Since beginning performances almost a year ago to the day (July 13, 2016) Hamilton has hit one milestone after another.
On July 9, the Tony-winning tour de force said goodbye to four cast members; creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda (Alexander Hamilton), Leslie Odom, Jr. (Aaron Burr), Phillipa Soo (Eliza Hamilton) and Ariana DeBose (Ensemble) played their final performance at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
The energy vibrated through the theatre, which included such attendees as Secretary of State John Kerry, Rosie O’Donnell, Jane Fonda, Jennifer Lopez, Spike Lee, Mariska Hargitay, Charlie Rose and Marla Maples.
Rory O’Malley, who plays King George and enjoys the most time in the wings, tweeted intermittently throughout the performances:
Audience cheered for 25 seconds for @Lin_Manuel's first entrance. I counted. #Hamilton #Happytrails
— Rory O'Malley (@RoryOMalley) July 10, 2016
The entire audience sang the Da Da Das with me in "You'll Be Back!" One of the best moments I've ever had on stage! #Hamilton #happytrails
— Rory O'Malley (@RoryOMalley) July 10, 2016
Just watched @leslieodomjr's final IN THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENS from wings. Pure brilliance. Audience went NUTZ! #Hamilton #happytrails
— Rory O'Malley (@RoryOMalley) July 10, 2016
The performance ran well over its usual running time; the curtain call—livestreamed on the show’s official Facebook page—did not air until 11 PM. But audiences interrupted the show as the evening went on with lengthier-than-usual applause and a standing ovation upon Miranda’s first entrance.
When the lights rose for the curtain call, it showed a packed house on its feet. After the usual bows, DeBose, Soo, Odom and Miranda took another bow as a departing quartet before the orchestra (led by Alex Lacamoire) played them off to the West Wing theme song. (Miranda has long been a fan of the television show by Aaron Sorkin.)
Members of the cast previously spoofed an episode of the show while visiting The White House.
Hamilton is off July 10, but will begin its week July 11 with its new cast of actors.
If it weren’t official enough, Miranda said goodbye to Hamilton with a celebratory shearing:
Teach 'em how to say goodbye... pic.twitter.com/dJ49jUYHlh
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) July 10, 2016
In the meantime, Miranda can walk away (for now) with his two Tonys in tow. After all, they arrived engraved with his name just in time for his departure.
These got in from the engraver JUST IN TIME pic.twitter.com/eUuFToXqMo
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) July 9, 2016
