Introduction to Hamilton
A brand new musical hit emerged in New York City ten years ago, as Hamilton celebrated its off-broadway debut on February 17, 2015. The production was created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who previously swept the city off its feet with his ode to the city and its diverse cultures, In the Heights. A whole decade later, with a record-breaking run, numerous Tony Awards, and a variety of touring productions, as well as a film adaptation, Hamilton is still going strong.
The Original Cast
Although most of its original lineup, including Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa, and Anthony Ramos, have moved on to other projects, there is one member of the original cast who has continued to roam the corridors and dressing rooms of the Richard Rodgers Theater – Thayne Jasperson. In a recent interview, the actor opened up about what has kept him attached to Hamilton and what lies ahead in his future.
Thayne Jasperson’s Experience
A self-described "year of guy," the multitalented actor appeared in numerous productions before his tenure in the hip-hop-historical musical, but even Newsies and Matilda couldn’t capture his attention as much as Hamilton. As a member of the ensemble, Jasperson appears as Bishop Samuel Seabury and admits that he knew from the start that Hamilton would be epic, so he knew he had to be a part of it. When the time passed, he continued to shine on stage with his incredible stage presence.
Memories of Memories
Jasperson not only connects with Hamilton‘s topic, themes, and music, but during his time, he also collected a treasure trove of memories. He remembers running up the stairs and singing with his fellow cast member, Eliza Soo, and skating through the streets of downtown with other ensemble boys. With the musical’s rapid success and Hamilton fever taking over, Jasperson says it was difficult for him to deal with its global success.
Global Success
Despite the awards and celebrity sightings, he was there from the start and saw it as his child to protect. Nowadays, he fully understands why the show has resonated so much with audiences. He believes it is the relatability mixed with the truth that makes people proud of the country that has been formed. This relatability lets people come back to the show again and again.
Thayne Jasperson’s Next Steps
Having hit gold with Hamilton, Jasperson, who has appeared in countless shows over the past ten years, has advice for other aspiring actors: "Believing in yourself is important." He remembered his early days in the Big Apple, adding that when he moved there with a one-way ticket, he stood on Times Square, put his suitcase down, and his mind said, "Here you should be. That’s it." He started his goal on Broadway and wanted to achieve it.
The Future of Hamilton
Without plans to leave Hamilton in the foreseeable future, the actor joked, "You’ll have to roll me out in a wheelchair." Seeing no reason to leave his dream life full of cheering human crowds, standing ovations, and his second home in the Richard Rodgers Theater, he said, "So what’s next is more of it. I have no plan. I try to be spontaneous and live in the moment. If something feels right, I move with it."
Celebrating a Monumental Occasion
To celebrate the monumental occasion of Hamilton‘s tenth anniversary, the film version of the musical will be coming to the big screen in cinemas nationwide and in Puerto Rico. This will give fans a chance to experience the magic of Hamilton once again, and for new fans to discover the phenomenon that has taken the world by storm.
