Hugh Jackman to host at Tony Awards

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NEW YORK, March 10 (UPI) -- Hugh Jackman, star of Broadway's "The Boy from Oz," will host the nationally televised Tony Awards ceremony June 6 from Radio City Music Hall.

Jackman hosted the Antoinette Perry Awards ceremony last year and said Wednesday he was honored to be invited for a second appearance.

"On top of the incredible reception I've received from the Broadway community, this caps a thrilling year being the new kid on the block," the Australian-born actor-singer told UPI.

In announcing Jackman's return, executive show producer Ricky Kirshner, of the American Theater Wing, said he thought the actor "will help us generate more interest from younger viewers" for a CBS show that has relatively low ratings for the past several years.

"This year Jackman has proven himself to be the ultimate showman," Kirshner said. "There is such excitement in New York and on the Broadway stage, and we are looking forward to bringing that energy to this year's Tony Awards."