Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Award Winning ‘Hamilton’ U.S. Tour Will Kick off in California

Hamilton fans rejoice, you no longer have to purchase a plane ticket to New York City to see 11-Tony-Award-winning musical. After taking up a second sit-down production in Chicago in 2016, the hip-hop musical is finally going on the road. The first stop on the tour is San Francisco for a 21-week engagement beginning March 10. Then the musical will take over Los Angeles on Aug. 21 for another 21-week runThe cultural phenomenon that is “Hamilton” needs little introduction, but for those unfamiliar, “Hamilton” charts the rise, fall and eventual death of American Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton. A Caribbean orphan who, by his own drive and skill, made it to America just in time for the revolution, and was Washington’s aide-de-camp during the war. He eventually became Treasury Secretary, where he created the basis for our country’s original financial system.

Sadly, Hamilton’s life was marred by tragedy. He died in a duel with former Vice President, Aaron Burr. Writer, composer and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama takes a unique track with Burr, making him an equally important protagonist as Hamilton. As Hamilton’s drive pushes him into greatness and his own ruin, Burr’s inability to take a stance puts an eventual end to his career.

“Hamilton” continues to draw universal attention not just because of the brilliance of its writing and musical production, but also for its cast. The New York edition’s Daveed Diggs and Leslie Odom Jr. have their justly earned Tony awards, but the philosophy behind the casting is what really snagged headlines. With the notable (and brilliant exception) of King George, the cast is made up entirely of people of color. Casting people of color as the Founding Fathers (and also slave owners), forces us to think of our country’s past in a different, identifiable light. They are fallible, they are flawed and they are human.  

Those lucky enough to grab a ticket can look forward to Michael Luwoye, the current Alexander Hamilton alternate on Broadway, starring in the production throughout the tour. Tony nominee Joshua Henry, who has portrayed Aaron Burr in the Chicago sit-down production of Hamilton will be playing Burr on tour. While Wayne Brady will be stepping in as Aaron Burr in Chicago. Rory O’Malley, Broadway’s current King George, will also take his portayal of King George on the road. Whether getting a seat in S.F., L.A., or other shorter stops along the U.S. tour, is any easier remains to be seen. Hamilton is also coming to London’s West End.

Hamilton” takes the stage at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre March 10 – Aug. 5  and Hollywood Pantages Theater Aug. 11 – Dec. 30. All stops along the tour can be found here