Los Angeles:  Nicole Kidman, the Popular  Hollywood actress, was welcomed with open arms on Broadway on Saturday night when she attended a performance of Hugh Jackman's revival of "The Music Man."

Kidman made her presence known at an auction for the organisation Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS by placing a sizable $100,000 bid for a hat signed by Jackman, reports "Variety".

Jackman thanked his fellow Australian actress for her support on Twitter and posted a video of the encounter.
"I love you. I love Broadway. And while I appreciate what Broadway Cares does, I also want to note how remarkable this show is "Kidman remarked as she walked up to the Winter Garden Theatre stage and grabbed the microphone.

"I've been friends with Nic for about 30 years. I've done work for her. I can assure you that I am not surprised by this. She is one of the kindest people I know "As reported by Variety, Jackman said. "You are a lovely person. I cherish you. I'm grateful." According to Variety, the crowd enthusiastically responded to Kidman's screamed $100,000 bid, prompting Jackman to quip, "I just want to be clear, this is not Australian dollars." (Kidman's offer equals $148,744 AUD at the current exchange rate.) Following recent performances, the "Music Man" cast collected donations for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The Music Man producer Kate Horton said in a statement that "Ms Kidman's tremendous support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS on Saturday night was great to see and her extraordinary generosity will be deeply appreciated by the entire Broadway community."

"Broadway Cares is fortunate to have friends on Broadway. But Hugh Jackman is our greatest champion. The greatest donation ever made for a single auction item is this astounding gift from his friend Nicole Kidman. This holiday season, it translates to 20,000 meals and 2,000 doctor visits for those with HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, or other life-threatening conditions "The executive director of Broadway Cares, Tom Viola, remarked.

This holiday season, donations made at "The Music Man," on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and at national touring companies will provide food and medicine, healthcare, and hope, Viola noted.