Hugh Jackman has put his showman credentials to good use by performing a live set at Rupert Murdoch’s 95th birthday party in New York and announcing a new slate of theater shows in the same week.
The X-Men star sang songs from The greatest showman next to covers of Fly me to the moon and New York, New York at the celebration held at The Grill in New York on Saturday.
He ended the performance with an interpretation of I still call Australia home, a nod to the shared Australian heritage of artist and birthday child.
Ivanka Trump was among those in attendance, a source said PEOPLE she “cheered [Jackman] on” while performing.
Donald Trump, who was unable to attend in person, reportedly sent a video message describing Murdoch as a “legendary” media figure and “one of a kind” who “changed the world” through his work.
Jackman’s performance alongside Ivanka Trump is unlikely to raise the eyebrows of those who have followed him for a while.
While promoting The front runner back in 2018, he directly addressed his friendship with both Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner.
“I’ve known those guys for 15 years,” he told Variety at the time, “and we don’t talk politics at birthday parties.”
Separately, Jackman has announced new productions through Together, the theatrical partnership he leads with producer Sonia Friedman, in association with Audible Theatre.
Two additional shows have been added to their 2026 season at Audible’s Off Broadway Minetta Lane Theater in New York City, starring Jackman, Corey Stoll, Cecily Strong and The Pitt‘s Sepideh Moafi.
“Our Together and Audible collaboration is what drew me to the theater in the first place: incredible words brought to life in a space where the bond between actor and audience is instantaneous,” Jackman said in the announcement.
“Our productions deliver just that at Minetta Lane, and later we’ll extend that experience to wherever you happen to be listening.”
