Earlier this week, Brandon Victor Dixon took on the iconic role of Aaron Burr in Broadway's Hamilton, stepping in for Tony Award winner Leslie Odom Jr. who departed the show in July. In today's New York Post, the SHUFFLE ALONG star reveals that he turned down the role three times, before finally saying yes to Hamilton director Tommy Kail.
He explains, "I hadn't started "Shuffle" yet, and ["Hamilton" director] Tommy Kail said something like, "When are we gonna get you up here?" I said, "Hey, man, I think you guys are good to go." Last winter, they called me again. Then, they called the day before I got my closing notice for "Shuffle" - maybe they knew before I did, because both shows have the same casting director. I told them no, then I got my notice and called them back. Tommy said, "I told you I was gonna get what I wanted!"
He continues, "I almost never consider the prospect of taking over a role, but once I embraced the thought, I became excited. In fact, as we negotiated our contract, there was one point of contention. When I didn't hear back from them I got worried. I said [to myself], "Look at you - you went from saying no to worrying about losing this. You must be in the right place."
The talented actor also recalls the night of his debut in the hip hop musical, and shares a special Hamilton ritual which takes place each night before the curtain goes up. "Before the show, a number of cast members gather and say an energy prayer. [Tuesday] night they made a circle around me and put their hands on me and blessed my first show, which was lovely. I believe there's a weekly "shot" night. Not sure what that is. We'll see!"
Earlier this week, Brandon Victor Dixon took on the iconic role of Aaron Burr in Broadway's Hamilton, stepping in for Tony Award winner Leslie Odom Jr. who departed the show in July. In today's New York Post, the SHUFFLE ALONG star reveals that he turned down the role three times, before finally saying yes to Hamilton director Tommy Kail.
