James Monroe Iglehart to join Broadway cast of HAMILTON

[thirtythirtyninety]

wondering if this means Seth will stay in the role until he takes over in April?

[LesWickedly]

thirtythirtyninety said: "wondering if this means Seth will stay in the role until he takes over in April?

 

"

I hope not.

[BroadwayMomma]

I have tickets to see JMI in concert on 2/3/17 in Walnut Creek, CA.  Do you think he'll sing anything from Hamilton?  

[LizzieCurry]

He may not be contractually allowed to -- but for your sake I hope he does!

[Call_me_jorge]

With the casting of JMI, it has me wondering who Lin has in mind for the London production. I wonder how Trevor likes it over there... https://youtu.be/thuCyj6syNQ

[everythingtaboo]

I guess it's just me, but anyone else concerned that Hamilton is starting to use bigger name stars, at least relative to the casts when he started? First Wayne Brady and Taran Killam, now a Tony winner in Iglehart, who has a signature role and a Tony on his resume already?

[LesWickedly]

everythingtaboo said: "I guess it's just me, but anyone else concerned that Hamilton is starting to use bigger name stars, at least relative to the casts when he started? First Wayne Brady and Taran Killam, now a Tony winner in Iglehart, who has a signature role and a Tony on his resume already?

 

"

I wouldn't call James stunt casting in any way, but I think it's not Hamilton wanting celebrities, but celebrities wanting to be in Hamilton. 

[BroadwayMan5]

I don't think I'll spring for another ticket to Hamilton but I would LOVE to see his "What'd I Miss?"... that will be quite a show.

Also, kudos to JMI for such a GREAT run in Aladdin. It's impressive how long that original cast has stayed together. He clearly loved what he was doing in that role and played it so well

[VintageSnarker]

everythingtaboo said: "I guess it's just me, but anyone else concerned that Hamilton is starting to use bigger name stars, at least relative to the casts when he started? First Wayne Brady and Taran Killam, now a Tony winner in Iglehart, who has a signature role and a Tony on his resume already?

I don't understand. What is there to be concerned about?

[gypsy101]

VintageSnarker said: "I don't understand. What is there to be concerned about?"

maybe they're implying celebrity = bad?

this casting seems out of left field but inspired to me. i hadn't realized he had been a part of the early Hamilton.

what with all this "stunt" casting going on can we get Cynthia in there?? (or maybe they're saving her for the London production)

[Alexander Lamar]

Wayne Brady's star doesn't shine that brightly, and I have no idea who Taran is. Is JMI known outside of Broadway?

In any case, I'm not really sure that it matters since the show is sold out through the likely length of these folks' contracts. 

[TenuousBond]

LesWickedly said: "thirtythirtyninety said: "wondering if this means Seth will stay in the role until he takes over in April?

 

"

I hope not.

 

"

I've been hearing this sentiment before.  Is he bad?  I've also heard some mixed reviews on Brandon Victor Dixon.

[Montie329]

Does anyone know when James last day in Aladdin will be?

[Montie329]

Just saw an article saying that the current standby for Aladdin's Genie, Major Attaway, will take over the role beginning Tuesday, Feb. 21, so sounds like JMI might be there until Feb. 19.

[LizzieCurry]

Here's a source if anyone wants it:

http://www.broadway.com/buzz/187313/major-attaway-is-aladdins-new-genie-james-monroe-iglehart-sets-date-for-final-performance-on-broadway/

[nightnic001]

Brandon is a much different Burr, but I still really enjoyed him. He plays Burr much more vulnerable, and you sympathize with his Burr more than others.  

[MyLife]

I also find he plays Burr with much more humor, especially in Act 1, which took me a bit to get used to but does work really well.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Brandon is a much more human and relatable Burr, versus Leslie's somewhat cold, cunning, and brooding Burr. They're both sensational takes on a truly layered character. Both provide intense emotional payoffs by the end of the show.

[neonlightsxo]

"Is JMI known outside of Broadway?"

No.

[MyFavoriteBrunette]

I was really surprised learning of this casting, even though I read a while ago that JMI is part of Freestyle Love Supreme so I'd guess anyone in theater connected to Lin would open doors to Hamilton.   I saw Aladdin twice because of him and although English is not my mother's first language, it didn't stop her from truly loving his performance.   When you get the gags and ad libs, it just enhances his performance and charisma.  I'd love to see him in this role, imagining him coming down the stairs in that purple suit for "What'd I Miss", or maybe he can pop up from the floor a la Genie style!   Will need to break the bank again to see him.