Hugh Jackman – “The Greatest Showman”

Hugh Jackman didn’t just perform at Ravinia on August 9 — he demonstrated a 90‑minute masterclass in charisma, musicality, and pure showmanship that proved, once again, why he’s known as “The Greatest Showman.” Backed by the superb Chicago Philharmonic under the direction of Scott Speck, Jackman delivered a tightly paced, no‑intermission, no‑encore evening that left Ravinia’s Hunter Pavilion buzzing and the audience genuinely wanting more.

The afternoon had started with storms, but by showtime the air was clear and cool — the kind of summer evening Ravinia seems designed for. Jackman took full advantage of it, turning the pavilion, the aisles, and even the lawn into his stage.

⭐ The Performance: A 90‑Minute Sprint of Energy and Emotion

Jackman opened with Neil Diamond’s Crunchy Granola Suite, immediately setting a tone of upbeat nostalgia before launching into The Greatest Show and Come Alive — both delivered with the kind of punch that reminds you he’s spent decades commanding blockbuster film sets and Broadway stages alike.

But the magic of the night wasn’t just in the big numbers. It was in the storytelling.

🎭 Storytelling That Pulled the Audience In

Jackman framed nearly every song with a personal anecdote — funny, heartfelt, or downright surprising.

• Ya Got Trouble He turned the pavilion into River City, weaving through the crowd, shaking hands, taking selfies, and high‑fiving fans like a politician on opening night. The Chicago Philharmonic kept pace with his every move.
• Sweet Caroline Before launching into the anthem, Jackman told the story of inviting himself to Neil Diamond’s house while filming Song Sung Blue — and ending up doing karaoke with Neil. The entire pavilion was on its feet, and Jackman even strolled out to the lawn seats, making Ravinia’s famously spread‑out venue feel intimate.
• You Will Be Found Dedicated to his best friend since kindergarten, Gus Worland — “the one friend everyone must have who will always be there.” The emotional weight landed beautifully, supported by the Philharmonic’s warm, enveloping arrangement.
• Stars Jackman shared that he sang this at a 1995 audition for Beauty and the Beast. The director told him to “throw away the music and never sing that song again.” Jackman laughed: “They still liked me so much I got the part.”
• Thank God I’m a Country Boy Featuring Eleanor from the Chicago Philharmonic on violin; Jackman cheekily rewrote the lyrics to “Thank God I’m an Aussie Boy.”

🎼 The Chicago Philharmonic: A True Co‑Star

Jackman repeatedly spotlighted the orchestra — and not in a perfunctory way. During the Fly Me to the Moon / That’s Life / New York, New York medley, he introduced individual musicians; Dave on trumpet, Doug on bass, Nate on bassoon, Matthew on cello, and Jim on piano.

Each solo was met with cheers, reinforcing how seamlessly Jackman blended his showmanship with genuine musical collaboration. The Philharmonic’s reputation for versatility was on full display.

🌟 Broadway Roots and Big‑Screen Brilliance

A highlight was the Peter Allen medley from The Boy from Oz, Jackman’s first Broadway triumph. He moved through Arthur’s Theme, Don’t Cry Out Loud, I Honestly Love You, Quiet Please, There’s a Lady on Stage, and I Go to Rio with affectionate humor and unmistakable pride.

Later, A Million Dreams featured gorgeous harmonies from his singers Lauren, Kim, Felicia, and Russ — a lush, cinematic moment that felt lifted straight from The Greatest Showman.

🔥 The Finale

Jackman closed with From Now On and Once Before I Go, the latter dedicated to Clive Davis. It was a perfect emotional landing — reflective, grateful, and delivered with the sincerity that has defined his career.

And then… the lights came up. No encore. No need. The show had already given everything.

📸 Final Thoughts

I’ve covered countless Ravinia performances — but few match the electricity of this one. Jackman’s ability to merge Broadway storytelling, pop‑concert energy, and symphonic richness is rare. The Chicago Philharmonic elevated every moment.

It was, simply, a phenomenal night of music and personality — the kind of performance that reminds you why live entertainment matters.

Jackman didn’t just perform. He connected. He celebrated. He showed.

And yes — he proved once again that he is, indeed, The Greatest Showman.

Scott Margolin Photography