Video: Hugh Jackman Thanks Broadway Understudy From New Hampshire for Taking Over in ‘The Music Man’
Literally, this is what dreams are made of: making it on Broadway if you're an actor in any capacity or role, even as an understudy.
Now, we know understudies usually take over because the main actor is sick or injured, which of course you never wish upon anyone unless it's in a movie or television show with crazy plot twists, humorous happenings, or murder mysteries. But they are necessary.
So let me first say that I'm so sorry that the incredible, hunky, award-winning celebrity and actor Hugh Jackman tested positive for COVID-19. But as they say, "the show must go on", and every actor understands that, including Hugh. Enter his understudy from the Granite State, Max Clayton.
Max is from Manchester, New Hampshire, and has been called up as Hugh's understudy to take over Hugh's lead in the hit musical, The Music Man on Broadway in New York City. And Hugh graciously thanked Max on his Instagram page and tagged him as well!
Again, you never like to think that big breaks are on the backs of others' misfortune. Well, except when the evil character in the movie deserves it as I mentioned above, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Max isn't just taking over for a simple role for the next couple of weeks, he's taking over the role that garnered Hugh a Tony Award nomination.
So, Professor Harold Hill is now on Max's resume. Max, as I mentioned, grew up in Manchester and according to the Palace Theatre in Manchester, was a big part of the theatre's youth program.
As you can imagine, they're proud of him.