Hugh Jackman Is a Lousy Stripper, Jennifer Hudson Needs a Pal Named Tony & More Lessons of the Week

Wait, put the Into the Woods trailer on pause for a second—it’s time for the Lessons of the Week! Broadway.com is bringing you a roundup of the weirdest and wackiest stuff that happened over the last seven days, from the new visitors in Alysha Umphress’ dressing room to the total lack of denim in Jefferson Mays' wardrobe. Ready to find out what we learned? Check it out below!

Hugh Jackman Sucks at Stripping
We don’t have to tell you that Hugh Jackman is a really talented guy—but when he was challenged to strip on Live with Kelly and Michael, the Tony winner flashed his briefs, but then only took off his shoes! Complete fail. Let’s hope he fares better in The River and does some skinny-dipping.

Alysha Umphress Loves to Share
Broadway.com video blogger Alysha Umphress has started a new tradition: Taking a Polaroid of each On the Town dressing room visitor wearing her cabbie hat during the new revival’s run. Aww, what a sweet idea! It also sounds like a sure-fire way to get lice, but aww, what a sweet idea!

Sting Is Our Fairy Godfather
We always knew Sting was magical, but he really outdid himself when he appeared out of thin air at The Last Ship star Rachel Tucker’s Broadway.com photo shoot this week. Tucker explained that the whole cast sees him as a “father figure.” A father figure who croons “It’s Possible” and gets you the perfect gown for opening night?

Josh Kaufman Got a B'way Makeover
Wow, remember Josh Kaufman, the winner of The Voice season six? Well, he’s all clean-shaven and glasses-free in Pippin, and damn, if you thought he was cute before, he’s a total stud now! Every man has his daydreams, and our daydream is to ride in a flying hula-hoop with Josh Kaufman.

It’s the Hammer-Fist-Door Life for Us
We got two sneak peeks of the Annie movie this week: A cover of “You’re Never Fully Dressed” by Sia and an emoji music video of “Hard Knock Life.” Sure, the emojis don’t exactly match the lyrics, but “It’s the anchor-hand-door-plant for us” has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? ...Guys?

Jefferson Mays Doesn’t Own Jeans
A Gentleman’s Guide star Jefferson Mays is the most dapper star on Broadway—that’s a given. But did you know it’s not by choice, it’s by necessity? Apparently, the Tony winner’s apartment is too small for anything but suits, gloves and fedoras. Oh, the life of a starving, top-hat-wearing artist.

We Wish to Go to the Festival. (Um, Now.)
It’s not even Halloween yet, but there’s no way we can possibly wait until Christmas. We don’t care about the presents and the tree and all that useless junk—we want to go Into the Woods! If you need us, we’ll be in our rooms eating Black Forest cake and watching this on a loop for the next two months.

Let’s Get Jennifer Hudson a Dog
How did Jennifer Hudson snag a Grammy and Oscar Award? Her gorgeous voice and emotional performance in Dreamgirls didn’t hurt, but it was really her dogs, which she named Grammy and Oscar in some weird canine twist on The Secret. J-Hud, come to Broadway and Bernadette will have a pup named Tony all ready for you at next year's Broadway Barks.

James Snyder Gets Idina Menzel Burns
Anyone who’s ever walked by the Richard Rodgers Theatre knows that Idina Menzel is, without a doubt, a “blazing supernova.” But as her If/Then co-star, Broadway.com vlogger James Snyder explained on Show People, she’s so hot that he often gets chapped lips and facial burns from kissing her. #heykidproblems

Bradley Cooper Has an Elephant Inside
Ever wonder what The Elephant Man star Bradley Cooper is like underneath the piercing blue eyes and muscles? We assumed there were just more muscles, but apparently he has the essence of “Elephant Man” Joseph Merrick lying dormant inside him, just waiting to come out. That sounds a little creepy, Bradley, but as long as it includes you taking your shirt off, we’re into it.