Hugh Jackman has been putting his showman credentials to good use, performing live at Rupert Murdoch’s 95th birthday party in New York and announcing a new slate of theater productions in the same week.
He X-Men star sang songs The greatest showman along with covers of take me to the moon and New York, New York at the celebration, held at The Grill in New York on Saturday.
He closed the performance with a performance of I still call Australia my home, a nod to the Australian heritage shared between the artist and the birthday boy.
Ivanka Trump was among those in attendance, a source said. PEOPLE she was “cheering” [Jackman] on” while performing.
Donald Trump, who was unable to attend in person, reportedly sent a video message describing Murdoch as a “legendary” and “one-of-a-kind” media figure who “changed the world” through his work.
Jackman’s appearance alongside Ivanka Trump is unlikely to surprise those who have followed him for a while.
while promoting the favorite In 2018, he directly addressed his friendship with both Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner.
“I’ve known those guys for 15 years,” he told Variety at the time, “and we don’t talk politics at birthday parties.”
On the other hand, Jackman has announced new productions through Together, the theater society he directs with producer Sonia Friedman, in collaboration with Audible Theatre.
Two additional shows have been added to its 2026 season at Audible’s Off Broadway Minetta Lane Theater in New York City, with starring roles for Jackman, Corey Stoll, Cecily Strong and The pitIt’s Sepideh Moafi.
“Our Together and Audible collaboration is what drew me to theater in the first place: incredible words brought to life in a space where the bond between actor and audience is immediate,” Jackman said in the announcement.
“Our productions offer just that at Minetta Lane, and we’re later expanding that experience to wherever you’re listening.”
