Hugh Jackman’s The Music Man ends on Broadway

It turns out that Hugh Jackman is irreplaceable.

“The Music Man” will end its run on January 1, 2023, when the Tony-winning star of stage and screen ends his long-term involvement with the best-selling Broadway revival. There have been rumors that the producers are looking for another actor to take over from Jackman as Professor Henry Hill, but those kinds of actors are few and far between. And, well, they don’t usually have the kind of commercial appeal to fill the conservatory.

The revival, which also starred two-time Tony Award winner Sutton Foster, will have played 358 regulars and 46 previews by its final bow.

“We are so proud of our extraordinary company led by Hugh and Sutton for their tireless work to bring joy to our audiences night after night,” said Kate Horton, the show’s producer. “I am thrilled that Hugh and Sutton will continue to bring their unique magic to the stage through the end of 2022 as we cap off a successful year for our entire industry. Above all, we are infinitely grateful for the trust and support of our audience, whose love affair with our show has weathered even the most complicated circumstances that a global pandemic could throw our way. We wish this ride could last forever, but alas, all good things must come to an end.”

The Music Man was directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks. Reviews were mixed, but the show was a huge hit with fans. It was originally scheduled to open in 2020 before COVID messed up those plans.

Jackman is currently earning Oscar craziness for his performance as the star in Florian Zeller’s The Son, which hits theaters in December after appearing at the Venice and Toronto film festivals.