Hamilton is a phenomenon that has taken the world by storm since its debut on Broadway. The original cast of Hamilton brought life to Lin-Manuel Miranda's masterpiece, creating an unforgettable experience for theater enthusiasts. In this article, we will dive deep into the history, background, and legacy of the original cast members who made Hamilton a cultural icon.

From the moment the curtain rose at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in 2015, Hamilton redefined what a Broadway musical could be. It blended hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes to tell the story of one of America's founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton. The original cast played a pivotal role in bringing this groundbreaking production to life.

This article serves as a complete guide to the original cast of Hamilton on Broadway. We will explore their backgrounds, contributions, and the lasting impact they have left on the theater world. Whether you're a fan of the musical or simply curious about its origins, this guide will provide you with all the information you need.

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Table of Contents:

Biography of the Original Cast
Main Characters and Their Portrayals
The Casting Process
Impact on Broadway
Awards and Recognition
Legacy of the Original Cast
Behind the Scenes
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Resources
Conclusion

Biography of the Original Cast

Introduction to the Cast

The original cast of Hamilton on Broadway was a diverse group of talented performers who brought Lin-Manuel Miranda's vision to life. Below is a table summarizing the key members of the cast, their roles, and notable details:

Name	Role	Birthdate	Notable Achievements
Lin-Manuel Miranda	Alexander Hamilton	January 16, 1980	Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical
Leslie Odom Jr.	Aaron Burr	April 6, 1971	Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical
Phillipa Soo	Eliza Schuyler	July 11, 1988	Tony Nominee for Best Actress in a Musical
Renée Elise Goldsberry	Angelica Schuyler	January 2, 1970	Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical
Christopher Jackson	George Washington	March 12, 1971	Tony Nominee for Best Featured Actor in a Musical

Key Figures in the Cast

Each member of the original cast brought unique qualities to their roles. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who originated the role of Alexander Hamilton, not only starred in the production but also wrote the music and lyrics. Leslie Odom Jr., who played Aaron Burr, delivered a memorable performance that earned him critical acclaim. Phillipa Soo and Renée Elise Goldsberry brought depth and emotion to the roles of Eliza and Angelica Schuyler, respectively.

Main Characters and Their Portrayals

Alexander Hamilton

Lin-Manuel Miranda's portrayal of Alexander Hamilton was both groundbreaking and iconic. As a first-generation immigrant from the Caribbean, Miranda connected deeply with Hamilton's story of striving for greatness. His performance was characterized by a mix of vulnerability and determination.

Aaron Burr

Leslie Odom Jr. brought complexity to the character of Aaron Burr. His rendition of "The Room Where It Happens" became one of the standout moments of the show. Odom's ability to convey both ambition and regret made his portrayal unforgettable.

Eliza Schuyler

Phillippa Soo's performance as Eliza Schuyler showcased her vocal prowess and emotional depth. Her rendition of "Burn" and "Non-Stop" highlighted the strength and resilience of Hamilton's wife. Soo's portrayal earned her widespread praise from critics and audiences alike.

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The Casting Process

The casting process for Hamilton was rigorous and intentional. Lin-Manuel Miranda envisioned a diverse cast that reflected the multicultural fabric of modern America. Auditions were held across the country, attracting thousands of hopefuls. The final cast was selected based on their ability to embody the characters' complexity and bring authenticity to the story.

Lin-Manuel Miranda handpicked many of the cast members after seeing their performances in other productions.
The casting process emphasized diversity, with actors of various ethnic backgrounds being encouraged to audition.
Rehearsals were intensive, lasting several months to ensure the cast was ready for the demands of the production.

Impact on Broadway

The original cast of Hamilton revolutionized Broadway in several ways:

It introduced a new style of music to the theater world, blending hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes.
It challenged traditional casting norms by featuring a predominantly non-white cast in roles traditionally played by white actors.
It broke box office records, becoming one of the most successful musicals in Broadway history.

Awards and Recognition

The original cast of Hamilton received numerous accolades for their work:

Lin-Manuel Miranda won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
Leslie Odom Jr. won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
Renée Elise Goldsberry won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
The ensemble was celebrated for their exceptional performances, contributing to the show's overall success.

Legacy of the Original Cast

The legacy of the original cast of Hamilton extends beyond their time on Broadway:

They paved the way for more diverse casting in future productions.
They inspired a new generation of theater artists to embrace storytelling through music.
They left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, influencing everything from education to politics.

Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes, the original cast of Hamilton was known for their camaraderie and dedication:

Rehearsals were collaborative, with cast members contributing ideas to refine their performances.
Lin-Manuel Miranda often worked closely with the cast to ensure the story was told authentically.
The cast formed lasting friendships, many of which continue to this day.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who originated the role of Alexander Hamilton?

Lin-Manuel Miranda originated the role of Alexander Hamilton in the original Broadway production.

2. How long did the original cast perform on Broadway?

The original cast performed on Broadway from July 2015 to July 2016, with some cast members staying longer.

3. What awards did the original cast win?

The original cast won numerous awards, including Tony Awards for Best Actor and Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

Additional Resources

For further reading, consider exploring the following resources:

Conclusion

The original cast of Hamilton on Broadway left an indelible mark on the theater world. Their performances brought Lin-Manuel Miranda's vision to life, creating a cultural phenomenon that continues to inspire audiences worldwide. As we reflect on their contributions, it's clear that the legacy of the original cast will endure for generations to come.

We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. What was your favorite moment from the original cast's performance? Don't forget to explore other articles on our site for more insights into the world of theater and beyond!