Broadway hit planning NZ debut
Hamilton’s Kiwi arrival in May follows stellar run across Australia
After its huge success around the world, the awardwinning production Hamilton is making its New Zealand debut. Producers Jeffrey Seller and Michael Cassel Group are proud to announce the show will begin its firstever international tour in Aotearoa, coming directly off a stellar run across Australia in what promises to be an extraordinary production.
Starring Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton and Matu Ngaropo as George Washington, the show based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography will take place at Auckland’s Spark Arena for a limited time starting May 2023.
Speaking to the Herald, Arrow said he is excited to be bringing the “mammoth” show to Aotearoa for more reasons than one.
“We have a few Kiwis in the company, so I’m excited for them, but also, I love New Zealand and last time I was there, the audiences were very receptive, so I look forward to bringing this mammoth show to its shores!”
The performer says the show has “amazing choreography performed by some of the best dancers in our industry” and says anyone who attends “can expect a brilliant time”.
Hamilton premiered on Broadway in 2015 and quickly captured the attention of audiences, solidifying itself as a revolutionary moment in theatre with its artistic blend of hiphop, jazz, R&B and Broadway.
Taking the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, the musical has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education and won a staggering number of awards, including a Tony, a Grammy, an Olivier Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Arrow claims the reason it is such an iconic show is that it’s a bit of a “diamond with rough edges”.
“The characters are so human in the way they interact and in the mistakes they make. No one is really a true hero, so to speak, and I think that helps it be more relatable.
“I feel when things are too ‘perfect’ it can sometimes feel like you are detached or being lectured by a narrative but in the case of Hamilton, it is a bit of a diamond with rough
edges,” Arrow explained.
Alongside a “sensational” cast, the production will also feature music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire.