Playing Aaron Burr in ‘Hamilton’ is no stunt, Brady says

Wayne Brady clearly did not like being called an unusual casting choice for the role of Aaron Burr in the Chicago production of “Hamilton,” an assignment he begins Tuesday night at Chicago’s PrivateBank Theatre.

“Why do you say that?” the actor asked, talking by phone as he made his way to one of his precious few rehearsals with the Chicago cast — of which he soon will be a member.

It seemed to me an obvious observation — Brady is a bona fide household name, thanks mostly to his hosting duties on “Let’s Make a Deal” and a long run on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” By 2001, he was sufficiently known to get his own daytime talk show on ABC. It lasted for two seasons, but was highly regarded in the industry. In 2002, he hosted “Miss America.” He has been a frequent guest star on “The Drew Carey Show,” “How I Met Your Mother” and many other shows. He has voiced characters in several animated movies. He has released two studio albums, including one aimed at kids. He is not staying in Chicago in your standard actor housing.

Not only is that not your usual profile for an actor replacing an original cast member in the second production of a musical, but the circumstances of this interview were unusual. A tense publicist was on the line listening in and anxious to cut things short. These are all the standard rules of La La Land engagement for TV stars like Brady, but far more unusual for an actor in a stage show in Chicago, where conversations tend to be longer and deeper.

They even are unusual circumstances for “Hamilton,” a show that, aside from its creator, LinManuel up and how much just to Miranda, has keep smiling at the suits. never before cast anybody In the show, Burr, a pragmatist, you might reasonably tells Alexander term even a demicelebrity Hamilton, a sometimes (to borrow a insufferable wonk, to talk term coined by actress less and smile more. Sherie Rene Scott). “That was very telling

That’s before the gig. for me,” Brady said. After is a whole other “When I started working matter. on TV, I didn’t feel

Even the amount of the need to be super outspoken time you have to see about anything. I Brady as Burr is unusual. didn’t want anything to A busy guy (see above), distract from my work as he’s doing the show only an actor. As I got older I through April 9. Musicals learned you sometimes like “Hamilton” generally have to use your platform prefer six-month or yearlong to make noise. That contracts. Especially is what Burr learns. You for stars. know, he is in many ways

So, I said, that is what a very sympathetic character. makes him very unusual He tries to stop the in my book. duel. He looks after Hamilton,

“I don’t think of myself even though Hamilton as an unusual choice but a throws his philosophy well-qualified choice who up in his face. happens to be known,” Brady clearly sees himself Brady said. “This is not in Burr — and since stunt casting. ‘Hamilton’ Miranda clearly saw does not need stunt casting. himself in Hamilton, You and I both know that made one yet more that the show was rolling eager to see Miranda play along fine with people opposite Brady. Maybe who are just good at their that will happen. Don’t jobs.” hold your breath. In the All true. meantime, Chicago may “I auditioned like anyone be the first city to explore else,” Brady said. “I an interesting meta-truth really wanted this role. already baked into the I’ve wanted to do it ever show. since I saw Leslie (Odom Aaron Burr as an exploration Jr.) do it. I am unusual of the costs of only in that I am the performer-singer-danceractor-dancer mainstream fame. Now played by one who knows. you need Interesting. to do this role. I’ve got Of course, Brady has to kick a—. This is a great to follow the magnificent piece of American art, (yet much less famous) especially in this day and Joshua Henry in the role age. It is important. I just in Chicago. Taking over want to be part of the cast. from the acclaimed is This already has been a another thing stars generally life-changing experience avoid. Not this for me, and I’ve not even man. Not for this show. gone on yet.” “Don’t you write stories

All fair enough. Did it in the same newspaper have to be Burr? as writers who have

“Yes. There is no other won a Pulitzer?” Brady role that suits what I particularly said. can do.” Touche.

And then Brady got “I think Joshua Henry very interesting, talking was incredible in the role. about how he saw in Burr I do what I do too.” a reflection of his own Just for these few weeks self as a young AfricanAmerican in Chicago? man making his “Cart before the horse. way in Los Angeles show But I am in the family business, trying to figure now.” out how much to speak TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE