DottieD'Luscia said: "I'd like to see the Chicago production once more before it closes. I have yet to hear anything about Nikki Rene Daniels as Angelica, and Akron Watson as Burr."
Here to help! Akron Watson is very good-- he's a wonderful dancer and he nails both of Burr's big numbers (Wait For It and Room Where It Happens). I don't love all his acting choices. Nikki is a huge improvement over Montego Glover who I actively couldn't stand. I would say both aren't the best or worst to do it their parts in Chicago-- and both are better than the current principles in New York.
DottieD'Luscia said: "Tommar Wilson (Burr and others standby) also left the show on Sunday. I was always curious about his performance, but don't remember reading anything hear about it."
Saw Wilson as George Washington and Burr. The former was well sung although he's pretty small so it was funny to see Gregory Treco tower over both him and Miguel Cervantes. His Burr was phenomenal. The best acting of anyone I've seen/heard (more than a dozen at this point) and probably 3-4 favorite overall. His 'Wait For It' was the only song he didn't totally knock out of the part but the rest was amazing. I miss him terribly.
With the Chicago closing announcement, are there any people from the Chicago cast who you would like to see/who you think will transfer to the Broadway production?
"I think that when a movie says it was 'based on a true story,' oh, it happened - just with uglier people." - Peanut Walker, Shucked
Miguel Cervantes would be fabulous as the full time broadway Hamilton if he wants it after 3 years in Chicago. Paris Nix would add some life to the Broadway cast. I thought Akron Watson and Jamaal Fields-Green both had some very strong points.
I’ve had several viewings of the Angelica tour in the past few months and there’s some significant fierceness there. Stephanie Umoh is a great Angelica with a strong voice and significant stage presence, Olivia Puckett is a shockingly good Peggy/Maria, and Edred Utomi is fierce. He had me in tears during It’s Quiet Uptown and he was as well. He’s one of the strongest rapping Hamiltons I’ve heard in a long time. He also is a stronger dancer then most of the Hamiltons. He doesn’t just move, he actually dances. I have to give it up for Wonza Johnson, one of the standbys. I saw him last week as Burr and I really, really liked him. He was an excellent singer and dancer and his rapping improved as he settled into the show.
MollyJeanneMusic said: "With the Chicago closing announcement, are there any people from the Chicago cast who you would like to see/who you think will transfer to the Broadway production?"
I think New York is foolish not to get Miguel in there. I know he's been doing it for almost 3 years but he shows no signs of performance fatigue. His acting, dancing and singing are all on point. Paris Nix also would be great in New York. I think he's one of the few who is equally great at Lafayette and Jefferson.
I love Miguel and besides seeing him in Chicago, I caught him when he did his short stint on Broadway. He's a wonderful Hamilton and he's only gotten better with time. His wife, Kelly, posted a little bit on her blog about decisions post-Hamilton: https://www.kellycervantes.com/blog/goodthings
When we first moved to Chicago I was certain we would be here one year and then we would return to New York. I had no idea how this city and its people would capture our hearts. As the inevitable questions of “what’s next” start pouring in we are relieved to know that we have until next year to figure that out. We absolutely love Chicago and the Hamilton family has been amazing to us. Truthfully, the last three years, as emotionally challenging as they have been, have been a dream in every other way. Miguel has described it as being tied to a rocket with an open parachute on your back. But its a damn cute parachute! So, do we try and stay in Chicago and make our life here? Do we cross our fingers that Hamilton will offer Miguel the role in another city? There will be some very serious discussions in the Cervantes house these next few months to be sure.
This makes me so glad I bit the bullet and bought my ticket to see Hamilton again in Chicago when I’m there for one night on June 14th. I felt a bit foolish because I have already seen it twice in Chicago (plus once on Broadway in 2015) and I had just bought tickets to see The Phillip Tour when it’s here in OKC (our first time hosting Hamilton!) On August 14th. But now, I know I made the right decision. I just needed to experience Hamilton in Chicago (and with Miguel) one more time before I have to say goodbye to this particular production.
Jimmie 'JJ' Jeter's final show in Chicago today. He was a Burr understudy (I saw him in December 2017), Hamilton standby (he's been doing it on Sundays since Joseph Morales went on tour) and also a King George understudy too? So talented and charming. He will be missed.
Carvens Lissaint also did his last show today in NY today as George Washington. The New York cast was starting to head in the right direction but losing him is a big blow. I'm excited to see who takes his place.
DottieD'Luscia said: "I see that Kyle Scatliffe is now listed as Lafayette/Jefferson on Broadway. Is this temporary, or did James Monroe Iglehart leave?"
I don't know about the permanent part, but JMI is doing Hercules this week, so he is out at least until the 8th.
CarmenA3 said: "DottieD'Luscia said: "I see that Kyle Scatliffe is now listed as Lafayette/Jefferson on Broadway. Is this temporary, or did James Monroe Iglehart leave?"
I don't know about the permanent part, but JMI is doing Hercules this week, so he is out at least until the 8th."
I’m not sure if he’s only promoting it, but I think he may he part of Freestyle Love Supreme, too.
Ryan Vasquez left to do The Wrong Man. It sounded like he would be back at Hamilton after the Off-Broadway run. But that could change if The Wrong Man goes to Broadway.
Sad to see those 4 go in the Broadway production. In my opinion. they're the 4 best in the principal cast. I could think of 3 others who have been around for a long time, and I would love to see some new blood fill those roles...
