After seeing a performance of her former co-star Hugh Jackman’s Broadway musical The Music Man, Nicole Kidman shocked the crowd and Jackman by placing a surprise bid of $100,000 (A$150,000, £83,000) for a hat that Jackman had autographed.
After the show on Saturday, there was an auction for the organization Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids.
Kidman made her presence known by announcing her offer of $100,000 for the hat, which elicited gasps and applause from the audience before a standing ovation. To be clear, these are not Australian dollars, Jackman said in jest.
“I care for you. I adore Broadway. And I love what Broadway Cares does, but I also want to say that this show is extraordinary,” Kidman said into the microphone after approaching the Winter Garden Theatre stage and giving Jackman a bear hug.
Nic and I have been friends for about 30 years. I’ve done stuff for her. I can assure you that I am not surprised by this.
She is among the kindest people I know, according to Jackman, who said this on stage. “You are a lovely person. I cherish you. I appreciate your kindness.
At recent performances, the Music Man cast has been collecting money for the cause.
Jackman and Kidman, two of Australia’s most well-known performers, have only worked together a few times, starring in Baz Luhrmann’s 2008 film Australia and lending their voices to the parents of penguins in both of George Miller’s animated Happy Feet movies.
Broadway’s smash blockbuster, The Music Man, sells $2 to $ 3 million in weekly tickets. The performance will end in January.
