By Ernio Hernandez
05 Apr 2004

Top-bottom: Hugh Jackman (with Maureen Lipman) and Shuler Hensley (with Peter Polycarpou) in Oklahoma!
photo by Simon Farrell

Stars of the Trevor Nunn-directed London staging of Oklahoma! Hugh Jackman and Shuler Hensley reteam in the new movie, "Van Helsing," hitting theatres May 7.

Will Kemp (Swan Lake) as The Wolf Man and Richard Roxburgh ("Moulin Rouge") as Count Dracula also star in the Stephen Sommers film with Kate Beckinsale.

In the film, Jackman stars at the title character Dr. Gabriel Van Helsing who battles the evil monsters during the late 19th century including Frankenstein's Monster (played by Hensley).

Jackman starred as Curly and Hensley as Jud in the National Theatre's production of Oklahoma!. Susan Stroman (The Producers) provided choreography for the musical that won the top musical prize at the Olivier Awards, Evening Standard Awards and Critics Circle Awards. Hensley reprised his Olivier Award-winning role on Broadway to Tony Award-winning success.

Sydney-born Jackman — who currently stars in Broadway's The Boy From Oz — appeared on stage in the Australian productions of Beauty and the Beast as Gaston and Sunset Boulevard as Joe Gillis before his Olivier Award nomination for his turn in Oklahoma! The actor, who will return to host the 2004 Tony Awards, is well known for his roles in the "X-Men" films, "Kate & Leopold," and "Swordfish."

Atlanta, Georgia native Hensley is familiar with the horror character, having played "The Creature" in a filmed demo of the developing Frankenstein - The Musical. His theatre credits include Javert in Les Misérables on Broadway and the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera (Germany), Milos in ...Forum, Joe in The Most Happy Fella. He has also performed on television in "Ed," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" as well as the films "Sabrina," "The Bread My Sweet" and in "Someone Like You" — which starred Jackman.

For more information on the film, visit the official "Van Helsing" website at www.vanhelsingmovie.com.

Jackman as Van Helsing and Hensley as Frankenstein's Monster.
photo by © Copyright Universal