South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
Behind the scenes of the S. Fla. debut of ‘Hamilton’
“Hamilton,” the buzziest Broadway show to ever run the boards is playing Fort Lauderdale for an unprecedented five weeks. So we hit up the hottest cast in the theater world for a few questions about their stage secrets and what their offstage plans are here in South Florida.
At the Broward Center for the Performing Arts from Dec. 18-Jan. 20, “Hamilton” has been a pop culture phenomenon since it debuted off-Broadway in February 2015. The sung-through musical, with very little dialogue, went on to break box-office records when it moved to Broadway later that summer. Aside from 11 Tony Awards, “Hamilton” also earned its creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, a Pulitzer Prize for drama and a Grammy Award.
The musical follows Alexander Hamilton’s life from his birth in the Caribbean, about as far away from political influence as one could be in the 1700s, to the very center of power after the American Revolution. Far from a whitewash, the show also delves into Hamilton’s extramarital affair, family travails and death in a duel.
Few, including critics who later lauded Miranda’s colorblind casting and use of urban rhythms, could see just what the musical would evolve into when he gave theater fans a sneak peek in May 2009 during a White House Poetry Jam, performing what would become the musical’s opening number to a transfixed Barack and Michelle Obama. At the time, Miranda, who also created the rap-infused score for “In the Heights,” thought the project might be a hip-hop mixtape.
The end result of that creative journey is what South Floridians will get to see now and into 2019. “Hamilton” will also play West Palm Beach and Miami during the 2019-2020 season.
But first, you can read what the show’s principal cast members have to say. We asked them via email a few questions about little extras you should look out for and the time they spent in SoFlo before this national tour.
Joseph Morales (Alexander Hamilton)
Have you ever been to SoFlo, either?
I’ve for sure [have] been to South Florida — came through on the ‘Motown’ tour oh-so-many years ago. And my absolute favorite memory is not what you might expect. A little context: Between finishing my run at ‘Motown’ [on] Broadway and doing the tour, I did a play out at the Denver Center called ‘One Night in Miami,’ chronicling the night Cassius Clay won against Sonny Liston, where he and his three buddies — Sam Cooke, Malcolm X and Jim Brown — decided to forgo a big fancy party at the Fontainebleau in lieu of a small gathering at a local hotel where they hung out, drank whiskey and ate ice cream. (They recently mounted a production of it in Miami, at the Colony Theatre.) I played Sam, and to this day the role and experience remain one of the most life-changing I’ve partaken in. The actual night that the play is based on took place at the Hampton House Hotel, which I found out was not only still standing, but had been turned into a historical site. So late one night after a show, I took an Uber out to the hotel by myself and wandered around. It was closed, sadly, so I couldn’t go into the rooms, but just to be in this place where these four men had been, it meant the world to me. Definitely planning to go back in the light of day and explore all it has to offer.
If you could whisper something into everyone’s ears as they arrive for the performance, what would it be?
Phones off, mouths closed, ears open. The show moves fast and the language is one that not a lot of theater goers are used to, so it’s the kind of thing that demands your full and engaged attention to appreciate it. So the phones off bit is kind of the obvious portion of that. The mouths closed part, however — one of the phenomena of doing a show that gained a lot of its fame through its album is that a lot of the people coming to see the show know every single word, and [thus] want to sing along, or at the very least, mouth along, cuz that’s what they’ve been doing in the car or in their bedroom when they listen. And here’s the thing: You paid for these tickets with your hard earned money, you are completely entitled to experience our show in whatever way you wish, provided it’s not distracting to those of us trying to perform it.
That said, I’d remind people [that] this is not the album. We as actors have intentionally made choices that diverge from what our predecessors did on said album. So if you’re coming simply to sing along to a live version of your favorite album, you might be thrown off by all the differences you’re hearing and might miss a lot of the nuances that we’ve taken the time to mine and present. I know 90 percent of the speeches in Richard III by heart (Shakespeare nerd, guilty as charged). But when I go to the show, I’m not mouthing along with them, I’m going to see what THIS specific team has chosen to do with the text. Again, do whatever moves you, but I don’t want anybody robbed of the best experience they could have!
Is there a little something under-the-radar that you do in the show that you would like to share with the audience?
If you know me or follow my social media (@NikkyWalks on IG and Twitter), you know I’m a massive cinefile, and an especially big fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And I’m not saying exactly where, but I have absolutely snuck in a full-out Dr. Strange conjuring move, somewhere in the second act.
Since the show sits in Fort Lauderdale for five weeks, what is on your must-do list?
It’s so funny [but] just cuz of the demands of the role, I spend most of my days on my couch eating cereal and watching TV. That said, I’m a whiskey man and I’ve heard that Tap 42 and the Wilder have some amazing whiskey drinks, so I’ll certainly be seeing them. My wife is also a foodie and she’ll be visiting, so I’ve been collecting restaurant tips. So far I’ve got Amarena [Bakery and] Bistro, El Vez and Etaru. But yeah, if anyone has any must at eat spots, please hit me up — always on the lookout!!!!
Marcus Choi
(George Washington)
and Miami for work in the past. I remember any time I had off I would try to eat and drink as much Cuban food and coffee as possible while walking around admiring all of the Art Deco hotels.
If you could whisper something into everyone’s ears as they arrive for the performance, what would it be?
I hope you listened to the album first. LOL.
Since the show sits in Fort Lauderdale for five weeks, what is on your must-do list?
I love the ocean, so I’m looking forward to being out on the water and the beaches. I was talking to people in my cast just a couple of weeks ago to see who was interested in a deep sea fishing trip. I’ve never been to the Everglades and I would love to get on a fan boat and go see some critters! Also, I’m all about food! From hole-in-the-walls to fine dining, if it’s good, then I want to try it! Please find me on social media and send me suggestions! I feel like I’m going to have a busy five weeks!
Shoba Narayan (Eliza Hamilton)
Have you ever been to SoFlo?
Yes, I’ve spent a lot of time in South Florida, but this will be the first time I’ll be there for work! On a personal note, my soon-tobe husband and in-laws are from this area, so I have many amazing memories of South Florida with them! I love watching boats go by on the Intracoastal Waterway, visiting the beach and making the quick and easy trip to vibrant Miami. Miami is awesome — tons of nightlife, stunning beaches, delicious restaurant options and a flourishing arts scene. I also have fond memories from my trips to the Everglades, Wynwood Walls and Vizcaya Gardens.
If you could whisper something into everyone’s ears as they arrive for the performance, what would it be?
Bring Kleenex!
Is there a little something under-the-radar that you do in the show that you would like to share with the audience?
Depending on where you sit, you might not see me during certain scenes where Eliza is not a main player, but look around — she is always present, many times reading love letters Alexander wrote to her.
Since the show sits in Fort Lauderdale for five weeks, what is on your must-do list?
I have lots of fun things planned! First, I want to try jet skiing! Second, I will most definitely be partying it up in Miami for New Years. And lastly, I want to go to Star Island! Maybe Gloria and Emilio Estefan will come see the show and then invite me over to their house for margaritas! I’m just going to put that out into the universe.
Kyle Scatliffe (Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson)
ly enough, all I got to see was a mall because the rest of the week I was on the ship. So I’m looking forward to finally seeing the city properly. I’ve also been to Orlando several times for Disney and Universal and a Plain White T’s concert.
If you could whisper something into everyone’s ears as they arrive for the performance, what would it be?
Come into the show with your eyes, ears and hearts open.
Is there a little something under-the-radar that you do in the show that you would like to share with the audience?
I do my job with a lot of joy for myself and my cast mates. Basically throughout the whole show I’m always trying to inject my own sensibilities of fun into them while we are working so it never feels like the same day twice. The only thing I’ve really noticed is that in the second act I get really specific about my hand movements for some reason. I must be channeling some political figures without knowing
Since the show sits in Fort Lauderdale for five weeks, what is on your must-do list?
I am a big foodie and arcade snob. I will find the food and the games in every city I go to. We will definitely be checking out the nightclub scene and Everglades tour. I didn’t even know there where celebrity chef restaurants so thanks for that idea! The fishing and snorkeling may be a problem because I kind of can’t swim. So I’ll be the cheerleader on land giving them motivation.
Jon Patrick Walker (King George)
Have you ever been to SoFlo?
My grandparents lived in Lauderdale-bythe-Sea when I was growing up, so I spent many Christmas holidays and some summer vacations there. Memories include trips to Disney World (pre-Epcot!), Lion Country Safari. Also lots of time on the beach playing Frisbee with my dad and soaking up the sun!
If you could whisper something into everyone’s ears as they arrive for the performance, what would it be?
I would whisper: Turn off your cell phones!
Is there a little something under-the-radar that you do in the show that you would like to share with the audience?
My King George has a nervous left leg that gets a little twitchy when he’s agitated or excited. Watch for it! Also, during the ‘Reynold’s Pamphlet’ number, I am up on the surround doing a very silly dance (prior to my walking down onto the stage).
Since the show sits in Fort Lauderdale for five weeks, what is on your must-do list?
My wife and two daughters will be coming for two weeks while we are here, so I look forward to showing them around, maybe stealing away to Disney on a day off, seeing relatives (aunts and uncles, cousins), checking out local cuisine and hitting the beaches! Note to self: buy a Frisbee!
Nyla Sostre
(Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds)
If you could whisper something into everyone’s ears as they arrive for the performance, what would it be?
In the words of another famous Broadway show ‘Be prepared!’ Ready yourself for the lights, the music, the costumes, the voices, the characters and the story! There are so many things happening on stage at any given moment, you can watch the show 100 times and still find something you’ve never seen before. Be prepared to leave teary eyed and hopeful!
Is there a little something under-the-radar that you do in the show that you would like to share with the audience?
In the scene “We Know” I am standing under the stage right staircase watching the entire scene happen. When we were still in rehearsal … I had so many questions as to why I was standing there and watching. Throughout the show you will see a lot of the cast members on the surround or in the crevices here and there on the stage when they are not the character saying the lines. You will also notice that there is a very minimal set and not many intricate set changes. We were told as a company that we are all the storytellers as well as the listeners. The symbolism meant in me standing under that staircase is that I found out all the things that were being said in that room about me. With this understanding I started to dig deeper and deeper into what Maria felt about all of the rumors. If she even understood what was going on. Or if she could even do anything to change the outcome before it was too late. This is very easily one of my favorite scenes to play in the show because I have no song to sing, no words to say, but I can still feel the weight of everything that is coming and the red dress and the broken look in my eyes says it all!
Since the show sits in Fort Lauderdale for five weeks, what is on your must-do list?
I actually have lined up a vacation on the first week of the New Year, which coincides with our Florida dates. I plan to do as much as I can in those seven days, but I’m particularly excited about swimming with dolphins. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but never had the chance. I would also like to visit the Everglades and not be eaten by the wildlife in there. Overall I know it will be the best winter I have ever had!
Elijah Malcomb (John Laurens and Philip Hamilton)
Have you ever been to SoFlo?
I visited Florida once before in the second grade for my sister’s basketball tournament in Kissimmee. My favorite memories are catching frogs in the lake behind the condos we were staying in and swimming during a storm. Being from California, swimming in the rain is not a thing.
If you could whisper something into everyone’s ears as they arrive for the performance, what would it be?
Enjoy the ride.
Is there a little something under-the-radar that you do in the show that you would like to share with the audience?
There isn’t really anything I do under the radar besides a high five with Nik Walker and different handshakes with Fergie L. Philippe, Kyle Scatliffe, and Brandt Martinez.
Since the show sits in Fort Lauderdale for five weeks, what is on your must-do list?
I am an adventurous spirit so I’m excited to do everything I can. From the beach to the Everglades, the nightlife, snorkeling, fishing. The beach/ ocean is one of my happy places on Earth.
rhagwood@southflorida.com