By Megan Fitzgerald Dunn
Hamilton, the musical that revolutionized the telling of American history, commands the stage at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts November 22 through December 11, 2022.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, described as the story of America then told by Americans now, has captivated audiences since its Broadway debut in August of 2015. With sales grossing over $1 billion, the show tells an old tale in a contemporary way. The musical that fuses jazz, hip-hop, rap, R&B, and Broadway, explores the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton through the lens of Aaron Burr.
“Overall, it’s a story about building what you believe in and fighting to see it through, whether you’re actually around to see it through or not,” said Yana Perrault, who plays Peggy Schuyler in Act I and Maria Reynolds in Act II.
While the story may be history, this message resonates today.
“I feel like you can feel those details of what we’re living with and living through now,” Perrault said. “And, it gives totally new colors and shade to Hamilton.”
The cast also experiences the multilayers of Hamilton, as current events continue to contribute to these colors as well.
“Sometimes, depending on what is going on, the way we sing through those lyrics, will hit the audience differently,” they said. “Like the day Roe v. Wade was overturned, you could feel it in the building. That show had its own fire to it.”
Audiences may also be surprised to see a little bit of themselves in Hamilton.
“There’s more humanity than people may expect,” Perrault said. “There is so much to look at on stage, whether there is a light on it or not. There are so many details for the audience to catch. So, no matter where you’re sitting, there is something for you to discover or lean in on. I really hope that people will see themselves in this show.”
Although Hamilton streams on Disney+, Perrault said that home viewing cannot compare to being in the audience.
“When you take a Broadway show on tour, it’s taking the magic of New York to other cities. I hope people will take advantage of that,” Perrault said. “Sitting at home is nice. But, it’s definitely worth, literally, being in the room, right?”
Perrault, who has been on tour with Hamilton for over a year, called touring a “beautiful challenge.” Although the travel can be grueling, the experience has taught her so much.
“It’s everything I prayed for, wished for, and signed up for,” she said.
As a child, Perrault always wanted to run away and join the circus. They would watch performances on stage and think, “That’s going to be me.”
“So the fact that I get to take a company bow with everyone, I’m like I made it to the circus. And, it’s better than I ever thought,” she said.
For tickets and showtimes, visit www.BrowardCenter.org
Megan Fitzgerald Dunn, Ph.D., is a writer and communication professor in the department of communication, media, and the arts at Nova Southeastern University.
