Hugh Jackman returned the Tony Awards — where all things Broadway are recognized — to host for the first time, but the well-liked Aussie left many scratching their heads with his bouncing during the ceremony’s opening act.
There was a reason for the madness and we will tell you all about it in a second.
One thing was clear, Hugh Jackman has great lung capacity, as he was bouncing like the Easter bunny for a little over four-minutes, the time it took him to get to stage and then proceeded to perform the tune I Love The Tonys , while he continued to dance.
Watch the video below:
Now, if you’re not exhausted just from watching Hugh Jackman bounce, then you are probably wondering what the heck was that all about.
Well, it appears the 45-year-old host is a fan of 1950s musicals and must have done some research to prepare for hosting the Tony Awards. Take a look at this performance by Bobby Van in the 1953 movie Small Town Girl .
Later on Jackman introduced another 1950s number, The Music Man , bringing along with him rappers LL Cool J and T.I. for their “modernized” version of “Rock Island.” Jackman was amazed that it didn’t leak to the media:
@llcoolj @troubleman31 … awesome! ALL kept the secret! Can you believe it?! #musicman :therap #tonyawards #amazing pic.twitter.com/BnNRmTt4Vg
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) June 9, 2014
Jackman was teasing the intro before the show on Instagram:
LL Cool J joined in Hugh’s enthusiasm for their number at the Tonys and was very proud to be part of the first hip-hop performance at the Awards ceremony:
#repost from thehughjackman… We the #musicmen #thetonys #rehearsal troubleman31 http://t.co/lOtMGLmk75
— LL COOL J (@llcoolj) June 9, 2014
But not everyone agreed with or liked their little number. Some took to Twitter to voice their opinion, as in the case of reporter Caroline Moss and others who tweeted :
LL Cool J and T.I. are performing Rock Island from The Music Man and I no longer want to be associated with theater. Like at all.
— Caroline Moss (@socarolinesays) June 9, 2014
— Ryan B (@ryanbb25) June 9, 2014
— JCHammer (@JCactor15) June 9, 2014
So we got rapping Shipoopi instead of the in memoriam? Stay classy, #Tonys .
— Adam G (@adam807) June 9, 2014
THEY’RE RAPPING THE FREAKING MUSIC MAN ON THE TONYS OMG
— Jordan Raso (@JordanRaso) June 9, 2014
Some in the theater crowd didn’t seem to appreciate the innovation Hugh Jackman was trying to bring to the Tonys. Regardless, the Les Mis actor was a huge hit as host, bringing a contagious energy and praise from viewers and critics alike.
What do you think of Hugh Jackman’s bouncing and rapping at the Tonys?
[Image via cinemafestival / Shutterstock.com ]
