Hamilton is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation, comes to 2 locations in South Florida. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County presents it now through March 24 and then it will be at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in Palm Beach County from April 10 to 21.
The Hamilton US tour features Miami native and University of Miami graduate, Q. Robinson (drummer); and Emmanuel Schvartzman (music director) who grew up in Miami and was born in Argentina. Florida-born cast members include Blaine Alden Krauss (Alexander Hamilton) from Tampa Bay; Eddie Ortega (Mulligan/Madsion) and Tristan Hill (Ensemble) from Orlando; and Devin Tyler Hatch (Swing, Dance Captain) from St. Petersburg.
Hamilton features book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Cuban-American composer and Miami native, Alex Lacamoire. It also 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.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Blaine Alden Krauss, who plays Hamilton, for this exclusive Hotspots interview.
At what age did you begin performing?
I think I was singing as I came out of the womb, so there was no real start time. I always knew I wanted to communicate in front of large groups of people. Before I could speak, I was chanting gibberish as a baby to other kids. Later, I went to performing arts schools, so it’s been a lifetime affair.
What was your first professional gig and how much did you get paid?
My Aunt and mom would always ask me to sing for family and friends and I would always put my hand out and if they didn’t have a dollar I wouldn’t sing. My first professional gig was at Summer Stock. My first big gig was out of college when I did the tour of “The Lion King.”
When did you know performing would be your career?
I think when you are an artist, it’s a tough life, but for me performing is in my DNA, so there was never a time where I said this is what I am going to do for money. It’s the only thing I could do. If you do what you love, the money will follow.
Other than this one, what has been your favorite role so far?
I have had a really great career so far and had the opportunity to participate in some of the biggest shows. Every time I think I have a favorite, the next show comes along and is challenging and thrilling and just what I need at that moment so it becomes my favorite.
What’s your fantasy role (a role you haven’t played but would die to play)?
It hasn’t been written yet. My dream is to create a new role and build a character from the ground up…that is my next goal! I am biracial and proudly queer, so I hope the role tapes into those identities.
Since you just told me you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, are you single or taken?
I am single!
So, what is the perfect guy for you?
The perfect guy is impossible, there will never be one. So, if there is a guy that’s waiting for me, please release the pressure as I don’t expect perfection. I want someone whose light is very bright, and they can hold their own. Adventurous would be great and someone who appreciates creativity and the arts as my lifestyle and schedule is a bit of a challenge.
Is it intimidating or is there extra pressure being in such an iconic show and playing Hamilton?
Yeah, for sure on a couple levels. The role is so iconic and synonymous with Lin Manuel Miranda. It’s incredibly personal to him and it’s his. Also, everyone has seen it on TV, and of course the original cast was so good. I hope I am giving true diligence and true homage to who Hamilton was.
Is it hard being on the road all the time?
It can be a challenge, but it’s also a blessing. The grass can always be greener, but I love what I do. I don’t get to see my loved ones a lot and I don’t get weekends and holidays off, but I get to travel the country, eat amazing food, and see different cultures. At the end of the day, I am doing what I love and living my passion. There is no greater gift.
How well do you and your castmates get along?
We get along very well. It takes a community to do what we do. We do have a great time hanging with each other.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, curious, and empathetic.
What do you do for fun?
I play Switch, and I am a big political news junkie. I find joy in politics and keeping up with the day-to-day rumblings. I love spending time with my dog. I also write my own music. In addition, I am a secret WWE fan. I also love to eat!
What should our readers expect from this touring company of, “Hamilton”?
I think they should expect to see the same quality the show had when the show opened, and what they saw on the Disney plus version. They can also expect to see a lot of joy and love on stage. You can see it when we are performing. The talent is unbelievable, so buckle up.
Tickets to Hamilton at the Arsht Center are $39-$229 and may be purchased online at arshtcenter.org or at the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling (305) 949-6722. Tickets for the Palm Beach engagement at the Kravis Center are priced from $49 to $159 with a select number of premium seats available from $149 to $199 and can be bought at kravis.org, or in person at the Box Office or by calling 561.832.7469.
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For more information on Blaine Alden Krauss, go to Instagram.com/Blainekr
For information on Hamilton, visit: HamiltonMusical.com.
