Hamming it up
B’way’s new Burr explains why he first turned down the role — three times
‘HAMILTON” has a new Mr. Burr, sir! Brandon Victor Dixon stepped into Leslie Odom Jr.’s boots this week, but he’s no Broadway newbie: The 34-year-old Maryland native helped create the roles he played in the original “The Color Purple,” “Motown” and “Shuffle Along.” He told us about finding his inner Aaron Burr — and his Spike Lee “thing.”
You made your“Ham” debut Tuesday, in front of the US women’s gymnastics team. Did they make you nervous?
Not at all! I love gymnastics, and I was so excited they’d be in the building. There are people who could maybe make you nervous, but I got rid of those feelings long ago. The one person I do still feel a little thing about is Spike Lee. I have no idea why. I mean, he’s seen so many shows of mine multiple times, yet still — you tell me he’s coming and I’m like, “Damn! Spike’s here again!”
How did you come to play Burr?
I hadn’t started “Shuffle” yet, and [“Hamilton” director] Tommy Kail said something like, “When are we gonna get you up here?” I said, “Hey, man, I think you guys are good to go.” Last winter, they called me again. Then, they called the day before I got my closing notice for “Shuffle” — maybe they knew before I did, because both shows have the same casting director. I told them no, then I got my notice and called them back. Tommy said, “I told you I was gonna get what I wanted!”
That’s a lot of no’s.
I almost never consider the prospect of taking over a role, but once I embraced the thought, I became excited. In fact, as we negotiated our contract, there was one point of contention. When I didn’t hear back from them I got worried. I said [to myself], “Look at you — you went from saying no to worrying about losing this. You must be in the right place.”
Did anything in your Burr research surprise you?
I didn’t realize how enormously popular, how beloved Burr was. He was a very famous soldier known for acts of bravery. Everything I read also spoke about his love of women as a gender, and his dedication to the one who captured his heart: Theodosia, his first wife. He preferred the company of ladies — he liked female energy, the thoughts and wits of women. Those things stuck out for me. My best friends have largely been women. Because I love female energy, and I find you all to be incredibly remarkable.
My gender thanks you. Are you married?
I am not.
Are there any“Hamilton” rituals? Secret handshakes?
Before the show, a number of cast members gather and say an energy prayer. [Tuesday] night they made a circle around me and put their hands on me and blessed my first show, which was lovely. I believe there’s a weekly “shot” night. Not sure what that is. We’ll see.
Favorite“Ham” moment?
When we announce Lafayette. It’s a number called “Guns and Ships,” except I’m not allowed to participate. I have to stay in silhouette while everyone gets psyched and celebrates the arrival of Lafayette. I’m really angry about it, actually. I wanna dance!