Since making its Broadway debut nearly nine years ago, Hamilton has gone on to become a phenomenon in the United States and beyond thanks to its innovative treatment of its historical source material.
Based on a biographical book by Ron Chernow and featuring music and lyrics by songwriter, singer, and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, it uses a whopping 20,520 words, an energetic fusion of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and Broadway influences, and a diverse cast to bring the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton's rise and fall to the stage.
Aside from picking up a number of accolades, including 11 Tony Awards, a Grammy Award, and a Pulitzer Prize, the musical's original Broadway production has also received attention for its captivating versions of historical figures — Miranda's Alexander Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr.'s Aaron Burr, Phillipa Soo's Eliza Hamilton, and Daveed Diggs' Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, just to name a few.
Beyond its run on Broadway, Hamilton has travelled to London's West End, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand with different ensembles, with each presenting its interpretations of the story and roles it had inherited.
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In Hamilton's ongoing international tour, which will arrive in Singapore on 19 April after residencies in Manila and Abu Dhabi, the batons of its titular character and his political rival, Aaron Burr, to life lie in the hands of stage actors Jason Arrow and DeAundre’ Woods.
Born in Durban and raised in Perth, Arrow first played the musical's lead role during its Australia and New Zealand tour in 2021. His performance earned him a Best Performance In A Leading Role In A Musical nod at the 2021 Sydney Theatre Awards.
A native of Louisiana, Woods played Alexander Hamilton in the Hamilton's And Peggy tour before being cast as Aaron Burr in its international tour. He also performed alongside Miranda during the musical's visit to Puerto Rico.
Ahead of Hamilton's Singapore debut, Arrow and Woods spoke to Bandwagon about their first encounters with the musical, how they prepared for their respective roles, and how they relate to Hamilton's story.
Hi, Jason and DeAundre’! Tell us about your very first encounter with the musical Hamilton. Were there any musical numbers that you were particularly drawn to?
JASON: I first heard Hamilton in 2015 during my second year at WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts), an arts academy in Australia, and I was really intrigued by the sound of the show. It sounded like nothing I had ever heard before! 'My Shot' drew me in the most!
DEAUNDRE': Hi! I first discovered the musical as a junior in college when I listened to the soundtrack in my dorm room. I was immediately blown away by the story, language, and rhythmic take on American history, a subject I considered boring in elementary school. This sparked a new interest in history for me, especially the history of my people. Right off the bat, 'Room Where It Happens' was my favorite and still is. I also love 'My Shot', 'Dear Theodosia', [and] 'Your Obedient Servant'. It’s impossible to choose one!
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What were your first reactions to finding out that you had landed the roles of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr?
JASON: I found out during lockdown in Melbourne and remembered thinking it was the most surreal experience of my life, having to stay indoors but having this news that’s worthy of yelling from the rooftops was very conflicting, to say the least, but wow was it life-changing.
DEAUNDRE': The story behind receiving the offer to play Aaron Burr is crippling. I was playing A. Ham in Toronto, Ontario, during the month of February when one morning I received an email from my agent, with the subject saying "Offer: HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL TOUR". I’ve never gotten out of bed faster.
When I opened the email and saw it was for the role of Aaron Burr, I immediately messaged my agent back saying “Is this a mistake?” Because I was playing the role of Hamilton at the time and there was no way this could be reality. Well, it was and I lost my marbles. I FaceTimed my mom immediately to tell her the news. We prayed, cried, and laughed together for 15 minutes straight.
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The characters that you portray have been famously played by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr. While preparing for your roles, how did you ensure that your versions of Hamilton and Burr would be original but also faithful to the story of Hamilton?
JASON: I honestly just find a balance between what we’ve seen before and what I can add to that. So I personally try and a more emotional and empathetic side to Hamilton, as much as I can, to try and win the audience over as early as possible. Then break hearts in the second act!
I personally try and a more emotional and empathetic side to Hamilton, as much as I can, to try and win the audience over as early as possible. Then break hearts in the second act!
DEAUNDRE': First off, Leslie Odom Jr. is my idol. Listening to his voice on the soundtrack for the first time was the sole reason I fell in love with this show. I felt as though I could see myself (even though I had yet to see the musical in person) playing that role someday. The future spoke to me in that moment. So to be playing the role today all the way over here in Asia is quite bizarre, considering that day back in my dorm room when I fell in love with the show and this role, specifically.
I’ve been lucky enough to see so many brilliant artists step into this role throughout my time with the show, so I’m not really sure I can claim to be solely responsible for my portrayal of Aaron Burr. There’s so many great people tied into the flesh and storytelling of this wonderfully written character that it feels like we’ve built it together, passing the baton from one to the other. And graciously enough, the baton is in my hand right now. But if anything, I would say you’ve never seen a more charming, swaggier Burr :)) LOL.
Credit: Daniel Boud
What’s your process of getting into the headspaces of complex characters like? Did you come across any obstacles while getting ready to play Hamilton and Burr?
JASON: I don’t really do anything to get in the zone for the show, I kind of let how I’m feeling that day dictate how Hamilton would operate on the same day. Then just stick within the guidelines of the show. The only real obstacle I felt was the amount of material I had to remember — that really was a challenge to wrap my head around.
DEAUNDRE': Absolutely! These roles take you through the entire bandwidth of emotions compiled in the human experience. And not only that, but there are so many words! For me, Burr requires I be a hermit. I grew up a singer, so vocally the show comes naturally in that way, but as an actor, it is extremely intricate.
Burr was an orphan, and for me, having grown up in a healthy, beautiful home with both of my parents, I find it very challenging to deal with that aspect of the character. That upbringing, the isolation, and trauma that may cause one are what I try to observe throughout life in hopes that I may bring it to the light truthfully. Because I do believe that no matter how old we get, there will always be that child within so we must protect it.
These roles take you through the entire bandwidth of emotions compiled in the human experience.
Credit: Joan Marcus
From the perspective of individuals on stage, what is it like to be able to tell a story through a variety of musical styles, including hip-hop, R&B, and traditional Broadway?
JASON: This is what makes Hamilton so appealing to actors! It has a constantly shifting landscape of music bubbling underneath it at ALL TIMES! This landscape is something you never get in other shows and that’s why I’m so attracted to it as an actor!
DEAUNDRE': It is revolutionary! When talking about hip-hop, we’re standing on the backs of legends who paved the way over 50 years ago. To combine all of these creative forces is genius. This is not the first time Lin has pulled this off though — he is also responsible for the smash-hit Broadway musical In The Heights, which also draws upon the culture of hip-hop music to talk story. It’s the best of things intertwined. An amalgamation of culture. Music, story, love, and life... it doesn’t get any better.
When talking about hip-hop, we’re standing on the backs of legends who paved the way over 50 years ago. To combine all of these creative forces is genius.
Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton (Credit: Sam Bisso)
Hamilton is a production about American history, specifically the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. Jason, as a South Africa-born Australian performer, how do you relate to the musical’s story?
JASON: Well I myself am an immigrant to Australia, so I resonate with it on a very personal level, especially [how] the journey my parents have taken in their lives in Australia helped me set a solid practical foundation for the character from a lived experience perspective. I know, have lived, and have seen what it’s like to come up from nothing.
I know, have lived, and have seen what it’s like to come up from nothing.
Aaron Burr actor DeAundre' Woods
DeAundre’, as an individual who grew up in the United States, did you make any discoveries about your country’s history while working on Hamilton?
DEAUNDRE': So many! I am now a huge advocate of knowing where you come from. That is the only way to get where you’re going. The reason this story is so amazing is because it is so relevant. Democracies across the world are facing heat and within this story, we can learn so much about how to treat each other and how to work together. That’s really what it all comes down to — how we treat each other. Only if we listen can we learn! “Talk less, smile more.” - A. Burr
Hamilton will premiere in Singapore on 19 April and run until 26 May. Limited tickets are available via SISTIC and Marina Bay Sands Ticketing.
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