Hamilton - Victoria Palace Theatre

I'm so happy she has an interesting project coming up for her. Hamilton really upped her status and it's about time- she seems so lovely.

On another note, what IS going on there backstage? Specifically in the producers' office??

Do we have any evidence that it's something other than just simple contract negotiations?

I mean, from the producers' perspective: the OBC already has profit sharing, casting probably has more names than a phone book of interested aspiring stage actors, and there's a captive audience who will see the show regardless of who's cast (and the premium commanded by the OBC would be largely captured by scalpers anyway). So my guess is they felt totally comfortable taking a hard line with so many contracts expiring.

From the OBC's perspective: well, they have profit sharing, most of them have exciting new projects waiting for them elsewhere if they leave (projects that may dry up if and when Hamilton-mania dies down), and staying means probably not much more money and risk of typecasting. And I still think at least one will end up in London or a touring company.

That doesn't necessarily explain why Daveed's announcement came so suddenly but perhaps he's been in negotiations in the background for an extension or a touring role?

It makes every bit of sense for the actors leave- yes they have been with this show in these roles for a while. Though usuallly Tony winners stay longer- be it because they just won an award for being very good in said role, or it's the producers incentive to keep them on because it looks good to have a Tony winner in the cast. And god know those producers aren't short on cash.

But they don't have to- they're sold out, so it wouldnt make a difference sales-wise anyway, so I can kind of (kind of...) understand Seller's "whatever" attitude- the refusal to bump salaries etc.
(It has been rumored in several places that he offered both Daveed and Renee LESS money in the next contract, but I don't buy it)


What IS wierd is that no roles are cast- understudies are going on for practically everyone. Javier was already in the cast, otherwise I wouldn't be suprised if Hamilton wasn't cast either- THAT's wierd... They had ages to cast, even just to eventually put those people on a backburner. Insted they are juggling understudies for MONTHS.
Also- why announce Daveed 2 days in advance? I fully belive that maybe he reached a new contract settelment and maybe one party changed their mind (and that's why he didn't leave with the other 3 last week). But why so sudden? Why not finish the week?

Why bury this announcment in the middle of the press release? Why isn't it in the headline? The man is a Tony wonner for the role!
I'd have a bad taste in my mouth if I was Daveed- the way they announced it was insulting.

This producing/ management team are acting as if this is their first job out of school.
THAT's what's wierd to me..

Lol Hamilton Addict I was waiting for your reaction GIF since yesterday!

Part of me is hoping for an all-British cast. But then I hear whispers that they are talking about "one or more" of the original Broadway leads opening the show in London.

I 100% agree^ some parts where suprisingly cringe-inducing :/

Yes, that's totally fair. However, if they're happy having it professionally filmed and put on YouTube for all public to see, I don't have too many reservations in passing my personal opinion on it. I agree that maybe my original comment was far too generalising of "British MT performers" (being one myself), but sections of that medley don't do them any favours and, in my opinion, seem rather cringe. Definitely not all in that video, but some. There is just a certain "swagger" missing that American rap artists (at least those employed in Hamilton) seem to embody. But obviously longer rehearsal for that medley would allow them to embody it more. I'm just going by what they are allowing me to see!

I still can't understand why white Sam Mackay is the leading actor of In The Heights, tbh

I can't say I know for sure, but I would think the individual actors would practice at least their solo bits on their own before that half hour rehearsal- and those weren't the best either :/

On Sam's spotlight casting page it lists his appearance as:
Eastern European, Latin American, White

Part of me worries about the casting here for Hamilton. I haven't been impressed with the Vanessas, Ninas or Bennys at Southwark or Kings Cross, as much as I like the production itself. Then again, this production is on a far bigger scale and has Mackintosh behind it as well as Lin probably helping out a lot with casting due to him being in London in 2017.

Additionally, a lot of people simply can't afford to work low paying gigs like Southwark and to an extent Kings Cross. Some agents won't let performers elect to do those productions. So you may not be getting the best possible people for a role, particularly when ethnicity is seen as key to a character.