HAMILTON: THE EXHIBITION World Premiere Opening April 27th

HAMILTON: THE EXHIBITION

I'll be out for the press opening and ribbon cutting this Friday, so check back soon for my photo recap and review. Hamilton: The Exhibition will make its world premiere in Chicago on April 27, 2019.  Hamilton: The Exhibition takes visitors deeper into the life and times of Alexander Hamilton, while at the same time chronicling the American Revolution and the creation of the United States of America.  From the post in St. Croix where teenager Alexander became an indispensable trader, to the hilltop in Weehawken, NJ where Burr fatally shot Hamilton in their infamous duel, Hamilton: The Exhibition seeks to elucidate the powerful experience of building our country and shaping our Democracy.



The exhibition features an audio tour narrated by the musical’s author, Lin-Manuel Miranda, along with Phillipa Soo and Christopher Jackson, who played Eliza Schuyler Hamilton and George Washington in the original Broadway production of Hamilton. Joanne B. Freeman, historical advisor and Professor of History and American Studies at Yale University, also narrates. The Spanish language translations are narrated by Olga Merediz, who originated the role of Abuela Claudia in the Broadway production of In The Heights.

With a dynamic and interactive mix of lighting, sound, multimedia, music and historical artifacts, you will experience how it felt to write the way Hamilton wrote, fight the way Hamilton fought, and live the way Hamilton lived.  Discover how his work as a trader in St. Croix gave him the skills to create our country’s financial system. Gaze upon the streets of New York with detailed replicas of the city in 1776. Step into George Washington’s war tent as you learn how the Revolutionary Army planned their shocking victory in the Battle of Yorktown.

Hamilton: The Exhibition posits new questions about Hamilton’s life and the founding of America, ultimately leaving us to ask the question — how can we leave our own legacies for future Americans?

Saturday, April 27 at 10AM: The Exhibition Officially Opens to the Public. Lin-Manuel Miranda will be on-hand to greet the first visitors to walk through the Exhibition!

For exhibition hours and more information about Hamilton: The Exhibition, please visit HamiltonExhibition.com.

Chicago's Northerly Island to Host Premiere of HAMILTON: THE EXHIBITION November 2018

HAMILTON: THE EXHIBITION

    PREMIERES IN CHICAGO THIS FALL

       PRIOR TO TOUR OF U.S. CITIES

LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA NARRATES

HAMILTON: THE EXHIBITION – a 360-degree, immersive exhibit that will travel to select U.S. cities -- will premiere in Chicago in the fall of 2018 for a limited engagement, it has been announced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the musical HAMILTON, and Jeffrey Seller, the musical’s producer. HAMILTON: THE EXHIBITION – on display in a specially-constructed free-standing, all-weather structure the size of a football field -- opens November 17, 2018 for a limited engagement on Northerly Island in Chicago, where HAMILTON has played a sold-out run since 2016. 

 Images of the renderings (Credit: David Korins) 

HAMILTON:  THE EXHIBITION is a creative collaboration between creative director David Korins, who designed the set for HAMILTON, Yale University professor and historian Joanne Freeman, HAMILTON creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Thomas Kail and producer Jeffrey Seller. Harvard University history and law professor Annette Gordon-Reed is also contributing to the historical accuracy of the exhibit.   This exhibit is presented with Imagine Exhibitions, Inc., one of the leading operators of traveling museum exhibits throughout the world. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda states, “HAMILTON is a musical.  It’s as much of Alexander Hamilton’s life as we could wrestle into two and a half hours of musical theater, and it’s been incredible and surreal to see the renewed interest this has sparked in Alexander Hamilton’s life and times.  I’m so thrilled with the work David Korins has done alongside eminent historians Joanne Freeman and Annette Gordon-Reed, who are experts in this arena.  With this exhibition, they’re creating an immersive companion piece for HAMILTON, and a deep dive into the details and experiences of Hamilton’s story.”



Featuring an audio tour narrated by Mr. Miranda the musical’s creator, HAMILTON: THE EXHIBITION is designed to take visitors deeper into the life and times of Alexander Hamilton, while at the same time chronicling the American Revolution and the creation of the United States of America.   With a dynamic, interactive mix of in-depth scenography, lighting, sound, multimedia and music, HAMILTON: THE EXHIBITION will give visitors an experiential journey from Hamilton’s childhood in St. Croix to his untimely death in Weehawken, New Jersey and the numerous, indelible ways Hamilton’s bold actions over 200 years ago affect our lives today.

Mr. Seller states, “I hope to use this exhibition to answer some questions that the musical doesn’t address, like ‘What did Alexander actually do when he was a trader in St. Croix?  What did Hamilton’s Manhattan look like?  How did we win the battle of Yorktown?’  In an environment that is visually stunning, aurally thrilling and ingeniously educational, we aim to give visitors yet another unique portal through the life of Alexander Hamilton into the American founding.”

“HAMILTON: THE EXHIBITION will be an enriching, educational and entertaining attraction for Chicago residents and visitors,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. “HAMILTON has been bringing down the house to sold out audiences in Chicago, and I am confident this exhibit will be met with similar enthusiasm. I commend producer Jeffrey Seller, Lin-Manuel Miranda and the creative team behind HAMILTON: THE EXHIBITION for choosing Chicago for its inaugural run.”



HAMILTON: THE EXHIBITION is the most recent extension of HAMILTON, the musical, following the release of “Hamilton-The Revolution,” the best-selling book about the making of the musical; the Hamilton original Broadway cast recording, now double-platinum and streamed over two billion times; the HAMILTON MIXTAPE, which features leading pop music stars performing covers of songs from the musical; “Hamilton’s America,” the PBS documentary; the HAMILTON APP, which has already had more than 1 million downloads since its launch late last year; and HAMILDROP, Mr. Miranda’s series of newly-recorded covers of songs from the musical.

As well, HAMILTON has created a nationwide education program, EduHam, that provides hundreds of thousands of Title 1 high school students an opportunity to engage in an innovative curriculum about the founding era in American and attend all-student matinee performances of the musical.

For more information and to sign up to be the first to receive news and ticket sales alerts, please visit hamiltonexhibition.com

For groups of 10 or more contact Broadway In Chicago at 312-977-1710 or contact BICgroups.com.

Tickets to HAMILTON: THE EXHIBITION will be on sale at a later date, to be announced. 

HELP OUT: “We Three Shows: A Broadway Holiday Benefit” for Chicago House and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids

“We Three Shows: A Broadway Holiday Benefit”

Featuring WICKED and BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL

National Tour Company Members

and HAMILTON Chicago Company Members

An evening benefitting Chicago House and 

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids

Members of the National Touring companies of WICKED and BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, and HAMILTON Chicago company members, will host “We Three Shows: A Broadway Holiday Benefit,” a cabaret concert benefitting Chicago House and Social Service Agency and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The benefit will take place at Thalia Hall (1807 South Allport Street) on December 11, 2017 at 7:30PM. Doors open at 6:00PM for VIP ticketed guests and 7:00PM for general admission.

General Admission tickets are available for $65 (main floor) and $85 (balcony seating). VIP tickets are available for $150 and include a pre-show reception with the performers at 6:00PM, reserved premier seating, catered light hors d’oeuvres, and complimentary drinks.  A limited number of premium opera boxes are available for $550 which includes seating for six at the foot of the stage.  Tickets are currently on sale now at www.thaliahallchicago.com. 

Net proceeds raised from the benefit will support adults and children living with HIV/AIDS as well as those at risk for HIV through wraparound services provided by Chicago House, including housing, employment services, medical linkage and retention, and prevention services. 

“We Three Shows: A Broadway Holiday Benefit” is produced by the company members of WICKED, BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL and HAMILTON themselves.  This performance event is an opportunity for the company to step out of their roles in the musicals and perform some of their personal favorites.

The evening will include a live auction featuring backstage tours – including costuming, makeup and “watching from the wings” opportunities, performance tickets, and an opportunity for walk on roles.

WICKED is at the Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph) now through January 21, 2018. Returning to Chicago by popular demand, BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL plays through January 28, 2018 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph).  HAMILTON is currently playing at the CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe) with tickets on sale for performances through September 2, 2018. 

Tickets for all three shows are available at Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line (800-775-2000) and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT THE BENEFICIARIES
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised more than $300 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States. 

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the major supporter of the social service programs at The Actors Fund, including the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative and the Samuel J. Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts. Broadway Cares also awards annual grants to more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, DC.

For more information, please visit Broadway Cares online at broadwaycares.org, at facebook.com/BCEFA, at instagram.com/BCEFA, at twitter.com/BCEFA and at youtube.com/BCEFA.

Chicago House and Social Service Agency has been on the forefront of reducing barriers for those affected by HIV/AIDS since the early years of the epidemic. Founded in 1985, Chicago House was the first HIV housing provider in the Midwest. We now serve more than 2,000 clients annually through expanded programming to holistically support individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Chicago House provides integrated programs inclusive of housing, employment services, medical linkage and retention services, HIV prevention services, trans specific services, and supportive programming to those who are disenfranchised by HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ marginalization, poverty, homelessness, and/or gender nonconformity.

For more information about our services, making a donation, or volunteering visit us online at www.chicagohouse.org; and, https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoHouse1985

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 17 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining well up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, Oriental Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Hamilton in Chicago Welcomes New Angelica Schuyler And Aaron Burr

Tony nominee MONTEGO GLOVER and GREGORY TRECO

join cast of HAMILTON in Chicago

Montego Glover, a Tony nominee for her performance in MEMPHIS, will join the Chicago company of HAMILTON in the role of Angelica Schuyler starting in early September, it is announced by Jeffrey Seller, producer of HAMILTON.  Ms. Glover makes her HAMILTON debut in Chicago, replacing Karen Olivo, who takes her final bow as Angelica on August 6. 



Daniel Breaker has been playing the role of Aaron Burr in Chicago since April 11, 2017; his final performance will be August 20.  Current Broadway company member Gregory Treco will replace Breaker in Chicago on September 8.



Montego Glover was nominated for the Tony Award for her role in the musical MEMPHIS, winning a Drama Desk and OCC Award for her performance. She has appeared on Broadway, as well, in LES MISERABLES, IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU, THE COLOR PURPLE, and won her second Drama Desk for THE ROYALE at Lincoln Center Theater.  Montego’s television credits include “The Following,” “Black Box,” “Hostages,” “Smash,” and “The Good Wife.”

Gregory Treco is an actor, singer and dancer from Nassau, Bahamas. He has appeared on Broadway in TABOO on Broadway. Off-Broadway credits include hit ZANNA DON’T, where he created the role of Zanna, MIRACLE BROTHERS at the Vineyard Theatre (directed by Tina Landau), and the World Premiere of Neil Berg and Robert Schenkkan's THE 12 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Gregory was a finalist on WB's television show “Popstars.” TV credits include a guest-starring role on the CBS sitcom “Whoopi.” He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, music direction/orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.  The musical won eleven 2016 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Score, Book of a Musical, Direction of a Musical, Choreography and Orchestrations.  Mr. Miranda received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for HAMILTON.

HAMILTON is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War, and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now.

The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.

HAMILTON performs on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 W. 46th St.), and in Chicago at The PrivateBank Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.)  The first national touring production of HAMILTON moves to the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles next month.

For information on HAMILTON, visit, www.HamiltonOnBroadway.com, www.Facebook.com/HamiltonMusical,
www.Instagram.com/ and www.Twitter.com/HamiltonMusical.



ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 17 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining well up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including The PrivateBank Theatre, Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.

For more information and performance schedule, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

ADULT NIGHT OUT: Hamilton Lottery for $10 Day of Show Tickets

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

#HAM4HAM LOTTERY FOR

44 DAY-OF-SHOW TICKETS FOR $10 EACH

TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 27

Producer Jeffrey Seller and Broadway In Chicago are pleased to announce the day-of-show digital lottery for HAMILTON, launching in Chicago on September 27, 2016 at The PrivateBank Theatre (18 W. Monroe). The Chicago production will conduct a day-of-show lottery for every performance beginning on Tuesday, September 27. Forty-four day-of-show tickets will be sold for every performance for $10 each. Seat locations vary per performance; some seats will be located in the front row and the boxes.

HOW TO ENTER

Visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com/HamiltonLottery for available lottery performances.

Click the “Enter Now” button for the performance you want to attend.

Fill out the entry form including the number of tickets you would like (1 or 2). Patrons will receive a confirmation email once they have validated their email (one time only) and successfully entered the lottery.

After the lottery closes, patrons will be notified via email within minutes as to whether they have won or not.

Winners have 60 minutes to pay for tickets online via major credit card.

After payment has been received and a confirmation payment email has been received, patrons can pick up tickets at The PrivateBank Theatre Box Office (18 W Monroe) no sooner than 30 minutes before show time with a valid photo ID.

ADDITIONAL RULES

Limit 1 entry per person, per performance. Multiple entries will not be accepted. Patrons must be 18 years old and have a valid, non-expired photo ID that matches the names used to enter. Tickets are non-transferable. All lottery prices include a $3.00 facility fee. Ticket limits and prices displayed are at the sole discretion of the show and are subject to change without notice. Lottery prices are not valid on prior purchases. Lottery ticket offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. All sales final - no refunds or exchanges. Lottery may be revoked or modified at any time without notice. No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning. For more details, please visit BroadwayInChicago.com/HamiltonLotteryFAQ.

ABOUT HAMILTON

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and music supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now. HAMILTON’s creative team previously collaborated on the 2008 Tony Award ® Winning Best Musical IN THE HEIGHTS. HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, and casting by Telsey + Company, Bethany Knox, CSA. The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater. The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording is available everywhere nationwide.  The HAMILTON recording received a 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album. 

For information on HAMILTON, visit www.HamiltonOnBroadway.com,www.Facebook.com/HamiltonMusical,www.Instagram.com/HamiltonMusical and www.Twitter.com/HamiltonMusical.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 16 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining well up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres.  Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including The PrivateBank Theatre, Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. 

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S SEASON OPENER IN THE HEIGHTS BY HAMILTON’S LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA Sept 9th

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

CASTING AND ARTISTIC STAFF ANNOUNCED FOR 

IN THE HEIGHTS 

PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S SEASON OPENER 

BY HAMILTON’S LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA, 

SEPTEMBER 9 – OCTOBER 16 AT STAGE 773

Once Again, Porchlight Introduces Chicago’s New Music Theatre Talent Discoveries Alongside Established Artists in this Latest Creation by 

Multi Award-Winning Director/Choreographer Brenda Didier

Amid all the Hamilton mania, Porchlight Music Theatre is launching a stellar choice for a season opener, the multi-Tony Award-winning In The Heights, with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda! You won't even have to break out a sleeping bag and wait all night in line for tickets. We do suggest you book in advance though. Porchlight is a perennial favorite and shows do sell out.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the cast and artistic staff of Porchlight’s 22^nd season opener, the multi-Tony Award-winning In The Heights, September 9 – October 16, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. Directed and co-choreographed by Brenda Didier, co-choreographed by Chris Carter, music directed by Diana Lawrence and assistant directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Friday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept 11 at 2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. with opening night Tuesday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. 

The regular performance times are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. with an added Thursday matinee, October 6 at 1:30 p.m. There are no 7:30 p.m. performances Thursday, Sept. 15 and Oct. 6 and no 4 p.m. performance Saturday, Sept. 17. Tickets for previews are $38 and for the regular run $43 - $51. Single tickets may be purchased at 773.327.5252 or at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org. 

Subscriptions to the entire Mainstage season or Porchlight’s series, Porchlight Revisits, are currently on sale as well as single tickets for the entire season. Subscriptions are available at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or by calling 773.777.9884. Groups of ten or more may receive discounts on tickets purchased via Group Theater Tix at 312.423.6612 or grouptheatertix.com. 

From the creator of the current Broadway juggernaut Hamilton, and winner of Tony Awards for “Best Musical” and “Best Original Score,” In the Heights tells the universal story of a tight-knit community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood—a place where the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes and dreams, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.

“After an exhaustive audition process seeing hundreds of the Chicago-area’s diverse established and new music theatre talent, and even reaching out to our city’s vast hip-hop dance community, we are excited to introduce the cast of Chicago’s newest production of Lin Manuel Miranda’s revelatory musical,” said Artistic Director Michael Weber. “We have made every effort to present a company that reflects the true spirit of this story of community and family as we build an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience that will place our audiences right in the middle of all the excitement and music found in the barrio of Washington Heights. Featuring a cast of nineteen actors, the largest company in many years here at Porchlight, all but one of our actors is making their Porchlight Mainstage debut with this production.”

The Porchlight Music Theatre In the Heights acting company includes: 

Missy Aguilar as “Daniela;” Stephen Allen as “Benny;” Frankie Leo Bennett as “Sonny,” Leah Davis as “Carla;” Jordan DeBose as “Kevin Rosario;” Jack DeCesare as “Usnavi De La Vega;” Stan DeCwikel, Jr. as “El Piraguero;” Lucia Godinez as “Nina;” Kristopher Knighton as “Graffiti Pete;” Michelle Lauto as “Vanessa;” Isabel Quintero as “Abuela Claudia” and Keely Vasquez as “Camila Rosario” with Anthony Apodaca, Nicole Lambert, Cisco Lopez, Yando Lopez, Elena Romanowski, Travis Austin Wright and Demi Zaino in the ensemble.

The artistic and production staff of In the Heights includes: 

Brenda Didier, direction and co-choreography; Chris Carter, co-choreography; Diana Lawrence, music direction; Gregory Pinsoneault, scenic design; Kate Setzer Kamphausen, costume design; Denise Karczewski, lighting design, Robert Hornbostel, sound design; Mealah Heidenreich, properties design; Adrian Abel Azevedo, assistant direction; William Carlos Angulo, casting consultation; Jessica Forella, stage management and Aaron Shapiro, production management. 

ABOUT LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA, music and lyrics

Lin-Manuel Miranda is an American actor, composer, rapper and writer, best known for creating and starring in the Broadway musicals Hamilton and In the Heights. A MacArthur “Genius” award recipient, Miranda wrote the music and lyrics for the musical In the Heights, which earned him numerous accolades, including the 2008 Tony Award for “Best Original Score” and the 2009 Grammy for “Best Musical Theater Album.”  Miranda's performance in the show's lead role of “Usnavi” also earned him a nomination for the Tony Award for “Best Actor in a Musical” and the show won “Best Musical.” Miranda created the lead role of “Alexander Hamilton” in Hamilton, a musical for which he wrote the book, music and lyrics—and which earned the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2016 Grammy for “Best Musical Theater Album.” Miranda received the 2016 Drama League Distinguished Performance Award for his work in the role. Hamilton was nominated for a record-setting 16 Tony Awards of which it won 11, including “Best Musical.” Miranda also won the Tony Award for “Best Original Score” and “Best Book of a Musical” for Hamilton and earned a nomination for the Tony Award for “Best Actor in a Musical.” Miranda will next star in the Mary Poppins sequel Mary Poppins Returns, directed by Rob Marshall.

ABOUT BRENDA DIDER, director and co- choreographer

Brenda Didier, recently named one of the “major musical theater forces” working in the Chicago area, is a multi-award-winning director/choreographer having received Joseph Jefferson Awards for both direction and choreography, After Dark Awards for choreography, the National Youth Theatre Award for choreography and the 2010 Broadway World Chicago Fan Favorite Award for choreography. Didier has collaborated with Porchlight Music Theatre on eleven productions, including Dreamgirls, Ain't Misbehavin' (Jeff Award Best Production and Direction) and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum as well as How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Pal Joey, Putting It Together, Ragtime and Once on this Island, all of which earned her Jeff nominations. Her additional credits include work with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Second City mainstage and etc., Mercury Theater Chicago, Cirque Shanghai, Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, Bailiwick Chicago, BoHo Theatre, City Lit, Silk Road Rising, House of Blues, Leo Burnett Worldwide and many industrials and special events. Didier is the owner and director of the Lincolnshire Academy of Dance where her students have completed programs with American Ballet Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Boston Ballet, Ballet Austin, The Rock School, River North, Giordano and Hubbard Street summer intensives. She is most proud of her scholarship program, including the Matt Gunnels scholarship, to help struggling families keep their children in dance classes.

ABOUT PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE

Porchlight Music Theatre, now in its 22^nd season, is nationally recognized for reimagining classic musical works, introducing never before seen productions to Chicago, showcasing music theatre’s noted veterans and rising stars and developing innovating programming to celebrate and educate audiences about the music theatre genre. With the vision of Artistic Director Michael Weber, Porchlight builds on its role as Chicago’s only Equity not-for-profit company exclusively specializing in music theatre. Porchlight’s rich history includes the staging of more than 60 productions with 15 Chicago premieres and five world premieres. In addition to acclaimed productions, Porchlight’s special events include Porchlight Revisits, its staged concert series celebrating “lost” musicals, New Faces Sings, hosted by a popular Chicago music theatre personality and featuring a company of Porchlight up-and-coming talent performing music from the Great White Way as well as from the hottest up-and-coming composers and lyricists and the “Off the Porch” new works program where the next generation of musicals are developed and given a first audience. Launched in 2014, The School at Porchlight is Chicago’s new center for music theatre training in the areas of performance, writing and appreciation for both adults and children. Porchlight Music theatre’s many accolades include 11 Black Theatre Alliance nominations and two awards, as well as 114 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations resulting in 35 Jeff Awards including three consecutive Best Production awards for Sondheim on Sondheim (2015), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (2014) and A Class Act (2013) as well as Sondheim on Sondheim being named to the Chicago Tribune’s list of the “Best Theatre of 2015.”

Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the launch of Porchlight’s 22^nd season with the Tony Award-winning In The Heights, September 9 – October 16, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. Directed and choreographed by Brenda Didier, music directed by Diana Lawrence, assistant directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo and assistant choreographed by Chris Carter, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Friday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept 11 at 2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. with opening night Tuesday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. The regular performance times are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. with an added Thursday matinee, October 6 at 1:30 p.m. There are no 7:30 p.m. performances Thursday, Sept. 15 and Oct. 6. and no 4 p.m. performance Saturday, Sept. 17.  Tickets for previews are $38 and for the regular run $43 - $51. Single tickets may be purchased at 773.327.5252 or at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org. Subscriptions to the entire Mainstage season or Porchlight’s series, Porchlight Revisits, are currently on sale as well as single tickets for the entire season.  Subscriptions are available at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or by calling 773.777.9884. Groups of ten or more may receive discounts on tickets purchased via Group Theater Tix at 312.423.6612 or grouptheatertix.com.

Porchlight Music Theatre is partially supported by generous contributions from the Actors’ Equity Foundation, the Arts Work Fund at the Chicago Community Trust, the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at the Prince Foundation, the National Association of Realtors, the Bloomberg Philanthropies, James P. and Brenda S. Grusecki Family Foundation, Cooper’s: A Neighborhood Eatery and The Saints. The season program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency.

Chicago cast of HAMILTON To Include Tony Award-winner KAREN OLIVO, MIGUEL CERVANTES and ALEXANDER GEMIGNANI

Tony Award-winner KAREN OLIVO

MIGUEL CERVANTES

and

ALEXANDER GEMIGNANI

head the Chicago cast of

HAMILTON

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Got your tickets yet? This cast looks amazing!

OLIVO, who electrified audiences with her Tony Award-winning portrayal of Anita in the 2009 Broadway revival of WEST SIDE STORY, returns to the stage as the brilliant and beautiful Angelica Schuyler in the Chicago production of HAMILTON, it has been announced by producer Jeffrey Seller.  Joining Ms. Olivo in Chicago are Broadway veterans MIGUEL CERVANTES as Alexander Hamilton, and ALEXANDER GEMIGNANI as King George III. 

 Tony Award-winner KAREN OLIVO as the brilliant and beautiful Angelica Schuyler

MIGUEL CERVANTES as Alexander Hamilton

 ALEXANDER GEMIGNANI as King George III. 

Mr. Cervantes’ Broadway roles include in the musicals IF/THEN, AMERICAN IDIOT and THE 25^th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE.  Mr. Gemignani starred as Jean Valjean in the 2006 revival of LES MISERABLES, and performed in Stephen Sondheim’s ASSASSINS, SWEENEY TODD and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, all on Broadway. 

Other principal roles in HAMILTON in Chicago will be played by a talented young company comprised of ARI AFSAR as Eliza Hamilton; CHRIS LEE as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson; JOSEPH MORALES as Mr. Cervantes’ alternate; JOSE RAMOS as John Laurens/Phillip Hamilton; WALLACE SMITH as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, and SAMANTHA MARIE WARE as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds. 

Performances begin September 27 at The PrivateBank Theatre in Chicago (18 W. Monroe).  For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, music direction/orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.  The musical won eleven 2016 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Score, Book of a Musical, Direction of a Musical, Choreography and Orchestrations.  Mr. Miranda received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for HAMILTON.

Karen Olivo won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in WEST SIDE STORY, having created the role of Vanessa both on and Off-Broadway in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning Best Musical IN THE HEIGHTS in 2008.  She also appeared on Broadway in RENT and BROOKLYN.  She performed Off-Broadway in Lynn Nottage’s play BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK, had a recurring role in the hit television series THE GOOD WIFE, and was a series regular on HARRY’S LAW. 

Miguel Cervantes previously performed on Broadway in IF/THEN, AMERICAN IDIOT and THE 25^th ANNUAL PUTNAM SPELLING BEE, and Off-Broadway in HAPPINESS at Lincoln Center and as Angel in GIANT at the Public Theatre.  He has also been seen on Television in:  MADAM SECRETARY, PERSON OF INTEREST, ROYAL PAINS & THE BLACK LIST.  He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College.

(In preparation for his Chicago debut as Alexander Hamilton, Mr. Cervantes will play the role on Broadway on July 13 matinee, July 18 and July 25.) 

Alexander Gemignani’s Broadway credits: VIOLET, CHICAGO, LES MISERABLES, SWEENEY TODD, ASSASSINS, THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE.  Off-Broadway:  ROAD SHOW, 1776 and AVENUE Q.  Concerts: The N.Y. Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall, The N.Y. Pops at Carnegie Hall, and The L.A. Philharmonic at The Hollywood Bowl and the American Songbook Series at Lincoln Center.  Mr. Gemignani is a graduate of the University of Michigan.  

Ari Afsar is a former AMERICAN IDOL 8 contestant, and placed in the top 10 finalists as Miss California in the 2010 Miss America Pageant.  A native of San Diego, she attended UCLA. 

Chris Lee has performed in regional theatre productions of TARZAN, THE WIZ and IN THE HEIGHTS. 

Joseph Morales appeared in the national touring productions of IN THE HEIGHTS (in the leading role of Usnavi), IF/THEN and BOMBAY DREAMS.  He performed in the original Los Angeles cast of ROCK OF AGES. 

Jose Ramos is a songwriter/singer.  HAMILTON marks his professional stage debut.  In New York he performed in BROADWAY’S RISING STARS at Town Hall, and in THE TRAVELS at the New York Musical Theatre Festival. 

Wallace Smith made his Broadway debut as Simba in THE LION KING, followed by the revival of RAGTIME, AMERICAN IDIOT, GODSPELL and ROCKY: THE MUSICAL.  He recently completed a year’s run on Broadway as Enjoras in LES MISERABLES. 

Samantha Marie Ware portrayed Nabulungi on Broadway and in the national tour of THE BOOK OF MORMON.  She had a recurring role as the smart and sassy Jane Hayward in the 6th season of GLEE.

HAMILTON is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War, and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now.

The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.

The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording – recipient of the 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album and a regular on numerous Billboard top 10 lists – is available everywhere nationwide.

HAMILTON: The Revolution, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter’s book about the making of the musical, is on sale and has been a selection on The New York Times Best Seller List. 

The musical celebrates its 1^st anniversary on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on August 6.  A touring production begins a 21-week run in San Francisco in March 2017, followed by a 21-week engagement in Los Angeles.  A London production will be mounted, also in 2017.   For further information about the Chicago production which begins September 27 at The PrivateBank Theatre, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Get Social:

For information on HAMILTON, visit www.HamiltonOnBroadway.com, www.Facebook.com/HamiltonMusical, www.Instagram.com/HamiltonMusical and www.Twitter.com/HamiltonMusical.  

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 16 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining well up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres.  Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including its newly named The PrivateBank Theatre, the Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

HAMILTON Tickets On Sale To The Public Tuesday, June 21

ADULT NIGHT OUT:

HAMILTON

PUBLIC ON SALE TUESDAY, JUNE 21

 PERFORMANCES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 27 AT

THE PRIVATEBANK THEATRE

Hamiltonmania has hit the nation and it's coming to Chicago! They even have a baby camel namesake "Alexander Camelton" at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo! The buzz is real people, and tickets to this Broadway show are beyond HOT. Mark your calendars and get your legit tickets directly from the box office as soon as humanly possible. This award winning show's gotten rave reviews and is sure to sell out fast. 

Producer Jeffrey Seller and Broadway In Chicago today announced that single tickets for HAMILTON will go on-sale to the public on Tuesday, June 21^st. Tickets will be available for performances September 27, 2016 through March 19, 2017.   

On Tuesday, June 21 at 10:00 a.m. tickets will be available at The PrivateBank Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) Box Office, the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line (800-775-2000) and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. 

There is a maximum purchase limit of 6 tickets per household.  Tickets range from $65 - $180 for regular performances with select number of premium seats available for all performances and some increased pricing during the holidays. There will be a day of show drawing for forty-four (44) $10 seats for all performances in the first two rows and boxes of the theater (a few exceptions apply). 

Jeffrey Seller notes, “It's tempting to get tickets any way you can. There are many sites and people that are selling overpriced, and in some cases, fraudulent tickets. For the best seats, the best prices and to eliminate the risk of counterfeit tickets, all purchases should be made through authorized Broadway In Chicago outlets.” 

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical direction and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now.  

HAMILTON’s creative team previously collaborated on the 2008 Tony Award ® Winning Best Musical IN THE HEIGHTS.

HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, and casting by Telsey + Company, Bethany Knox, CSA.

The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.

The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording is available everywhere nationwide.  The HAMILTON recording received a 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album. 

Get Social: 

For information on HAMILTON, visit www.HamiltonOnBroadway.com, www.Facebook.com/HamiltonMusical, www.Instagram.com/HamiltonMusical and www.Twitter.com/HamiltonMusical.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 16 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining well up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres.  Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including its newly named The PrivateBank Theatre, the Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.