Hugh Jackman Quits The Music Man Shows After Covid-19 Diagnosis – Film News | Film-News.co.uk

Hugh Jackman will miss several performances of The Music Man after contracting Covid-19.

The Wolverine star announced on Monday that due to his recent positive Covid-19 test result, he will not be portraying Professor Harold Hill in the musical between June 14 and June 21.

Understudy Max Clayton will take on the role, starring in Meredith Wilson’s musical alongside Sutton Foster this week.

“I was frustrated with the positive Covid test. Again. My replacement, the incredibly talented @maxmclayton will replace me,” Hugh wrote on Instagram. “The most annoying thing is that I can’t see him play! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a million times more…Maxi and all the substitutes, swings and understudy around the world , you are the true hero of the theatre.You bring to life the saying “the show must go on”.

In an accompanying video, the actor assured fans, “Max and I have been working together on this show for over two years, and on this part, and I can tell you to be in the room with him and d experience, it is absolutely extraordinary.”

Music Man producer Kate Horton also issued a statement on the change, saying: “Once again, the watches and stunt doubles save the day and, in this case, it’s Max Clayton to the rescue. We are delighted to see him play alongside the wonderful Sutton Foster and wish Hugh a speedy recovery.”

Hugh’s diagnosis came hours after performing at the 2022 Tony Awards in New York with the cast of The Music Man. He was nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for his role, but lost to Myles Frost for MJ the Musical.