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 All fair enough. Did it to be longer and deeper. have to be Burr?

They even are unusual “Yes. There is no other circumstances for “Hamilton,” role that suits what I particularly a show that, aside can do.” from its creator, LinManuel And then Brady got Miranda, has very interesting, talking never before cast anybody about how he saw in Burr you might reasonably term a reflection of his own even a demi-celebrity self as a young AfricanAmerican (to borrow a term coined man making his by actress Sherie Rene way in Los Angeles show Scott). business, trying to figure

That’s before the gig. out how much to speak up After is a whole other and how much just to keep matter. smiling at the suits. In the

Even the amount of show, Burr, a pragmatist, time you have to see tells Alexander Hamilton, Brady as Burr is unusual. a sometimes insufferable A busy guy (see above), wonk, to talk less and he’s doing the show only smile more. through April 9. Musicals “That was very telling like “Hamilton” generally for me,” Brady said. prefer six-month or yearlong “When I started working contracts. Especially on TV, I didn’t feel for stars. the need to be super outspoken

So, I said, that is what about anything. I makes him very unusual didn’t want anything to in my book. distract from my work as

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

“Don’t you write stories in the same newspaper as writers who have won a Pulitzer?” Brady said. Touche. “I think Joshua Henry was incredible in the role. I do what I do too.”

Just for these few weeks in Chicago?

“Cart before the horse. But I am in the family now.”

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