Hugh Jackman put his showman credentials to good use, performing live at Rupert Murdoch’s 95th birthday party in New York and announcing a new series of theater productions the same week.
THE X-Men the star sang songs from The greatest showman alongside the covers of Fly me to the moon And New York, New York during the celebration held Saturday at The Grill in New York.
He closed the performance with a rendition of I still call Australia home, a nod to the Australian heritage shared between the artist and the birthday boy.
Ivanka Trump was among those in attendance, according to a source. PEOPLE she “clapped” [Jackman] on” while he was playing.
Donald Trump, 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 raise eyebrows among those who have followed him for some time.
While promoting The favorite in 2018, he spoke directly about his friendship with Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner.
“I’ve known these guys for 15 years,” he told Variety at the time, “and we don’t talk politics at birthday parties.”
Separately, Jackman announced new productions through Together, the theater partnership he leads alongside producer Sonia Friedman, in collaboration with Audible Theater.
Two additional shows have been added to their 2026 season at Audible’s Off Broadway Minetta Lane Theater in New York, with starring roles for Jackman, Corey Stoll, Cecily Strong and The PittThis is 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 connection between actor and audience is immediate,” Jackman said in the announcement.
“Our productions deliver just that at Minetta Lane, and later we extend that experience everywhere you listen.”
