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"Rock Island" Music Man Rap

BRAODWAY THROWBACK: The Award winning legendary real-life Greatest Showman himself Hugh Jackman is set to make his way back to the Great Bright Way as “Professor Harold Hill” in the highly anticipated revival of Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man this holiday season. For the stage and screen showstopper, this musical is truly a full circle swing.
THE MUSIC MAN originally auditioned for a production at the age of 14 in Australia. He mentioned in interviews where he prepared the full length song of the show’s opening number ROCK ISLAND (best known as one of the first major OG rap songs in Musical Theater history). However, he was rejected from it. Years later, the score always stayed with him. He even got to visit that iconic opening number from MUSIC MAN when he hosted The 2014 Tony Awards (his 4th time hosting Broadway’s biggest night).
We have footage of that moment right below. Here is Hugh Jackman rapping ROCK ISLAND alongside pro-rappers LL Cool J and T.I.
Now, Jackman will finally get to march his heart out into this iconic show playing the lead. Of course, Jackman will be sharing the stage alongside Tony winner Sutton Foster as “Marian Paroo” and a full all-star cast.
After 2 delays, Tony winners Jerry Zaks and Warren Carlyle’s new revival of THE MUSIC MAN will finally march its way into Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre. Previews will begin December 20th, 2021 and the official Opening Night is scheduled for February 10th, 2022.
How amazing is this?
Who is excited for Hugh?!!!
P.S. Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUGH JACKMAN!!!! Can’t wait to see you back on Broadway!!!
Mike Haber
Author: Mike Haber