Hugh Jackman Expresses 'Frustration' Following COVID-19 Diagnosis; Will Miss 'The Music Man' Performances

Hugh Jackman will not be able to take the stage for the upcoming shows of his Broadway musical "The Music Man" after testing positive for COVID-19.

Jackman made the announcement on his Instagram page Monday just hours after attending this year's Tony Awards.

"I've frustratingly tested positive for Covid. Again. My standby, the amazingly talented @maxmclayton will step in for me," Jackman said in a video message. "What's most annoying is I don't get to see him perform! I've said it before, and will say it a million times more … Maxi and all the standbys, swings and understudies around the world, you are the true heroes of theater. You give life to the saying 'the show must go on.'"

In Jackman's absence, Max Clayton will play the role of iconic con man Harold Hill in the musical comedy from Tuesday until June 21.

In the clip, Jackman noted he and Clayton had been working together for the musical for over two years and called the standby actor "absolutely extraordinary." The 53-year-old actor said he is "frustrated" because he will not be able to see Clayton and the whole cast perform on stage.

"But I will be cheering you on in my heart, Max. To everyone and to the whole cast of 'The Music Man' I hate not being there with you. I'll be back as soon as I can," the Australian actor said.

Jackman first tested positive for COVID-19 last December, two months before the official opening of "The Music Man." His co-star Sutton Foster tested positive a few days later, which caused the show to cancel a few performances until the actors recovered from COVID-19.

The revival of Meredith Willson musical comedy is a box office success and has set a record for the highest week of ticket sales since the beginning of the pandemic, Variety reported. Its highest collection was in mid-March when it earned $3.5 million in a week. Jackman received a best actor nomination at this year's Tony Awards for his role in "The Music Man."