Broadway to Trump: Sit Down, Don
By: Ashlee Latimer Nov. 19, 2016
As reported by BroadwayWorld, last night Vice President-Elect Mike Pence attended a performance of Hamilton on Broadway, where he was met with disdain from audience members. Following the curtain call, the cast of the production addressed Pence directly via a speech made by cast member Brandon Victor Dixon. Despite the fact that the speech was a call for unity and representation, Donald Trump has condemned the cast on Twitter, accusing them of "harassing" Pence, and demanding an apology. In reaction, Trump supporters started the hashtag #BoycottHamilton, clearly unaware that the production is already sold out through 2017.
In a show of solidarity and support for their fellow artists, however, Broadway took to Twitter to express gratitude to the Hamilton cast and plea anew with Trump to respond to the rise in hate crimes since his election, the truth behind his settlement deal for defrauding thousands of Trump University students, and his plans to appoint known white nationalists-including Jeff Sessions, who, during the 1980s, was deemed too racist to be a federal judge-to his future cabinet.
Below, we've collected some of the top tweets from the Broadway community on this event:
Since we're demanding apologies.Ahem.FRAUD, INVITING RUSSIA INTO OUR ELECTION, BRAGGING ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT, APPOINTING A WHITE NATIONALIST https://t.co/24C674yUP4
- Laura Benanti (@LauraBenanti) November 19, 2016
Theatre artists have the power and responsibility to affect change. We stand with you, @hamiltonmusical company. pic.twitter.com/xoMhJ4rWPV
- The Ensemblist (@TheEnsemblist) November 19, 2016
@realDonaldTrump conversation is not harassment sir. And I appreciate @mike_pence for stopping to listen.
- Brandon Victor Dixon (@BrandonVDixon) November 19, 2016
.@realDonaldTrump tell me what part of this is "rude." You're on trial for sexual assault. You don't get to use the word "harassment." pic.twitter.com/YLfL3dLcvc
- Alex Boniello (@AlexBoniello) November 19, 2016
Denouncing art as harassment. But not denouncing harassment as harassment? Got it. Cool, bro.
- Alex Brightman (@ABrightMonster) November 19, 2016
It's ok Donald it's just "Theatre Talk". Sorta like "locker room talk" except in that it was completely thought out & respectful. https://t.co/aGtEbgc1vo
- Colin Donnell (@colindonnell) November 19, 2016
#BoycottHamilton?? Uhh... maybe in 2018 cause... BABY WE ARE SOLD OUT! Who knew a message of inclusion could be so disturbing to people.
- Nicholas Christopher (@Nic_NAC16) November 19, 2016
Just LISTEN to the words! Ain't nothing but Citizens appealing to their future VPOTUS! WITH RESPECT and CLARITY! #AMENandAMEN https://t.co/J6UhrwW1FP
- Christopher Jackson (@ChrisisSingin) November 19, 2016
When our next president is a man who'd rather have a feud with the cast of a Broadway musical than with David Duke, we must sing out, Louise
- Benj Pasek (@benjpasek) November 19, 2016
The Theater IS a "Safe and Special Place". And we stand on that stage rapping HONOR, and TOLERANCE and RESPECT. And ABOVE ALL ELSE, LOVE.
- Christopher Jackson (@ChrisisSingin) November 19, 2016
Someone needs to tell Donald that theater has *never* been a "safe" space, not from the Greek tragedies to my audition for Carnegie Mellon.
- Tim Federle (@TimFederle) November 19, 2016
You don't know the first thing about what Theatre is or means. The actions of @HamiltonMusical have left our community BEAMING WITH PRIDE!! https://t.co/yze14drc2h
- Ben Platt (@BenSPLATT) November 19, 2016
Expressing their right in the most respectful way. @realDonaldTrump You chose anger, not listening. That's exactly what we are scared of. https://t.co/rhbAgaYSig
- Kara Lindsay (@KaraLindsay1) November 19, 2016
Hillary was boo'd at @HamiltonMusical during primaries, Lincoln was killed at the theater, Pence was asked to be fair. I say he got off easy pic.twitter.com/DyRDpfTp7O
- Daveed Diggs (@DaveedDiggs) November 19, 2016You can "boycott" the theatre, but we will continue to invite you to hear our stories and be inspired.
- Phillipa Soo (@Phillipasoo) November 19, 2016Bravo to @Lin_Manuel @HamiltonMusical @BrandonVDixon. There are important things that need to be said and heard. Speak. Listen, Participate.
- Alan Menken (@AIMenken) November 19, 2016
Photo Credit: The Ensemblist Podcast
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