Between Then & Now // Hugh Jackman

14 // Opening Night

The theater was buzzing with anticipation as the audience found their seats, surely as excited as I was for the opening night of Macbeth. Backstage, Hugh and the rest of the actors were preparing for their roles. I imagined they were just as nervous as Hugh had been a couple days ago.

As promised, I was in the front row, feeling that same excitement and nerves. Hugh would be acting as Malcolm, the rightful heir to the Scottish throne. From what I saw during rehearsals, I could tell how serious he'd taken to the role, even if it wasn't the main lead of Macbeth. I was so proud of him and all the effort he'd put into it.

This moment meant so much to him, and I knew without a doubt he was going to do the character justice. He'd represent his integrity and the restoration of order. I couldn't help but think that he was perfect for it just based on who he was as a person.

Just then, the lights began to dim, and the audience who has yet to get to their seats did so quickly. A hush fell over us as the curtains rose, and the play started. Hugh didn't immediately appear. My eyes flicked to the wings, waiting for his cue.

When he finally stepped on stage, his presence was powerful. He brought a quiet strength to the play. As the rightful king, Hugh did the part with conviction, full of dignity and resolve. He might not have had the longest monologues, but every word he delivered was purposeful and measured. He commanded the stage in his own way.

Quiet and strong, he was going to go far with this - acting. Watching him perform, I knew Hugh was meant for something bigger, even if he didn't realize it yet.

As the play moved forward to it's climatic and final act, Hugh led the charge to reclaim the throne from Macbeth. He spoke with authority, unshaken as he declared his intention to restore order to the chaos Macbeth created.

Malcom's triumph over Macbeth's tyranny was a victory not just for Scotland but for justice. Hugh's last scene as Malcolm was understated but empowering. He stood as the new king, giving hope after all the horrifying bloodshed. I watched in silence when he delivered his remaining lines.

Once the curtains fell, the audience, myself included, erupted into applause. Like me, we all rose for a standing ovation and clapped enthusiastically. I locked eyes with Hugh on stage during the curtain call, and he offered me a small, grateful smile. He deserved this moment, this reaction from everyone. It was everything he'd worked for.

I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and admiration. He might not have been the lead, but his portrayal of Malcolm was integral to the play, and he acted with such grace.

After the curtain call, the cast came down from the stage and mingled with the audience. Some went to the lobby and some remained near the front rows. Everyone congratulated the actors, and though people tried to stop Hugh as he moved through the crowd, his eyes fixed on me. He was heading straight for me, like I was the only person he really wanted to hear from.

He grinned once he reached me. His face was flushed from the adrenaline of his performance. "So, how did I do?"

I smiled brightly up at him. "You were amazing. Just like I knew you would be."

He laughed so softly. "Is that so?"

"Yes," I said with a mildly serious tone. I told him he would be the other day, and I meant it.

His face softened as he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I was still so nervous about that last scene though. I kept worrying I wasn't going to pull it off."

"Hugh, you did more than that. You owned it. I swear the whole theater was watching you without you even trying."

His eyes found mine, causing me to suck in a shaky breath.