Chicago HAMILTON cast announced — Page 2

JBroadway said: "Interesting that they went with someone a bit older for The King. He strikes me as a bit more of the Brian d'Arcy James type, which they seem to have been moving away from. The other 3 kings are all very similar types as each other."

By casting King George with a younger-looking (perhaps incorrectly, but I'd even say, twink-ish) actor, the character comes across like a spoiled child, which I think is effective.

I'm very excited to see the role returning to the Brian d'Arcy James type you describe. I think it will help distinguish Chicago's from the Broadway production, and I can't wait to see how differently it will play.

Updated On: 7/13/16 at 10:46 AM

This is the Chris Lee who will be playing Jefferson :

broadwayguy91, I'm also of Chinese ancestry and have a TON of family members named Lee. But I would never assume such a common name (especially just seeing it written down) indicates someone is also Asian.

LizzieCurry said: "broadwayguy91, I'm also of Chinese ancestry and have a TON of family members named Lee. But I would never assume such a common name (especially just seeing it written down) indicates someone is also Asian.



"

that's true. that's why I put the question mark in "I'm assuming he's Chinese?" . because I wasn't so sure myself.



@ashley77: I don't know whether LMM had a say in the casting for the Chicago production, but I wouldn't be surprised if its the same Chris Lee. lol.

broadwayguy91, your "explanation" does not make what you said less racist.

It wasn't racist, just shortsighted and kind of dumb.

Let's get back to discussing the Chicago Ham cast!

I had been hoping against hope for Karen ever since she tweeted about the Chicago production when tickets went on sale in June. So excited for my hometown production, and glad I decided to get a limited view single seat for opening night!

Wow. thanks for posting this. I am so excited about the Chicago cast. and thrilled to have snagged tickets for the Chicago run. It will be a great way to spend an evening during parent's weekend. :)



I'm excited to see who will be the new Burr as well. I am also keeping my fingers crossed about the ensemble members. A young man that my daughter danced with for years had been called back for a few auditions for an ensemble role. I think he has been offered an ensemble role but he isnt able to share (or doesn't know) if he will be part of the ensemble in NYC, Chicago or the other show. I am hoping Chicago as i would love to see him dance again.



Thanks again!

lite2shine said: "Here you can see most of the principles' video clips. I'm still disappointed no Asian actor was cast Asfar may be a part of Indian but still..

https://www.broadwaybox.com/daily-scoop/see-the-chicago-hamilton-stars-in-action/

"

Karen Olivo is Chinese. Her mom is 1/2 Chinese, that I know from interviews.

lite2shine said: "Anakela said:
"

Karen Olivo is Chinese. Her mom is 1/2 Chinese, that I know from interviews.





"

Hmm, does she identify as an Asian??



"

I think she identifies as mixed (this is from 2009):

Let’s talk about your ethnicity. You’re what I call a swirl, a blend.
I usually just say mutt, but I’ll take swirl, that sounds nicer! My father is Puerto Rican and has Native American on his father’s side. And my mother is half-Dominican and half-Chinese.

http://www.broadway.com/buzz/11287/karen-olivo/

Liza's Headband said: "Does it matter what she "identifies" as? That doesn't change her ethnic lineage.



"

That's true. But having an "Ethnic Lineage" and casting an "Asian" actor are two different things for me. I see Asian actors as someone who have Asian culture/background. Because often time, Asian families are not supportive to become an actor, so those Asian actors who finally broke into a Broadway show are special to me. From the interview, it seems that Karen is more familiar with Spanish than Chinese. "Which of those cultures did you grow up around the most?
None. My parents both came here without speaking the language so they were very strict about us being American kids. They did speak Spanish in the household and I think that’s why my ear is so good—I know how it’s supposed to sound, but they were never really big on us speaking Spanish."

So now you're only happy if a mixed minority clearly identifies with a specific ethnicity? Are we really requiring some type of purity test here?

Cast seems great! Though I do wish that there was more of a presence of Asian actors as leads. Maybe even someone of Indian or Middle Eastern descent? We don't see much representation of them in theater but it's a small nitpick.