This week we bring back #YayHamlet! Cristina Lundy and Fergie L. Philippe talk about the similarities between Hamilton (the musical) and the works of Shakespeare, and why actors need to honor those pieces in the same way. Hint: no need to overact it; all the words are right there on the page. And they're not saying it's easy! Fergie used to think he had to do Shakespeare in a British accent because FANCY. We also talk about an unrealistic need for all works of art to be perfect and right and accurate when in reality, so much of it is about writers being inspired by, as Cristina says, "the influences that pollinate them as artists." Plus! Dream casting! Cristina and Fergie cast Hamilton actors in a slew of Shakespeare plays, they cast a Ted Lasso Much Ado About Nothing, and then we cast Ted Lasso characters in Hamilton.  A Tribe Called Quest ft. Busta Rhymes - Scenario (LP Mix) The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act /// New York Shakespeare Exchange Fergie's Website Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#387: Cristina Lundy and Fergie L. Philippe // Part Two

Nope, the title of this episode is not a typo. My dear friends Cristina Lundy and Fergie Philippe are back on the podcast, this time together! We explain it all in the episode but they both had so much more to say so we thought we'd have a little party.  Quick refresher: Fergie recently ended his five year run as Mulligan/Madison (both on tour and on Broadway) and Cristina Lundy is currently a dresser for the Broadway company as well as the Artistic Director of the New York Shakespeare exchange. In the first of three episodes, we talk about the 2023 Tony Awards, Fergie's experience performing at the show, how the writer's strike affected the evening, and the fact that HISTORY WAS MADE with BIPOC and non-binary folks taking home so many awards.  Fergie and Cristina are both massive Shakespeare nerds (that's a compliment!) so these are very Bard-heavy eps. This week we talk a lot about modern adaptations like Ten Things I Hate About You (1999) and Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet (1996).   New York Shakespeare Exchange Fergie's Website Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#386: Cristina Lundy and Fergie L. Philippe // Part One

Alright, dear listeners, get ready for an absolutely bananas episode of The Hamilcast. Fergie L. Philippe, my lovely friend, is rounding out his big return to the podcast aka our booze-fueled lovefest. This week, Fergie dives more into his experience with Camelot on Broadway: his audition process, his stage combat experiences, and his big dream of bringing the lost Muppets in Camelot idea to life. Plus, Fergie goes in on why Sweeney Todd is his favorite show of all time and his ultimate dream role. We round out this episode talking about ADHD, neurodiversity, the importance of therapy, more Hamilton discussion, and Fergie gives his expert opinion on how to plan the perfect Disney vacation. It's been a blast hanging with Fergie for these episodes and I hope you had as much fun as we did. Catch up with all things Fergie: #107: We tell your story // Part One  #108: We tell your story // Part Two  #129: I came as soon as I heard // #LasVegust Part One  #300: James Monroe Iglehart and Friends Take Over the Podcast to Celebrate 300 Episodes! /// Fergie's Website Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#385: Fergie L. Philippe Returns! // Mulligan/Madison on Broadway and the Philip Tour // Part Three

Fergie L. Philippe is back for another round this week and yes... I mean that both figuratively andddd literally. Choices were made by two very good and excitable ADHD-ridden friends, dear listener! In this episode, we tackle important issues such as the writer's strike, theater contracts, negotiations, and misconceptions about creative jobs. Fergie shares his personal journey with Hamilton, from identifying primarily with Mulligan in 2017 to fully embracing the vibe of Madison. We explore the nuances of these characters, including Fergie's embodiment of both Hercules Mulligan and his slave, Cato, as well as the different dynamics between his Madison and various Jeffersons. And of course, this led us to a conversation about how the context of the show has evolved since 2016 and it will only continue to change as the world around us does the same. Catch up with all things Fergie: #107: We tell your story // Part One  #108: We tell your story // Part Two  #129: I came as soon as I heard // #LasVegust Part One  #300: James Monroe Iglehart and Friends Take Over the Podcast to Celebrate 300 Episodes! /// Fergie's Website Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#384: Fergie L. Philippe Returns! // Mulligan/Madison on Broadway and the Philip Tour // Part Two

Note: These episodes are brought to you by Everclear and whiskey. Not an ad, just an admission.  I'm thrilled to have my dear friend Fergie Philippe back on the podcast. Fergie is a multi-talented artist – an actor, writer, director, and puppeteer – who recently concluded his five-year run as Hamilton's Mulligan/Madison in February 2023. Starting from the Philip Tour and making his way to Broadway, Fergie considers these episodes as his post-mortem reflections on his time with the show. This week, Fergie delves into the experience of not just meeting but working with his heroes, which happened when he was cast as Lord Sagramore in the Broadway adaptation of Camelot by Aaron Sorkin. Fergie also opens up about his post-Hamilton life after Broadway, sharing stories about performing to the seat he once sat in as a fan, his last show that never happened, and how he knew it was the right time to move on. Plus lots of love for the inimitable Philip company, the unbreakable friendships formed through Hamilton (both on and offstage) and the feeling that everyone is just getting started. Fergie and I go way back and below you'll find all of his previous episodes on The Hamilcast: #107: We tell your story // Part One  #108: We tell your story // Part Two  #129: I came as soon as I heard // #LasVegust Part One  #300: James Monroe Iglehart and Friends Take Over the Podcast to Celebrate 300 Episodes! /// Fergie's Website Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#383: Fergie L. Philippe Returns! // Mulligan/Madison on Broadway and the Philip Tour // Part One

Morgan Anita Wood is back for round two. After a bit of a scary start, Morgan was off and running with the And Peggy Tour and this week she talks about the tour leaving Puerto Rico and setting up shop in San Francisco. Morgan tells us about her experience with the Eliza Company and then coming back, or as she says, coming home to her And Peggy Company. She started as Woman 5, a role that is very close to her heart and led to some unbreakable bonds. But there was something about Eliza that really made Morgan really wanted to tell that story eight times a week. Morgan has been through a lot with Eliza, and she explains her strong connection to the role, how it's healed her, and what she's learned from the woman whose strength and courage reminds Morgan of her own mom.  Morgan Anita Wood on Instagram Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#382: Morgan Anita Wood // Eliza on the And Peggy Tour // Part Two

Morgan Anita Wood is currently playing Eliza on the And Peggy Tour, and has been with Hamilton since 2018 when she started playing Woman 5. Morgan grew up in Indiana and was performing as young as three years old. She always had the passion for and the clarity about what she wanted to do at a very young age. She came from a family of creatives, performers, and what she calls "artistic minded people." Her determination led her to an internship at Telsey, one of the leading casting offices in the country and the office that casts Hamilton. There's an excellent chance they cast your favorite musical/play/movie/TV show/commercial/the list goes on. Morgan learned about the business as she crossed paths with people like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jonathan Groff and after months behind the scenes, she was confident and ready when her audition (at Telsey!) finally came. From that internship to ending up in the hospital the night of her Hamilton Puerto Rico debut, Morgan takes us on quite a journey. Morgan Anita Wood on Instagram Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#381: Morgan Anita Wood // Eliza on the And Peggy Tour // Part One

This week, Jason Arrow wraps up his three episode series. In his first two episodes, Jason told us about his life story thus far: he was born in South Africa, moved to Western Australia when he was about five years old, and first did theater as a teenager. His Hamilton story starts in 2019, and it's been so fun to hear about Jason's adventures with the show. He talked about the energy from the audience, especially during a time when the Australian production of Hamilton was the only one in the world happening. We laughed about the fun moments he's been able to find on stage and he reflected on what it was like for Lin-Manuel Miranda to see the Australian company for the very first time in 2023. As we wrap up our conversation, we talk about Rage Against the Machine, the importance of First Nations actors on stage (and particularly in Hamilton), why Jason chose psychology books over a history lesson, and we compare Mario Kart preferences. But first, this episode starts with Jason talking more about his personal take on Alexander including how and why it changes and evolves.  Jason Arrow's Linktree Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#380: Jason Arrow // Alexander Hamilton: Australia, New Zealand, Manila // Part Three

Jason Arrow has played Alexander Hamilton in Australia, New Zealand, and as of September 2023, he'll be in Manila in the Philippines in the Asian premiere for Hamilton. This week, Jason continues the story of his Hamilton journey: from hearing the audience erupt when he walked on stage for the very first time, to their last performance in Brisbane, and when Lin-Manuel Miranda finally (finally!) made it to Australia to see Hamilton. It was a long time coming but it was worth the wait and wait actually worked out in their favor! Jason also talks about fun moments he's found as Hamilton and how they've evolved over time (hint: tom cat). Plus, you'll hear about Jason's love of gaming, his still very strong connection to Aaron Burr, and stories from the stage door. Lin-Manuel Miranda Hamilton interview with Leigh Sales | In The Room: Full Episode | ABC TV + iview  Jason Arrow's Linktree Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#379: Jason Arrow // Alexander Hamilton: Australia, New Zealand, Manila // Part Two

Jason Arrow and I spoke in April 2023, right after he ended his run as Alexander Hamilton in Australia. Since recording, the company had a very limited run in New Zealand, and as of September 2023, Jason will be in Manila in the Philippines performing in the Asian premiere of Hamilton. Here's one of the many interesting thing about Jason: for a guy who first connected with Burr, he has a lot of Hamilton traits. Jason started doing theatre as a teenager, mostly just a hobby at first. He was doing community shows while studying computer science, graphic design, and film/tv theory. He realized very quickly that he belonged *in front* of the camera. Jason went to the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and that's where he learned about this show called Hamilton. It sounded really incredible but he was very busy and didn't have the time to commit to falling in love with such a layered piece while still in school. And then 2020 came around and changed everything.  Jason Arrow's Linktree Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#378: Jason Arrow // Alexander Hamilton: Australia, New Zealand, Manila // Part One

Tamar Greene (Hamilton Broadway's George Washington) is a classical trained pianist, an opera singer, a voice teacher, a founding member of Ham4Progress, and a guy who appreciates the revitalization that comes with embracing the unexpected. That's what his three episodes have been all about. Tamar started his career in music literally hiding behind a piano because it was easier on his stage fright. For years, he resisted accepting his vocal talent. So, he got a bachelor's degree in computer information systems but the music stuff was still nagging at him. On his way to class, he'd walk the halls of the music department, admiring the beautiful pianos and listening to other vocalists and thinking, "you know maybe I *could* make a living in music." Tamar embraced everything he was interested in and now he's accepted that he can be passionate about all of it. Being in bands like Bitchin' Kitchen means he learned, as he says "the business of the business." - traveling, booking, splitting the door money with the band, all that stuff. A degree in computer information systems means that he could put on concerts during lockdown without worrying about the tech side of things. So I guess what I'm saying is that Tamar Greene knows what he's talking about and he also walks the walk so you should take what he says to heart. This week, Tamar talks about performing orchestral versions of South Park Songs, his favorite SNOBs (Saturday Night on Broadway), leading with love, and he unexpectedly walks us through his Washington's mental and emotional arc leading up to One Last Time. Plus, Tamar talks about grappling with the colonizing slave owning history of the founding fathers, the power of a Black man playing George Washington, and how this ties into his role as an original member of Ham4Progress.  Orchestral Versions of South Park Songs Mandy Gonzalez SNOB Sweeney Todd SNOB Jonas Kaufmann - Turandot, Atto III: "Nessun Dorma" /// #HamiltonCHI Episodes: Party in Chicago! Tamar Greene's Website Tamar Greene on Instagram Ham4Progress Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#377: Tamar Greene // Hamilton Broadway's George Washington // Part Three

Tamar Greene (Hamilton Broadway's George Washington) talks about checking in with yourself to reassess and possibly change course, which can actually be very rejuvenating. In fact, that's what led him to musical theatre, from auditioning in stairwells to going out on tour and eventually landing on Broadway. Remember the guy who didn't think he could sing or make it professionally as a musician? Seems like a lifetime ago. And of course, we dive into his long history with Hamilton. He went from knowing nothing about the show and turning down tickets to see it, to winning the lottery and falling in love with it, then passing on a callback after years of auditions, to finally stepping into the role of Washington in Chicago and making the transition to Broadway. So get ready, because this week you're gonna hear about how Tamar made his way to acting on stage, something that has yet to come up in his long list of interests and career choices. #HamiltonCHI Episodes: Party in Chicago! Tamar Greene's Website Tamar Greene on Instagram Ham4Progress Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#376: Tamar Greene // Hamilton Broadway's George Washington // Part Two #376: Tamar Greene // Hamilton Broadway's George Washington // Part Two

Tamar Greene, Hamilton Broadway's current George Washington, returns to The Hamilcast! Tamar was first on the podcast back in 2019 when I saw Hamilton in Chicago and threw a big party recording with the cast. Those are episodes 181-185 if you're interested. That party was so much fun but it's hard to do a deep dive with someone in those recordings, so it's always nice to be able to sit down one on one and really get into it... and that's exactly what's happening with Tamar because he's been on a JOURNEY.  Tamar's mother was a singer and a pianist who ended up retiring as a nurse, and his father was a DJ and promoter focusing on Jamaican artists. He owned a record store and threw parties and events in the community. Growing up, Tamar and his nine siblings all had to learn an instrument. He chose the piano because, as he says, it was easy to hide behind. Throughout Tamar's life, the people around him kept encouraging him to sing but he fought them every step of the way. Even as he was studying for his BA in Computer Information Systems (which he has, by the way), he found himself wandering the halls of the music department... always drawn to this life he didn't know how to live. Is it even possible to do music professionally? What does that look like? #HamiltonCHI Episodes: Party in Chicago! Tamar Greene - National Anthem at Chicago Bulls Game Othmar Schoeck - Rastlose Liebe, Tamar Greene (tenor) Bitchin Kitchen  // Tamar Greene's Website Tamar Greene on Instagram Ham4Progress Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#375: Tamar Greene // Hamilton Broadway's George Washington // Part One

Cristina is currently Hamilton Broadway's Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor, with over 20 years of experience and a lifetime of good taste in pretty much everything. So far we’ve talked about Hamilton, Shakespeare, temperamental fabrics, favorite silhouettes, clothes as self expression, boundaries of all kinds, backstage logistics, stage door stories, destroying the patriarchy… and we did it all referencing Mad Men, Damn Yankees, Taylor Swift, and 1994’s cult classic Reality Bites. This week, Cristina is breaking down the structure of her work day and gives insight into all the different roles in the wardrobe department: dressers, day workers, accessories, shoes, hats, stitchers, repairs, you name it. You know how we always talk about how gorgeous the costumes are? It takes a lot of work to keep them that stunning! Plus, with more questions from the Patreon Peeps, Cristina talks about her love of Shakespeare, and gives advice on how to make a living doing what you love. New York Shakespeare Exchange Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#374: Cristina Lundy // Hamilton Broadway's Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor // Part Three

Welcome to Cristina Lundy’s second episode! Cristina is Hamilton Broadway's Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor and this week we’re diving into what it means to work in wardrobe: Cristina explains how she got into the union, how she started working on Broadway, how she got the gig at Hamilton, and what it’s been like working at a show with a lot of power and a lot of influence. From hidden costume details, to why the wardrobe department is the heart of the building, (plus a well timed and under appreciated reference to Damn Yankees), Cristina has great stories and even better advice. Because, as she says, it’s not just about living the dream but living the life. New York Shakespeare Exchange Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#373: Cristina Lundy // Hamilton Broadway's Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor // Part Two

Cristina Lundy is currently Hamilton Broadway's Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor. Cristina has been doing theatre since she was ten years old, and started working in her costume shop in college. But she’s always been, as she says, “costuming herself” as a form of self expression. Cristina is also the artistic director of the New York Shakespeare Exchange, an independent Shakespeare company with a focus on inclusion and a mission to stop gatekeeping Shakespeare (even if you’re the one gatekeeping yourself, which tends to happen with the Bard).  This week we talk about everything from the phenomenal clothes and aesthetic of Mad Men, to what makes a good director, the gospel of Taylor Swift, and we contributed to the endless effort to burn down the patriarchy… among other things. New York Shakespeare Exchange Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#372: Cristina Lundy // Hamilton Broadway's Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor // Part One

Daniel Assetta is as determined as he is talented as he is ready to put in the work. It’s not surprising he landed his dream role of Samuel Seabury in the Original Australian company of Hamilton. That story is full circle, starting and ending in New York City. From performing for his family starting at a very young age, to performing all over the world in various roles, Daniel always knew exactly what he wanted to do and he never once apologized for it. And yeah, going viral on TikTok with incredible dance videos from when he was 12 years old is a fun little detour. This week, Daniel reflects on the journey and contemplates what comes next. Daniel Assetta Daniel Assetta on TikTok Daniel Assetta on Instagram Tobias Madden Semperoper Dresden Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#371: Daniel Assetta // Samuel Seabury in the Original Australian Production // Part Three

Daniel Assetta was the original Samuel Seabury in Australia (with the fun bonus of covering King George III), and in this episode you get to hear the story of how that happened. It started in New York City in 2016, took a turn in Australia in 2019, and then stopped cold in 2020 (ugh pandemic). It was a tumultuous time for countless reasons but it has a happy ending: not only did Daniel book Hamilton, but the Australia company was the first one back after lockdown. Daniel is telling me this from his apartment in New York City, so his Hamilton story is truly full circle. Daniel Assetta Daniel Assetta on TikTok Daniel Assetta on Instagram Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#370: Daniel Assetta // Samuel Seabury in the Original Australian Production // Part Two

Welcome to the first of three episodes with Daniel Assetta, the original Samuel Seabury (and u/s King George III) in Hamilton’s Australian company.  There’s a good chance you’ve seen Daniel before, either on stage around the world in one of his many roles, or… going viral on TikTok. Does the term "Cotton Eyed Joe Kid" mean anything to you? Daniel has millions of likes and views on his videos of old footage of him dancing as a child. Additionally, Daniel talks about how his lifelong love of performing, starting with putting on shows with his superstar sister Chiara, combined with his unapologetic determination and some of the most supportive family on Earth, led him to where he is today.  Daniel Assetta Daniel Assetta on TikTok Daniel Assetta on Instagram Siblingship Chiara Assetta on TikTok Chiara Assetta on Instagram Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#369: Daniel Assetta // Samuel Seabury in the Original Australian Production // Part One

REDCHILD (Mulligan/Madison in Germany) dives into his Hamilton story, which is a supremely unique experience. In fact, he still doesn't actually know what a musical theater audition feels like because he never really had one. He’s an MC, a producer, a musician, and not at all an actor… so how did this even happen? He’ll tell you all the details, but getting the gig has led to reflection on intention, representation, and the privilege he feels to be able to share his performance with people, especially young kids. REDCHILD also talks about how hip hop culture changed his life, he shares some of the artists that had a major influence on him, and he’s taking questions from the Patreon Peeps.  Gang Starr - Moment of Truth  Slick Rick - All Alone  Jay Dilla - Last Donut of the Night  Kendrick Lamar - DNA  Red Bull Batalla Swag Jam Mo'Jam  REDCHILD on Spotify REDCHILD on Instagram Gillian on Twitter Gillian on Instagram The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

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