Hugh Jackman: 'Aces Up My Sleeve'

By: Brian Dakss

On Sunday night, Broadway hands out its highest honors at the 59th Annual Tony Awards. And, for the third year in a row, the gala will be hosted by Hugh Jackman.

When you think of Jackman, the first thing that comes to mind is "movie star," notes People magazine senior editor and The Early Show entertainment contributor Jess Cagle, but Jackman actually got his start on the stage, in his native Australia.

He returns to the stage of Radio City Music Hall for Sunday's Tonys.

"The room is like a Ferrari," Jackman marvels. "It's like the best audience you can ever imagine. People that are watching it love it, and the show, it's not an awards show. We're not trying to jazz it up. It's genuinely a show. You get to see at the Tony Awards the performances, the best of Broadway performed live, so I've got aces up my sleeve all over the place.

"I'll admit to being a little nervous this year, because sitting in the front few rows is going to be Billy Crystal, so that's like boxing in front of Muhammad Ali. It's a little daunting."

Jackman is selling himself short, observes Cagle. Jackman also knows a thing or two about putting on a good show. Last year, he danced with the Rockettes, rode a camel, and pulled Sarah Jessica Parker on stage for an impromptu dance.

What's in store this year?

"Well," Jackman says, "in my limited experience, I've been around Broadway four or five years now, and from talking to people, this is one of those very strong years. …Also, Aretha Franklin's performing, which is incredible. Just to be on the same stage with her, and I keep trying to talk her into doing a duet, which you never know, may happen. I was singing around her hotel room. …I don't know if that was good idea. …She threw something at me, but I think that was a good thing."