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The national tour of Hamilton is heading to Philadelphia, promising to be more impactful than ever before. As the city backdrop for many of America’s historic events, Philly is the perfect setting for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical. But this production isn’t just about revisiting the past, it’s also about reclaiming the future.
We recently sat down with Tyler Fauntleroy, the lead actor in this year’s tour, who shared his thoughts on the profound significance of bringing Hamilton to the City of Brotherly Love. For him, this opportunity is personal.
“I remember what it felt like to be a young Black kid who didn’t feel like they had a place in musical theater,” he confessed. “Hamilton proves that there is a place for people of color in this space, and that the way we speak, musically [and] in theater, has a place at the highest level.” His passion for the show’s inclusivity shines through as he reflects on how the multicultural cast and hip-hop-driven score have the power to inspire young people from all backgrounds. Fauntleroy reminds us that Hamilton isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a testament to who gets to tell the story of America. “Whether you’re a kid who feels like you don’t belong or someone at a different stage in life, Hamilton makes you think, ‘Why not me? Why not now?’”
Hamilton is a modern rags-to-riches tale, chronicling the life of America’s first Secretary of the Treasury and Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton (Fauntleroy) who was born an orphaned immigrant in the Caribbean. As Hamilton, Fauntleroy commands the stage, unrelenting in his pursuit of a new world. Aaron Burr (played by Jimmie J.J. Jeter) is the antagonist Federalist, an outstanding foil to Fauntleroy, who clashed violently with Hamilton in the public arena.
When the musical first premiered off-Broadway in 2015, it rippled through cultural circles, bridging the gap between theatre and pop culture enthusiasts. After a White House performance from the original Broadway cast, former President Obama admitted, “I’m pretty sure [Hamilton] is the only thing that Dick Cheney and I agree on.” Everyone had an opinion on it. Today, it is often agreed upon as a cultural foreshadowing of impending change and upheaval, with its release prefacing the 2016 presidential transition from Barack Obama to Donald Trump.
The timing of the show’s return to Philadelphia is also, it seems, no coincidence – with the November election looming large, Fauntleroy points out that the musical’s political undertones seem to carry more weight. Its central themes of nation-building, power, and influence resonate widely with audiences everywhere. “It’s different seeing these moments play out now, especially with everything happening politically,” says Fauntleroy. “You watch the show, and it disturbs you; it makes you feel things you weren’t expecting to feel. I hope it pushes people to vote, exercise their rights, and realize the importance of their voice.”
In the titular role of Hamilton, Tyler Fauntleroy is a storyteller with a mission. “We’re all citizens going through this together. The cast feels it, too. We’re metabolizing what’s happening in the world, and that energy makes it into the performance.” In this, the production promises to be more than just an evening’s entertainment – it’s a chance to witness history and embody the joy, camaraderie, and collective power that live theater can offer its audiences.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the phenomenon, Hamilton is here to remind you that history has its eyes on all of us—and now, more than ever, it’s time to step into the spotlight.
Tickets for the 2024 Hamilton national tour are available now at EnsembleArtsPhilly.org. The show will be running from October 29th to November 23rd. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the show that revolutionized Broadway!
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