Obama is going to the Saturday matinee of "Hamilton"... — Page 4

Pal Joey: word; absolutely.

He's pro enough to know he is the Director first and foremost.

Where did he get that idea?

Have to applaud the Secret Service. Getting him to the theater, in, out, and onto his next destination is a complicated puzzle to figure out and execute. They've been doing this for decades, yet it impresses me every time.

Miranda sang one song at the White House, not "some." And at the time, the song came solely from the mouth of Burr, whereas now it includes most of the cast in a big opening number.

This isn't the place to debate the allocation of time between grieving and celebrating American history, but suffice it to say that there are very few weeks nowadays in which some new tragedy does not unfold because we think guns are more important than people.

I was there on Saturday afternoon and it was a truly thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience that I am so grateful I was able to witness.

First off, it was extremely well run and a very smooth process. It seemed like everyone was very respectful of each other (both the audience responsible and respectful of the rules and the secret service also seemed extremely respectful of all of us).

Lin’s family was there and, when he walked in before the show to join them in the audience, he got a nice, big applause & standing ovation.

I was anticipating the show to start late, but it actually started earlier than most performances usually do! Just a few minutes after 2:00, the lights dimmed and Obama and the girls were ushered in to thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the audience. Once they were sitting (two rows directly behind Lin), the show started, prompting us all to sit back down and enjoy the show.

It was hard to not think about how the show was being seen through the eyes of the President. So many different lines and moments held extra meaning. The one line that got a different reaction (beyond a usual laugh) with Obama in the room was when one of the ensemble says (in reference to Burr), “He seems like someone you could have a beer with.”

When the show ended, Obama was one of the first people on his feet for the standing ovation.

Oh, just wanted to add that, with Obama in the audience, “History Has Its Eyes on You” became even more powerful. It was one of the moments that my breath was really taken away with the significance of being in the room with this President watching this show.

...it was a truly thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience...

Because a corrupt politician with ties to Chicago cronyism, Wall Street and Big Pharma attended a show on Broadway about the messy history of America?

I suspect Hamilton would find the whole thing ironic when you consider the level of corruption and cronyism currently taking place in our country's political system.

Javier did get entrance applause and major, major applause at the curtain call. The audience absolutely showed him lots of (well-earned and deserved!) love.

If Hamilton is a cautionary tale for voters who elect corrupt politicians, and tolerate the passage of laws that make corruption legal, it seems even more apt for the eyes and ears of someone who can actually affect/exploit those laws, or at least has a bully pulpit to inveigh against them.

"Javier did get entrance applause and major, major applause at the curtain call. The audience absolutely showed him lots of (well-earned and deserved!) love."

I'm so glad to hear this! I've always felt it must be really tough to be an understudy or alternate. I think they have the hardest job in theater. I look forward to seeing him in the role at some point.

Updated On: 7/20/15 at 11:48 AM