Is Hugh Jackman Joining UK Bound Barnum Cast?

According to the Times Online Sir Cameron Mackintosh, currently planning out the revival of  BARNUM on the West End, has someone in mind for the part originated by Michael Crawford and that someone is Hugh Jackman. Could this be a sign John Barrowman, who was previously mulling a choice between BARNUM and PHANTOM 2, is no longer in the running? BroadwayWorld previously reported on Barrowman's dilemma between playing the title on Barnum (Mackintosh was supposedly talking to him about the role) and starring in the sequel to Phantom, Phantom 2. 

Barrowman is a common face in English house-holds, having been a judge on UK reality TV shows "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?" and the BBC program "I'd Do Anything" (to cast stars of Oliver!). He is also the star of the hit TV series "Torchwood."

BARNUM, with a book by Mark Bramble, lyrics by Michael Stewart and music by Cy Coleman, debuted at Broadway's St. James Theatre on April 30, 1980. Jim Dale took home the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical as the iconic and larger-than-life American showman. Michael Crawford later staged the role at the London Palladium in 1981.

The multi-talented Jackman won an Emmy for hosting the 2004 Tony Awards ceremony. However, he is probably best known to Broadway audiences for his role in The Boy From Oz. He was also nominated for the 1998 Olivier for Best Actor in a Musical for his Curly in the Royal National Theatre's Oklahoma! A musical theatre veteran back in Australia, he played Joe Gillis in the 1996 production of Sunset Boulevard in Melbourne, and Gaston in 1995's Beauty and the Beast.  Film credits include The Fountain, The Prestige, Scoop, the X-Men films, and Someone Like You.

Photo of Hugh Jackman by Linda Lenzi.

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