8 New Hamilton Cast Members To Get Excited About
by Brookelynn Mason
Still haven't seen Hamilton? Lamenting over missing the original cast? Don't fret! These eight actors and actresses of the "next administration" are ready for you to be in the room where it happens, and they will NOT disappoint! From Broadway to Chicago to San Francisco and all the way over in London, we've got you covered with who to get excited about in all the productions of Hamilton worldwide.
Broadway
Photo: Todd Vitti
Lexi Lawson - Eliza Hamilton
Lexi Lawson brings an intensity and genuine heartache to the character of Eliza with her breathtaking rendition of "Burn" that will have you picking your jaw up from the floor. It is a spiritual experience -- one that she spent six months preparing for before auditioning!
Photo: jevonmcferrin.com
Jevon McFerrin - Alexander Hamilton
Though technically a standby for more than one role (Lafayette/Jefferson, for example), Jevon's portrayal of Hamilton himself is awe inspiring. During the "It's Quiet Uptown" forgiveness sequence, the heartbreak is genuine. His delivery of some of the lighter lines ("Hi" when seeing Angelica in "Take A Break") are so effortless and casual that you forget you're watching a show.
Photo: Dana Edelson
Taran Killam - King George III
Move over, peasants--there's a new King in power! Some of you might recognize His Highness from Saturday Night Live. It's no surprise, then, that his interpretation of the role of King George is side splitting. You won't want to miss his unforgettable nine minutes on stage!
Photo: Cyllavon Tidemann
James M. Iglehart - Lafayette/Jefferson
If this name sounds familiar, it's because James is currently the (Tony winning) Genie in the Broadway run of the Disney classic, Aladdin. If you're not lucky enough to already have tickets to see Hamilton during his run as Lafayette/Jefferson (which starts in April), enter the lotteries when he takes the stage. We are in for a HILARIOUS Laffayette/Jefferson combo!
Chicago
Photo: Mayumi Ando
Karen Olivo - Angelica Schuyler
This is a name we always see whenever a Lin-Manuel Miranda project comes around--she originated the role of Vanessa in the Broadway production of In the Heights, starred alongside Lin (and Leslie Odom Jr.) for a short run in tick, tick...BOOM!, and now brings a sass and attitude to the role of Angelica Schuyler that rivals even that of the role's originator, Renée Elise Goldsberry. Planning a trip to Chicago? Plan on seeing Hamilton!
Photo: Emily Sandifer
Arianna Afsar - Eliza Hamilton
As an American beauty pageant title holder from California and a semifinalist from season 8 of American Idol, Ari Afsar is no stranger to stage performance. She is also the first of Middle Eastern descent to play the role of Eliza, and absolutely SLAYS. Her voice basically assaults you, and it's glorious. #WERK
San Francisco (March - August 2017)
Photo: Michael Eisman
Michael Luwoye - Alexander Hamilton (Tour)
Most of you recognize this name on the list, but not all of you recognize him as Hamilton...because he is the first and ONLY person to have ever played both Alexander Hamilton AND Aaron Burr! He was recently featured on the Hamilcast podcast, and discussed this exact topic and how challenging it is to have to be in the mind sets of both of these men. That just means you're talented beyond measure, Michael. Catch him as Hamilton one show a week on Broadway until he heads to San Francisco!
London (starting November 2017)
Photo: Robert Vivancos
Christine Allado - Peggy/Maria
And so the anticipation for Hamilton on the West End begins! The cast list was just released, and it is FULL of talented performers. The one we are most excited for, however, is West End's own #andPeggy. She has a plethora of theatre credits (guys, she was Christine Daaé in the Phillipines Phantom of the Opera), was Vanessa in the West End production of Lin-Manuel Miranda's other musical In the Heights, and performed alongside award winning tenor Andrea Bocelli. We can't say no to this...casting decision!