As those within the musical world know, Saturday was both a milestone and a day of sadness. Not only was it the one-year anniversary of Hamilton: An American Musical on Broadway, but it also saw the departure of a few members of its original cast. Tony award winner Leslie Odom Jr., Tony-nominated Phillipa Soo, and show creator/Tony award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda will all be stepping down from their roles of Aaron Burr, Eliza Hamilton and Alexander Hamilton, respectively. Needless to say, their parts are in good hands. Two-time Tony Award nominee Brandon Victor Dixon will be replacing Odom in the role of Burr; Lexi Lawson, Eliza; and Javier Muñoz, Hamilton. Saturday also saw the departure of Ariana DeBose, an ensemble member of the cast.
(From L to R: Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Christopher Jackson (George Washington))
(From L to R: Brandon Victor Dixon, Lexi Lawson)
(Javier Muñoz: previously the alternate for Alexander Hamilton)
In the past year, Hamilton has exponentially grown in popularity, so much that many deem it too “mainstream” and roll their eyes when it is mentioned. Personally, I can’t bring myself to care. Miranda, after reading the biography of Alexander Hamilton while on vacation, took around 8 years to write the musical. If that alone doesn’t show the passion and hard work he put into this project, then I recommend listening to the soundtrack. The lyrics are beautifully crafted, making the songs poetic and the raps intelligent and thought provoking. There is even symbolism within the music—all things you would not notice unless you listened to it more than once. But with current ticket prices ranging in the thousands and performances only in New York City (and Chicago later this year), it’s a difficult show to see.
I feel that is a big reason as to why so many Hamilfans have dreaded this day. In their minds, they missed their shot to see the original cast when the show was at its peak--to see Leslie Odom Jr. coon over his daughter and long to be in the room where it happens, to witness Phillipa Soo fall in love with Hamilton and later roast him and his letters, to cry with Lin-Manuel Miranda in joy over winning the American Revolution, and in sadness as he holds his dying son. There’s a certain dynamic and chemistry these three actors share, along with their fellow cast mates, and it can never truly be duplicated. Of course, it changes every night. That’s how theatre works, but you get my point.
Personally, I’m excited to see what these new additions to the Hamilfam bring. They undeniably have a boatload of talent, and will honor these roles as much as their predecessors did. Sure, the show will be different, but since when has that been bad? I think the 25th Anniversary Concert album of Phantom of the Opera is better than the original because I feel the actors have a stronger grasp of the characters. Raul Esparza sings the best rendition of “Being Alive” from Company. I even think the vocals from my junior year production of Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella were better than the 1950’s original (of course, that is an extremely biased statement).
And so in parting, I give these thanks.
Thank you Mr. Odom—for your stellar vocals and deep understanding of Aaron Burr. “Wait for It” will always be way too relatable, and your desire in “The Room Where It Happens” will always give me chills. It’s easy to villainize the antagonist, but I feel you balanced the role well.
Thank you Ms. Soo—for presenting Eliza as a positive, female role model. You made Eliza strong and capable while still family-focused, and delivered with a gorgeous, albeit heart-wrenching, honesty. You have carried Eliza's legacy with grace and your amazing amount of talent both on and off stage. I look forward to see what you do in the future.
Thank you Mr. Miranda—not only for creating this moment, but this movement. Hamilton has opened many doors for you, and you’ve taken every opportunity possible to give back—whether through EduHam, being a key figure in keeping Hamilton on the $10 bill, writing a song for charity with JLo, learning Periscope, or taking the time to tweet good morning and goodnight. It's hard to comprehend how one person can be so altruistic and compassionate. You have genuine patience and love for your fans, which is hard to come by. Fans can be annoying, almost frightening at times, and yet you continue to give to us through Ham4Ham, Twitter, and surprising us at the stage door. You want to give us so much, and in actuality, have given us enough with your words. And your creative passion…I know you probably hear this a lot, but wow. It’s truly inspiring. It's difficult not to compare thee to a modern day Alexander Hamilton—writing day and night like you’re running out of time. How do you write like tomorrow won’t arrive? How do you write every second you’re alive? For Hamilton, for Moana, for Star Wars, for Orlando, and who knows what else. Watching your accomplishments in the past year has helped me find something within myself, something I lost some time ago but didn’t realize until recently. And for that in itself, thank you, thank you, thank you.
