Hamilton: Behind the Scenes with the Original Cast
Summary
The original cast of Hamilton talks about their experiences, memorable moments backstage, and their involvement in the production. They discuss the theme of legacy and how current events affect how the show is received. They also talk about the casting process, rehearsal difficulties, and the emotional toll of performing certain scenes. Lastly, they reflect on the importance of using your voice to address what is wrong with the world and make change.
Table of Contents
- Hamilton and Legacy
- Casting and Rehearsals
- Social Media and Controversy
- Dear Theodosia and Reflection
- Conclusion
Introduction
Hamilton: An American Musical has become a cultural phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. With its clever lyrics, catchy tunes, and compelling storytelling, Hamilton has garnered critical acclaim and a huge fan following. In this article, we’ll go behind the scenes with the original cast of Hamilton and hear about their experiences on stage, memorable moments backstage, and their reflections on the show’s themes.
Q&A
Hamilton and Legacy
- How do current events and politics affect how Hamilton is received?
- What does Hamilton say about legacy and history?
The cast members discuss how world events and politics can affect how the show is perceived. They note how the themes of the show, particularly those about slavery, hit differently in the current climate. They believe that the show’s themes are still relevant today and that Hamilton offers a hopeful message about the importance of using your voice to make change.
The cast members talk about how Hamilton is a show about legacy, and how it explores the idea of how history is remembered and how that can change over time. The show emphasizes the importance of telling your own story and how the actions you take can affect the narrative of history. The cast feels that the show is a great conversation starter about the importance of legacy and how we remember our past.
Casting and Rehearsals
- What was the casting process like for Hamilton?
- What was it like during rehearsals for Hamilton?
The interviewee explains that the casting process involved finding cast members who had essential qualities that would make them great in their roles, rather than trying to find performers who could replicate previous performers’ interpretations of the roles. Some cast members auditioned, while others were scouted through their work in theater.
The interviewee recalls feeling nervous and uncertain about their role during their first rehearsals for Hamilton. They discuss the difficulties of the rehearsal process, which included learning and performing songs while being spun around on a moving turntable. The interviewee also talks about the emotional toll of performing certain scenes and songs and discusses how some cast members sneak in moments of texting or making dinner orders during the show.
Social Media and Controversy
- How do you use social media to share the Hamilton experience with fans?
- What do you say to people who are critical of Hamilton’s inclusion in some “sexy” playlists?
The speaker talks about how they used social media to share as much of the Hamilton show with as many people as possible, to break down the exclusivity of it. They felt that social media was a powerful tool to help remove barriers to access, and they wanted to use it to engage with fans and build a community.
The speaker dismisses the controversy surrounding a song’s inclusion in certain playlists, stating that it is a great song to sing and has been popular with a diverse range of audiences. They assert that controversy around such matters is irrelevant, as the song speaks to people’s hearts.
Dear Theodosia and Reflection
- Can you reflect on your experience with Dear Theodosia?
- How did watching the Hamilton movie make you feel?
The speaker talks about how they found a personal connection to their character through the song “Dear Theodosia.” They recounted how they prayed for their daughter while singing it, and it brought depth and emotion to their performance.
The speaker discusses how watching the Hamilton movie brought back a special memory of their early workshops for the show. They noted that the film showcased both the music and the acting, which helped to bring the show’s themes to life. The speaker reflects on the importance of the show’s message and encourages people to use their own voices to make change.
Conclusion
Hamilton is a show that has captured the hearts and minds of millions around the world. With its powerful message about legacy and the power of storytelling, the show has become a cultural touchstone. We hope that this Q&A with the original cast has given you an insight into what it’s like to be a part of this incredible production. Remember, as the cast reminds us, Hamilton’s message about the importance of using your voice to address what is wrong with the world and make change is more important now than ever.
