The New York Post recently reported that stage and screen star Hugh Jackman — who won his Tony for his high-voltage performance as Peter Allen in The Boy From Oz — is in negotiations to portray Norman Maine in a possible Broadway production of this version of A Star Is Born. Although the casting notice does not specify Jackson's involvement, it does indicate that the role of Maine has been cast.
A Star Is Born concerns the tumultuous relationship between Esther Blodgett and Norman Maine. The casting notice describes Blodgett as a "small-time singer in a nightclub band act who never imagines that one day she will achieve international stardom. Norman recognizes her immense talent, falls in love with her and makes her a star. Ultimately, her success causes a conflict in her relationship with Norman. She is a street girl, open, warm and has an immense emotional capacity."
George Cukor directed the 1954 film "A Star Is Born," which co-starred Judy Garland as Vicki Lester (Esther Blodgett) and James Mason as Norman Maine. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Actor in a Leading Role (Mason), Best Actress in a Leading Role (Garland), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Original Song (Gershwin and Arlen's "The Man That Got Away") and Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture. Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson starred in a 1976 remake.