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Darnell Abraham says 'Hamilton' is celebrating history for what it is
"It's not changing history but celebrating history for what it is."
This was how African-American actor Darnell Abraham described the diversities in cultures, races and nationalities among actors in "Hamilton's" first ever international tour that will premiere at The Theatre in Solaire starting Thursday, September 21.
Abraham is playing General George Washington for the second time, having played in the US national tour the character who would become the first President of the United States.
"This is a story about humanity. We all know George Washington is not a black man but I think the beauty of this [concept] is a spiritual one," he said during the media conference on Wednesday.
As we all know, our very own Rachelle Ann Go is a Filipino based in the United Kingdom with her husband. She has played Eliza Schuyler, wife of Alexander Hamilton in the West End production at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London.
Jason Arrow, who is playing the titular character Alexander Hamilton and Akina Edmonds, who is playing Eliza's sister Angelica Schuyler, are Australians. David Park, who plays Marquis De Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, is of Korean descent. And so on.
"We cannot ignore historical facts but do we want to erase history? Some people won't get it, some people will get it... As for the haters, they are missing the point. For those with negative opinions about the artistic direction I encourage you to come and see the show," Abraham said.
"It's so easy to just close your doors and say no. It's great courage to have a conversation. So, this is an invitation to my brothers and sisters out there," he added.
"We are acknowledging the good in our heroes. So let us sit down and talk about these issues. The table is big enough. We are inspired by the resilience. We have a common history to share, common goals, common story. It's not categorical but literal. And it's just a beautiful thing. We hope to inspire a new [generation] on tearing down the walls and form our foundations," Abraham said.
Among Abraham's theatrical experiences were playing Adam in "The Color Purple" for its US National Tour, Coalhouse in "Ragtime" for the Barrington Stage Company, Jake in "Side Show" for the Media Theater and Nkawa in "Festival of the Lion King" for The Walt Disney Company.
He has been elevated to the Hall of Fame for being given many times with Berkshire Theatre Critics' Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical at the City of Bakersfield School District.
Abraham had a taste of Filipino diversity, or at least, talent in singing outside of his experiences with professional Filipino actors.
During break in rehearsals the past few days, Abraham said he and his wife had visited the nearby mall and he was surprised someone was singing. He didn't specify what song or who was the singer but he might chance upon one of the malls shows and he sounded very much impressed of what he heard.
"Filipinos will love 'Hamilton' because you are music lovers," he said.
Michael Cassel, producer and CEO of Michael Cassel Group, earlier said one of the reasons why they chose Manila as the first stop of the international tour is because of "amazing audiences who embraced musicals."
"It's a beautiful country. It's a natural choice to have the Philippines as our first stop and working with GMG Productions has been wonderful," he said.
GMG Productions is the local partner of Michael Cassel Group.
Cassel added when Lin-Manuel Miranda, genius creator of "Hamilton," announced a few months ago of the Philippine stop, "You can [almost] hear the screams in the entire country."
It can be remembered sometime in April this year, the website of Ticketworld, where "Hamilton" tickets can be availed, crashed when the pre-selling was announced.
"Hamilton" at The Theatre at Solaire runs until November 26 without extensions.
It will then make its Middle East premiere at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in January, 2024. It was announced earlier that more seats have been added. Tickets to the Manila and Abu Dhabi seasons are available at hamiltonmusical.com/international-tour.
—MGP, GMA Integrated News
