Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez, the ultimate “super sub” in Hamilton, steps into the spotlight with unwavering determination. From memorizing multiple roles to taking over at a moment’s notice, this British-Colombian actor has risen from rejection to star in one of the world’s most iconic musicals, earning his place on the stage.
From Graveyard Shifts to Standing Ovations: Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez’s Super Sub Journey in Hamilton
Imagine memorizing lines, lyrics, and choreography for one of the most iconic roles in modern musical theatre—now multiply that by four. For Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez, that’s all part of the gig as he takes on the “boss level” challenge of performing multiple roles in *Hamilton*, one of Broadway’s most celebrated productions.
The British-Colombian actor’s journey hasn’t been an easy one, but it’s certainly inspiring. After an initial rejection, Jonathan’s unwavering dedication paid off, landing him the prestigious role of an alternate for the lead character, Alexander Hamilton, in the UK and Ireland tour of the show.
The Ultimate Theatre Challenge
Hamilton, with its rapid-fire lyrics and genre-blending score, demands relentless precision and stamina. The cast races through an astounding 144 words per minute, weaving through hip-hop, pop, and R&B while recounting America’s early history. “It’s every single element of theatre at the highest level, put together,” Jonathan explains. “The music is so demanding and so relentless in pace.”
And if anyone knows how relentless Hamilton can be, it’s Jonathan. He’s memorized four different roles, ready to leap into action whenever the call comes.
The Unexpected Call
Jonathan’s life changed when he received a call asking him to step in as an alternate for Hamilton. Although the scale of the task could have been overwhelming, he embraced it with passion. In one day, he spent 12 hours mastering his lines and notes, eventually earning approval from the show’s American producers. “It was like my whole body flipped,” he recalls after being asked to fill in for the lead actor just moments before the show in Manchester.
With the help of an entire backstage crew, Jonathan made his way from his room to the stage, ready to take center stage as Alexander Hamilton in front of a packed house. “In that moment, it’s me that has to come in and fill those shoes,” he says. Talk about high stakes!
Making His Mum Proud
Representing South London, Jonathan takes pride in his role within Hamilton, a show that gives minority performers a powerful platform. His desire to make his mother proud fueled his drive to succeed, and when he finally got to debut as Hamilton in Manchester, she was there in the audience, witnessing her son’s triumph.
From rejection to starring in one of the world’s biggest musicals, Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez’s story is proof that resilience and dedication can lead to something extraordinary.
Hamilton: A Broadway Revolution
Since its groundbreaking debut in 2015, *Hamilton* has revolutionized Broadway, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s visionary blend of history and modern music—fusing hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes—has captivated audiences around the world. The show’s diverse cast brings America’s Founding Fathers to life with fresh energy, highlighting the timeless relevance of their stories. Beyond its intricate choreography and jaw-dropping performances, *Hamilton* has sparked conversations on race, politics, and identity, all while becoming a massive box office hit. With countless awards and sell-out crowds, it’s clear *Hamilton* is more than a musical—it’s a movement.
Catch Hamilton in Your City
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