Cover Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton in the Australian production. Jason Arrow is reprising the titular role for the Manila production
Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton in the Australian production. Jason Arrow is reprising the titular role for the Manila production
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The multi-awarded musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda opens this month, with Rachelle Ann Go as Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, The role she originated at the musical’s West End production
The stage is set for the Asian premiere of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s acclaimed musical, Hamilton. The musical is on its new international tour, which begins in Manila this September 17. Much-anticipated by fans and theatre aficionados, this Philippine leg of Hamilton was made possible by GMG Productions and The Theatre at Solaire.
“We have assembled an extraordinary cast of superstars from productions worldwide for Hamilton’s new international tour,” says Michael Cassel, tour producer. “We can’t wait to introduce them to you as we make our way to exciting new places for the first time.”
Above Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda
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Hamilton retells the tragic and inspiring life story of Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant and one of America’s founding fathers who played a crucial role in the American Revolution and in shaping the United States’ early political history. Based on the 2004 biography penned by Ron Chernow, this sung-and-rapped-through musical brings to the revolving centre stage Hamilton’s storied past with much vigour and colour.
The musical production has been known for its diverse and inclusive casting. Actors of Filipino descent who have been part of Hamilton include Marc de la Cruz (Alexander Hamilton, King George, John Laurens, Philip Hamilton, James Reynolds and Philip Schuyler); Rachelle Ann Go (the first Eliza Schuyler Hamilton in the West End production); Christine Allado (Peggy Schuyler, Maria Reynolds); Karla Puno Garcia (a “swing”, or an offstage performer who goes onstage if one from the ensemble backs out).
Above The German production of ‘Hamilton’ in Hamburg (Photo: Johan Persson)
The German production of ‘Hamilton’ in Hamburg (Photo: Johan Persson)
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Veering from traditional casting, Hamilton was described by Miranda as “America then, as told by America now”. Its music is an eargasmic combination of hip-hop, R&B, pop, soul and traditional-style show tunes. When it premiered Off-Broadway in 2015 at the Public Theater in Lower Manhattan, the shows were sold-out and received wide acclaim. Perhaps, credit is due to Miranda, who originally played the titular role for several months.
Hamilton quickly became the talk of the town since it premiered at the Richard Rogers Theatre on Broadway in 2015. Introducing greater acceptance of contemporary music on Broadway, Hamilton has been lauded for its revolutionary stage movement, poignant lyrics and riveting performances. It has drawn appeal towards young audiences and impressed critics and theatre aficionados for its provocative commentary on the current American government and society. The notable choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler was also a crowd-drawer.
Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton (Photo: Daniel Boud)
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After receiving accolades from the Drama Desk, Tony, Laurence Olivier, Grammy and Pulitzer Prize, Hamilton launched its US national tours and international productions in Puerto Rico, Australia and Hamburg (where it was translated into German). For Hamilton’s new international tour, Manila and Abu Dhabi were chosen for the Asian leg from 2023 to 2024.
The Manila company is led by Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton, DeAundre’ Woods as Aaron Burr, Akina Edmonds as Angelica Schuyler, Darnell Abraham as George Washington, David Park as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Shaka Bagadu Cook as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Jacob Guzman as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, Elandrah Eramiha as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds and Brent Hill as King George.
Read also: Lin-Manuel Miranda on directing ‘Tick, Tick... Boom!’, a story he knows well
Above The West End production of Hamilton where Rachelle Ann Go (left) originated the role of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton
The West End production of Hamilton where Rachelle Ann Go (left) originated the role of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton
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Go also returns to her home country to reprise the role of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. The Filipina singer-actress, who has been making a name for herself on Broadway and West End, expressed in a television interview her excitement to finally perform a musical close to her heart in front of her fellow Filipinos. She recalled that when she auditioned for the role of Peggy Schuyler in Hamilton, she lost her voice while preparing. Surprisingly, her voice came out on audition day, and she landed the part of Eliza.
The international tour company of 34 performers is completed by Claire Abaijah-Griffin, Kirrah Amosa, Curtis Angus, Kyla Bartholomeusz, Taylor Broadard, Trey Curtis, Aniya Danée, Lachlan Dearing, Winston Hillyer, Indigo Hunt, Marcus John, Julian Kuo, Iosefa Laga’aia, Ashton Lash, HaNy Lee, Terrance Martin, Trevor Miles, Eliza Ohman, Callan Purcell, Joshua Rivera, Wesley Ryan, Emmy Saheki, Terrance Spencer and Dayton Tavares.
Read also: The Sound of Music Manila: Karylle Tatlonghari and Markki Stroem’s stunning performance
Above Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton in the Australian leg of the international tour
“The entire creative team and I are thrilled that Hamilton will be seen by new audiences all over the world and for them to experience the talents of this inspiring company,” says Jeffrey Seller, producer of Hamilton.
With its globally impactful narrative of diaspora, social unrest and representation, Hamilton is a must-see musical that showcases these stories through the eyes of an emerging hero. It combines personal strife, ambitions and intelligence with the collective struggle, pointing out that self-made success is met by making a difference for the nation. As it wows audiences on its limited run in Manila, Hamilton also hopes to awaken the soul of every Filipino.
“We’ve had so many incredible Filipino company members as part of the Hamilton family all over the world, and now we get to bring our show to your beautiful country,” says Miranda in a recorded interview courtesy of GMG Productions. “To all the Pinoy Hamilfans, mga kaibigan [friends], we’ll see you at The Theatre at Solaire this September. Tara! Mahal Kita! [Let’s go! I love you!],” Miranda says.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
