Hugh Jackman Tests Positive for COVID, Pulls Out of ‘Music Man’ Shows

Hugh Jackman poses as he arrives for the 75th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, US, June 12, 2022. (Reuters)
Hugh Jackman poses as he arrives for the 75th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, US, June 12, 2022. (Reuters)
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Hugh Jackman Tests Positive for COVID, Pulls Out of ‘Music Man’ Shows

Hugh Jackman poses as he arrives for the 75th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, US, June 12, 2022. (Reuters)
Hugh Jackman poses as he arrives for the 75th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, US, June 12, 2022. (Reuters)

Actor Hugh Jackman has had to back out of performing in Broadway show "The Music Man" for the next week after he tested positive for COVID-19 a second time.

The Australian star, 53, posted a video message on his Twitter page late on Monday. The news came a day after the "X-Men" and "The Greatest Showman" actor performed at the Tony Awards.

"I wanted you guys to hear it from me first that unfortunately this morning I have frustratingly tested positive for COVID again," said Jackman, who plays con man Harold Hill in the musical revival.

"So my incredible standby Max Clayton is going to go on for me. Max and I have been working together on this show for over two years... I can tell you from being in the room with him and from experience he's absolutely extraordinary so I'm just frustrated that I won't get to see him and cheer him on."

The production, showing at New York's Winter Garden Theatre, cancelled performances last December after Jackman contracted the virus.

"This is another reminder to me... that the real heroes of Broadway are our standbys, our understudies and swings and never has that been more obvious than in the past year," Jackman said.

"They give meaning to the phrase 'The show must go on' and it will go on and it will be amazing."

Jackman said he would be back as soon as possible. A post on the production's Twitter page said he would return on June 22.



Saudi Film Commission to Showcase Cultural Power of Cinema at 1st European Edition of SXSW in London

Saudi Film Commission to Showcase Cultural Power of Cinema at 1st European Edition of SXSW in London
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Saudi Film Commission to Showcase Cultural Power of Cinema at 1st European Edition of SXSW in London

Saudi Film Commission to Showcase Cultural Power of Cinema at 1st European Edition of SXSW in London

The Saudi Film Commission is participating in the inaugural European edition of the SXSW Festival, taking place in London from June 2 to 7.

SXSW is a prestigious global platform that brings together a select group of professionals and experts from various creative sectors through a variety of events, including panel discussions, musical and comedy performances, film and television screenings, exhibitions, technical competitions, and opportunities for professional development and partnership building.

The Commission’s participation includes screening a selection of short Saudi films under the “Saudi Film Nights” initiative, with the aim of showcasing Saudi storytelling and empowering national talent for international audiences.

The Commission is also organizing a panel session titled “Empowering the Film Industry in Saudi Arabia: From Vision to Reality,” which will explore the role of cinema in shaping national identity, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting local content as a tool of soft power.

Within the Saudi pavilion, the Commission is showcasing the Kingdom’s cinematic achievements through an exhibition featuring films that have sold over 250,000 tickets at the box office, participated in prestigious international festivals, or won global awards. This underscores the growth of the Saudi film industry and its rising prominence on the international stage.

The Saudi Film Commission is part of the joint Saudi pavilion, which includes other creative sector entities such as the Music Commission, the Culinary Arts Commission, the Fashion Commission, and MOCX. Together, they present a comprehensive view of the Kingdom’s rich and diverse cultural landscape.

This participation underscores the Film Commission’s commitment to expanding Saudi Arabia’s global presence, empowering creative talent, and positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in the cinema industry.