Celebrating a Decade of “Hamilton”: Behind the Scenes with the Cast
On August 6, “Hamilton” marks its 10th anniversary on Broadway, celebrating a decade of groundbreaking performances and cultural impact. To commemorate this milestone, a group of talented actors from the show joined forces to discuss their experiences and the enduring legacy of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s iconic musical. Tune in to this week’s episode of the “Stagecraft” podcast for an inside look!
In a recent panel discussion featured on “Stagecraft,” Variety’s esteemed theater podcast, actress Hannah Cruz shared her thoughts on the pressures of performing in such a beloved production. Reflecting on her time as Eliza in the national tour, Cruz admitted, “I’ve never felt so much pressure.” She emphasized the challenges new cast members face, as audiences come with high expectations shaped by the original cast album.
Thayne Jasperson, the only original Broadway cast member still with the show, reminisced about the early days when audiences were less familiar with the musical. “I miss the time when we were Off-Broadway at the Public Theater and nobody knew the words," he shared. "It was a unique experience to see people soaking up every word for the first time." Now, he enjoys watching audiences enthusiastically sing along.
Edred Utomi, who recently made his Broadway debut as Alexander Hamilton after performing the role on tour, also felt the weight of expectations. He explained how he channels his background as the son of Nigerian immigrants into his portrayal of Hamilton, drawing parallels between his family’s journey and the character’s struggles. “I filter my experiences through my parents and siblings, connecting it to Hamilton’s narrative,” Utomi noted.
Miguel Cervantes, who holds the record for the most performances as Alexander Hamilton with 2,013 shows, discussed how the musical’s themes resonate differently as the political landscape evolves. “Hamilton” explores the lives of historical figures grappling with their imperfections during times of significant stress and creativity. Cervantes pointed out that the show’s exploration of flawed individuals creating a nation mirrors today’s political climate, where leaders navigate complex challenges in real time.
In this episode of “Stagecraft,” the cast members also shared lighthearted stories about celebrity visits, onstage mishaps, and unexpected wardrobe malfunctions. “Mess-ups are our favorite!” Jasperson laughed, highlighting the camaraderie that comes from shared experiences on stage.
To catch the full conversation and dive deeper into the world of “Hamilton,” listen to the latest episode of “Stagecraft” at the link above or subscribe on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the Broadway Podcast Network. New episodes are released every other week, so don’t miss out on more behind-the-scenes insights from the theater world!
