and Ella frequently kiss — at one point making out on a desk as a scantily clad Ella wraps her legs around him. Adding more fuel to the gossip mill, fresh photos of the pair holding hands during the curtain call have sent tongues wagging. The two beamed with pride, looking completely at ease with the intimate gesture. It's not just the steamy make-out scenes turning up the heat — Hugh also unleashes a barrage of expletives, including blunt, graphic lines about a college cheerleader 'sucking his c***' The play digs into messy questions of consent and power, with Annie, a smitten student hooked on Jon's steamy novels, chasing his attention, while Jon battles temptation, a failing marriage, and the fallout of getting involved with a student. Offstage, Hugh's own split from Deborra-Lee Furness seems to mirror the emotional storm. The actor, who has only been married once, announced his split from Deborra-Lee Furness, 69, in September 2023 after 27 years of marriage. In a joint statement at the time, they said they were 'shifting' and had decided to 'separate to pursue our individual growth.' The couple share two adopted children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Hugh Jackman signs autographs and poses for selfies with fans as he departs the Minneta Lane Theatre in New York
was in good spirits as he signed autographs and posed for selfies with fans as he exited the Minneta Lane Theatre in New York on Tuesday night. The actor, 56, who is currently starring in his one-man live show at Radio City and his new off-Broadway play Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes, was swarmed by fans after the performance. Hugh cut a smart figure in a blue T-shirt which he teamed with black trousers and blue leather trainers. The Wolverine star flashed a huge smile as he departed the theatre carrying a Target shopping bag. It comes after Hugh recently appeared on Good Morning America to talk about why he returned to the stage. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'I felt I wasn't doing the thing I loved to do enough,' he revealed. 'I wasn't acting enough. I love the theatre. I think it should be available for everyone.' 'Sometimes I feel more relaxed on stage than I do in life,' Hugh admitted during his sit down interview. 'I don't know what it is. I'm living the dream.' In Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes, Hugh engages in multiple steamy make-out sessions with his 25-year-old co-star, Ella Beatty. The pair were seen larking around in rehearsals earlier this month. Hugh had his arm wrapped around the budding actress, who is the daughter of Hollywood legend Warren Beatty, and he beamed from ear to ear as he gave the camera a thumbs up. It follows reports that Hugh is turning up the heat on stage - as he continues to date his new girlfriend, Broadway actress Sutton Foster. Sutton, 50, even made a backstage appearance this week, trying to quiet whispers that their new relationship has been on shaky ground since going public in January. But the show's raunchy moments can't be easy to watch for the actress, who reportedly struck up an offstage relationship with the Greatest Showman star while playing his love interest onstage. In Hugh's 'stripped down' off-Broadway show, the Greatest Showman actor swears liberally, speaks graphically about sex and engages in multiple steamy make-out sessions with his 25-year-old co-star Ella Beatty (pictured) It follows reports that Hugh is turning up the heat on stage - as he continues to date his new girlfriend, Broadway actress Sutton Foster Adding more fuel to the gossip mill, fresh photos of the pair holding hands during the curtain call have sent tongues wagging. The two beamed with pride, looking completely at ease with the intimate gesture. It's not just the steamy make-out scenes turning up the heat — Hugh also unleashes a barrage of expletives, including blunt, graphic lines about a college cheerleader 'sucking his c***' Offstage, Hugh's own split from Deborra-Lee Furness seems to mirror the emotional storm. The actor, who has only been married once, announced his split from Deborra-Lee Furness, 69, in September 2023 after 27 years of marriage. In a joint statement at the time, they said they were 'shifting' and had decided to 'separate to pursue our individual growth.' The couple share two adopted children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19. Hugh and Sutton's relationship reportedly overlapped with the end of his marriage. The two had been friends for years in the same theatre circles but only went public after they were photographed holding hands earlier this year.
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Hugh Jackman, 56, larks around with his much younger co-star, 25, after eyebrows are raised over their racy sex scenes in new play
is currently starring in a play with 25-year-old Ella Beatty and on Wednesday the pair were seen larking it up during rehearsals. The Wolverine actor, 56, shared some photos to social media which captured him and Ella hamming it up during a break. Hugh had his arm wrapped around the budding actress, who is the daughter of Hollywood legend Warren Beatty, and he beamed from ear to ear as he gave the camera a thumbs up. Meanwhile, Ella was all smiles as she pointed to the logo on her shirt, which read: 'New York's Real Aussie Embassy.' Hugh captioned the photos with some amusing words: 'Ella agrees!' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. It follows reports that Hugh is turning up the heat on stage - as he continues to date his new girlfriend, Broadway actress Sutton Foster. In the intense play Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes, Jackman plays Jon, a three-time divorced, middle-aged college professor and novelist who dives into a forbidden relationship with his 19-year-old student Annie, played by Ella Beatty. The Wolverine star doesn't hold back in the provocative off-Broadway show — swearing up a storm, getting graphic about sex, and locking lips in multiple steamy make-out scenes with Ella. Foster, 50, even made a backstage appearance this week, trying to quiet whispers that their new relationship has been on shaky ground since going public in January. But the show's raunchy moments can't be easy to watch for Foster, as Hugh and Ella frequently kiss — at one point making out on a desk as a scantily clad Ella wraps her legs around him. Adding more fuel to the gossip mill, fresh photos of the pair holding hands during the curtain call have sent tongues wagging. The two beamed with pride, looking completely at ease with the intimate gesture. It's not just the steamy make-out scenes turning up the heat — Hugh also unleashes a barrage of expletives, including blunt, graphic lines about a college cheerleader 'sucking his c***' It follows reports that Hugh is turning up the heat onstage - as he continues to date his new girlfriend, Broadway actress Sutton Foster The play digs into messy questions of consent and power, with Annie, a smitten student hooked on Jon's steamy novels, chasing his attention, while Jon battles temptation, a failing marriage, and the fallout of getting involved with a student. Offstage, Hugh's own split from Deborra-Lee Furness seems to mirror the emotional storm. The actor, who has only been married once, announced his split from Deborra-Lee Furness, 69, in September 2023 after 27 years of marriage. In a joint statement at the time, they said they were 'shifting' and had decided to 'separate to pursue our individual growth.' The couple share two adopted children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19. Hugh and Sutton's relationship reportedly overlapped with the end of his marriage. The two had been friends for years in the same theatre circles but only went public after they were photographed holding hands earlier this year.
Daily Mail
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Hugh Jackman seen SMILING in public after ex Deborra-Lee Furness' shock divorce statement
Hugh Jackman has been spotted in public for the first time since his ex Deborra-Lee Furness filed for divorce, and he didn't seem bothered as he brushed off the drama. The 56-year-old actor exited his off-Broadway play 'Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes' around 5pm on Friday to greet fans who stood outside New York City 's Minetta Lane Theatre eager to catch a glimpse of him. witnessed the actor in high spirits and was all smiles as he signed his autograph, took photos with adoring fans and even gave some a hug. The Deadpool and Wolverine star, who changed into comfy shorts and a T-shirt, didn't seem bothered by his divorce playing out in the news as he was focused on making the fans happy since they had waited outside over half an hour since the play had ended. He told the crowd, 'Thanks for waiting,' and made sure to thank them for coming, even asking some fans how they were doing. As he made his way to a nearby Citi bike rack, fans continued to approach him and he made sure to give each and every one attention. A few minutes after socializing with fans, he hopped on his Citi bike and rode away. Before Hugh exited the theater, his costar Ella Beatty - Warren Beatty and Annette Bening's 25-year-old daughter - left the theater separately and also took the time to greet fans and sign autographs. When asked about working alongside Hugh, who she has steamy kisses with onstage, she told 'I love Hugh. He's the most wonderful person.' She refused, however, to comment on how he's holding up amid his ex's divorce filing. Instead of responding, she kept quiet and continued to greet fans. revealed earlier this week that the 69-year-old Australian producer had filed a petition for divorce in New York on May 23, nearly two years after they announced their separation. In fact, everything between the couple had been ironed out behind the scenes since multiple court documents on behalf of Furness' attorney were also filed, including the settlement, a proposed judgment of divorce, and certificate of dissolution. All that needs to be done now is for the judge to sign off on the judgment. Furness shocked fans by releasing a statement using the word 'betrayal' when speaking about her 'traumatic journey.' In a statement sent to Deborra-Lee said, 'My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal. It's a profound wound that cuts deep, however I believe in a higher power and that God/the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working FOR us.' She continued, 'This belief has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage. I have gained much knowledge and wisdom through this experience. Even when we are presented with apparent adversity, it is leading us to our greatest good, our true purpose. 'It can hurt, but in the long run, returning to yourself and living within your own integrity, values and boundaries is liberation and freedom.' She concluded her statement with the 'one thing' that she has learned, which is 'that none of this is personal,' adding, 'We are all on our individual journeys and I believe that the relationships in our lives are not random. 'We are drawn to people, we invite them in, in order to learn our lessons and to recognize and heal the broken parts of ourselves...I remain grateful.' After Furness' shock statement, a source had revealed exclusively to Jackman's 'bitter reaction' to her statement. Jackman was blindsided by her words, the source spilled, as he believed they had an 'understanding' they would not publicly trash one another after having a 'secret agreement.' 'Hugh was extremely disappointed after reading what his ex had said,' the insider explained. 'There was no stipulation that she could not address this but there was an unwritten understanding that she would not trash him to the press. 'She got around this by not naming him - instead focusing on how she felt.' The couple had been married for 27 years and have two adopted children together - their son Oscar, 24, and a daughter Ava, 19. Furness has received a 'handsome spousal support payment,' according to an insider who spoke to which she is 'pleased with.' 'There was some back and forth regarding this financial agreement but, in the end, she got what she believed she deserved,' the source added. 'Both are coming out of this financially secure.' A separate source said the divorce is 'non contested,' meaning there was not a major disagreement between the couple divorcing. 'They have worked out the details in advance and everything is ironed out in terms of a settlement, alimony and the expenses for the future of their children,' they said. 'They are amicable and they are both fully committed to being the best parents that they can be.' Jackman, who is dating Sutton Foster and was seen walking hand-in-hand with her days before the filing, is 'looking forward to the future and not looking back.'
