At long last, as reported by The Chicago Tribune, the Chicago production of the Broadway smash Hamilton finally has its cast. The principle company includes Broadway veteran Wallace Smith and “Glee’s” Samantha Marie Ware.
Wallace Smith will portray the dual roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison. Select Broadway credits include Les Misérables, Godspell, and American Idiot. Last month, he wrapped production on BET’s upcoming New Edition biopic.
In addition, Samantha Marie Ware will play Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds. Ware gained recognition for her guest recurring role as Jane Hayward in the final season of “Glee.” Her theatrical credits include Nala in The Lion King and Nabalungi in The Book of Mormon, for which she received a Helen Hayes award.
The rest of the principle company:
Miguel Cervantes (Alexander Hamilton), Ari Afsar (Eliza Hamilton), Alexander Gemignani (King George III), Chris Lee (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson), Joseph Morales (Alternate Hamilton), Jose Ramos (John Laurens/Phillip Hamilton). This production marks Tony Award winner Karen Olivo’s return to the stage as Angelica Schuyler after a two-year hiatus to teach in Wisconsin.
No word yet on casting for Aaron Burr or the ensemble. Is it too late to call up Leslie Odom, Jr.? Would he have a little bit of energy left in him to play Burr once more? Perhaps Daveed Diggs, who’s just announced his departure date, would like a promotion? Bueller?
Fortunately, we have a stellar cast to look forward to. But I’m sure by now most New York theatregoers already flocked to Chicago to compete with the locals for tickets.
Performances begin September 27 at the PrivateBank Theatre.
