NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Thursday marks opening night for "The Music Man" on Broadway and many in the industry are hoping the star power of Hugh Jackman can help lead the way out of the pandemic.
Rehearsals for the production started two years and the colorful marquee went up outside the Winter Garden Theatre 15 months ago.
Now, after countless delays, it's time to strike up the band.
"We have, certainly, one of the most anticipated new musicals," Charlotte St. Martin of the Broadway League said of the new musical, which also stars Sutton Foster. "It's certainly exhilarating. Hugh Jackman just symbolizes the best of Broadway every time he comes."
Jackman posted a special video message to Twitter on Thursday.
"This date has been in my head for probably 3 years-plus," Jackman said as he stood backstage at the theater. "I can't believe we're here. This is honestly the greatest blessing, greatest joy, the greatest cast, and crew, and orchestra I've had the privilege to work with, and tonight is going to be a celebration. I'm just so, so grateful."
St. Martin admits there are high hopes for the show as Broadway looks to chart a path forward from the pandemic.
"There's no question, Broadway was doing really well and omicron gave us a hit in the belly and we went through a couple of really rough weeks," St. Martin said, adding that 80% of seats were filled last week. "Attendance is down a bit, but it usually is now, so we're looking forward to March when things should pick up dramatically."
Both Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul are set to attend the opening night performance.
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