Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creative force behind the sensational Broadway musical Hamilton, announced on Twitter that a film featuring the original Broadway cast will debut on Disney+ on July 3, 2020. This change in release plans from the original theater debut on October 15, 2021, comes as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the consequent closure of theaters worldwide.
This surprise announcement has been received with excitement by Hamilton fans around the globe who can now experience the original Broadway performance from the comfort of their own homes. This unique event signifies an unprecedented move by Disney+ to bring Broadway to living rooms, offering fans a unique opportunity to witness the performance in a time when Broadway stages are dark.
The filmed performance features the original Broadway cast at the height of their power. The lineup includes Miranda himself in the titular role of Alexander Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr, Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler, and Christopher Jackson as George Washington. Additional key roles include Jonathan Groff as King George, Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton, Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds, Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, and Anthony Ramos as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton.
The cast further encompasses Carleigh Bettiol, Ariana DeBose, Hope Easterbrook, Sydney James Harcourt, Sasha Hutchings, Thayne Jasperson, Elizabeth Judd, Jon Rua, Austin Smith, Seth Stewart, and Ephraim Sykes, who all significantly contributed to the critical acclaim Hamilton received.
Hamilton, a brilliant mix of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton with a modern twist. The musical debuted in 2015 and since then has taken the theater world by storm, earning numerous accolades including 11 Tony Awards, a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Hamilton has been praised for its music, direction, choreography, and the performances of its diverse cast.
The film was shot in June 2016 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre and is directed by Thomas Kail, who also directed the stage version. The movie version promises to bring the best seat in the house to audiences worldwide, allowing an intimate viewing of the performances that have captivated thousands.
This early release on Disney+ offers an unmatched opportunity for both existing fans and new audiences to experience this cultural phenomenon. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the performing arts industry, this digital release provides a beacon of light and a much-needed boost for theater lovers around the globe. The Hamilton film is not just a piece of art; it is also a symbol of hope and resilience in these challenging times.