Abracadabra! Hugh Jackman to Return to Broadway in Houdini

Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman has the magic touch! As previously speculated, Jackman will return to Broadway during the 2013-14 season to star as the title character in Houdini, an original musical featuring a score by Stephen Schwartz and book by Aaron Sorkin. Jack O’Brien will direct. No theater or further casting has been announced at this time. 

“I have been deeply fascinated by the life of Harry Houdini since I was young," Jackman said in a statement, "and in many ways I’ve been preparing for this role my whole life. I am thrilled to be collaborating with this collection of artists who are all at the top of their game.”

Sorkin's take on the story of the famed magician will not be a traditional biography. Instead the musical tells the story of an epic battle between Houdini and a trio of women, known as 'Spiritualists', who convinced millions of people they could communicate with the dead.

Jackman recently wrapped his record-breaking solo show, Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway. He is readying to star in the film adaptation of Les Miserables. Jackman earned a Tony Award for The Boy From Oz and also appeared on Broadway in A Steady Rain. His many film credits include the X-Men series, Australia, Swordfish, Kate & Leopold, Real Steel and The Prestige, in which he also played an illusionist. 

Houdini is produced by Scott Sanders and David Rockwell, who will also design the show's sets.