Hugh Jackman has literally done "The Greatest Showman," playing a singing version of ringmaster P.T. Barnum in the 2017 movie musical, as well as playing Aussie variety show king Peter Allen to Tony Award acclaim in Broadway's "The Boy From Oz."
But Jackman, 57, has never entered the Neil Diamond universe until "Song Sung Blue," the ba-ba-ba movie musical depicting the improbable rise of middle-aged Diamond “interpreter” Mike Sardina. Struggling musician Sardina, who died in 2006, became a ’90s sensation in the greater Milwaukee area with his wife, Claire (played by Kate Hudson), performing as the duo Lightning & Thunder.
"Mike Sardina wanted to take the essence of Neil without impersonating him. It's very cool, but very different from how I sing," says Jackman. "This movie is a love letter to Mike, and a love letter to Neil Diamond, whose songs were Mike's lifeline."
Here’s how Jackman got to touching you, touching me in the Diamond-inspired movie in theaters on Christmas Day.
Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson surprise fans: The 'Song Sung Blue' stars perform at an NYC bar
