On Tuesday, Hugh Jackson posted on Twitter that he had been infected by COVID-19. The Music Man on its official Twitter also announced that all shows had been canceled through January 1 and refunds or exchanges of tickets could be made at the point of purchase. Earlier, Sutton Foster had caught the infection and had been replaced by a “swing.”
The X Men star Jackson spoke about his breakthrough case of Covid on Twitter. He said that he wanted his followers to hear from him personally that he had tested positive for COVID-19 on an Instagram video, on Tuesday morning. He also mentioned his symptoms such as “a scratchy throat and a bit of a runny nose.” He said that he was fine and that he would do all that it took to be better and he would be back on stage and would be heading to River City at the earliest.
The Music Man is expected to return with live performances at the Winter Garden Theater on January 2. First premiering in 1957 on Broadway, Meredith Willson’s classic revival had been scheduled for September 2020. However as the pandemic shut down Broadway and more, previews had begun on December 20. Then COVID breakthrough cases once again closed the stage on December 25 and December 26.
Sutton Foster shared an Instagram story on Friday, December 24 that that she had tested positive for COVID-19. Earlier on Thursday, December 23, the Younger star had missed a preview performance. A swing Kathy Voytko, who had taken over her role as Marian Paroo, was praised by Foster as well Jackson, who plays the role of Professor Harold Hill in the musical after her performance, as the show must go on. Jackson had commended the efforts of the swings as well as the understudies and called them the “bedrock of Broadway.”
Although Broadway was looking to put several shows during the holiday season, the omicron variant has played spoilsport and not only The Music Man but other shows including SIX, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Lion King and Hamilton were canceled due to breakthrough COVID infections. American Utopia is reworking shows. Musical Ain’t Too Proud–The Life and Times of the Temptations currently at Imperial Theater in Broadway, Jagged Little Pill and Waitress will close earlier than scheduled. Image
Just wanted you to hear it from me. I tested positive for covid. Mild symptoms and as soon as I’m cleared … looking forward to getting back to The Winter Garden! @MusicManBway pic.twitter.com/q1oEAzXX02
– Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) December 28, 2021
First look before the first preview. Tonight! Let’s do this @MusicManBway. pic.twitter.com/r7oZzNZMwM
– Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) December 20, 2021
