Hugh Jackman Pays Tribute To Broadway Understudy For Stepping Into Leading Role At Last Minute

Understudies are the unsung heroes of theatrical performances. Their importance is finally being recognized by mainstream media, thanks in part to one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors. Hugh Jackman gave up his Wolverine’s hand claws and picked up Harold Hill’s hat as The Music Man. He also paid tribute to one of those unsung heroes after a performance.

Hugh Jackman paid tribute to understudies at Broadway for their immense contribution to theatrical performances, according to CNN. The two-time Tony Award winner thanked Kathy Voytko, the understudy to Sutton Foster’s Marian Paroo in “The Music Man.”

“This is a time we’ve never known. We’re in our fourth preview, we’re all just sort of learning so swings and understudies have not had a chance to learn,” the Australian actor told audience following The Music Man’s recent show.

“They watch from the corner of a room while we rehearse, while we get to practice over and over again. They just get to watch and write notes and then five hours before performance they’re told, ‘You’re on by the way, you’ve got a wig fitting, go!'”

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The “Logan” actor then asked other understudies to join him on stage. “I’m emotional because it humbles me,” he said. He continued, “Their courage, their brilliance, their dedication, their talent. The swings, the understudies, they are the bedrock of Broadway.”

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