The famed John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts recently announced that the creators of the mesmerizing Broadway production would be honored with a unique 2018 Kennedy Center Award. The Tony-winning team consists of writer and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler and music director/orchestrator Alex Lacamoire.
According to Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter, the decision to honor Hamilton and its co-creators is unprecedented, as the Kennedy Center Honors usually celebrate lifetime achievement. Rutter sees Hamilton as a work that transcends cultural boundaries and tells America’s story in a powerful and contemporary way.
In addition to the Hamilton team, the Kennedy Center Honors will also recognize Oscar-winning actress and songwriter Cher. Her life story will be depicted in The Cher Show on Broadway this fall. The other recipients of this year’s honors include country singer and Broadway alum Reba McEntire, composer Philip Glass, and jazz saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter.
The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, typically broadcast on CBS, will take place on December 2 at the Kennedy Center Opera House stage in a star-studded celebration.