Hamilton: Touring vs. Broadway (Opinion)

*Please note that this is an opinion piece and does not reflect the views of Hamilton, Disney or NWP as a whole.*

Hamilton is a (2015 Broadway) musical phenomenon written by Lin Manuel Miranda. While many Americans know the production from the movie on Disney+, some know it from the current touring version. Whether in Idaho, Tucson, Colorado or anywhere else along their national tour, you are sure to see a spectacle worth your while. However, the original Broadway/movie cast of this musical is very different from the touring

cast. In this article you will find the major differences between the Broadway/movie and touring casts. The 1st major difference that I noticed was the character of Hamilton. On Broadway, the actor is Lin Manuel Miranda. In the touring cast, Hamilton (the main character) is played by Julius Thomas III. He makes an incredible, well rounded Hamilton. He sings incredibly, is a fine dancer and a great actor. Lin Manuel Miranda is a good actor, he just isn't a great singer... and seeing as the entire musical is songs... Lin Manuel Miranda isn't the best pick! The actor of Eliza Schuyler-Hamilton in the touring cast (Victoria Ann Scovens) played a great Eliza, however, Phillipa Soo (original cast) has a very strong voice, and I chose her over Victoria Ann Scovens. I was mildly disappointed in the touring cast of the actor of George Washington (Darnell Abraham) because of the lack of power in his voice. Christopher Jackson, the original Broadway actor of George Washington has a great voice, a very powerful voice... a PERFECT fit for George Washington. King George III was played by Rick Negron in the touring cast. He played a great, convincing and comedic King George, but just because Jonathan Groff (the original actor) is so funny, one of my favorite actors and is a great singer, I'll have to choose him. Both casts of Hamilton have great Aaron Burrs. Donald Webber, Jr. and Leslie Odom Jr. are both very equal in abilities of rapping and singing... they are both incredible actors, so great job to both of them. Angelica Schuyler was originally played by Renée Elise Goldsberry who was absolutely stunning as the roll of strong, smart Angelica. Marja Harmon who plays Angelica in the current cast is also incredible... I couldn't say who did a better job. I mean, this is professional theatre, folks! Everyone is good! The actor of Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds in the touring cast is incredible! Charlotte Mary Wen (the understudy/ensemble) played a great role of both Peggy and Maria. Charlotte Mary Wen has a beautiful voice and has a very powerful voice. Being one of the few people who got to hear her without a microphone on, she has a great voice without a mic also! The projection skills she has are fabulous! The original actor of Peggy/Maria is Jasmine Cephas Jones and she does a great job as well. But, I would choose Charlotte Mary Wen over Jasmine Cephas Jones because Charlotte has a more powerful voice, a beautiful and recognisable voice. The actor who played Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson originally was Daveed Diggs who was incredible in the role of frenchman Lafayette and swinger Thomas Jefferson. He has a great voice and is especially great at rapping. The actor who played Lafayette in the touring show is great also. Paris Nix has a has a nice (fake) French accent. He is also a great rapper like Daveed Diggs.

I will choose Daveed Diggs over Paris Nix just because he has rapping experience and was a lot more 'involved' in the roll(s). How about Hercules Mulligan? Both the actors, original (Okieriete Onaodowan) and touring (Brandon Louis Armstrong) were both incredible as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison. I am torn between who to choose here. And on to John Laurens/Philip Hamilton (Hamilton's son). This dual role was played well by Anthony

Ramos (original NY cast) and Andy Tofa in the touring cast. The only difference between these two actors is that Anthony Ramos is more experienced. Andy Tofa did a fabulous job, don't get me wrong, but there was just something missing. The entire cast of this wonderful performance is incredible, whether via the movie, in New York or in the current touring cast, they are just amazing. These people are true professionals, dedicated to their roles (some even reocurring from past national tours). Thank you actors of Hamilton for providing an amazing experience for many people around the world!