Info

The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast

In this podcast about all things Hamilton, host Gillian Pensavalle speaks with guests, and sometimes co-host/all time husband Michael Paul Smith, about the innerworkings of the show, how it came together, what it takes to put on all around the world, finding Hamilton references in everyday life, and much more. The Hamilcast has played host to every member of the original creative team, aka "The Cabinet", including repeat visits from Hamilton creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Hamilcast features interviews with cast members from every Hamilton tour, Broadway, and UK company--crew members, musicians, creatives, and the hard working people behind-the-scenes that keep the production alive. Plus: historians, super fans, celebrity Hamilton enthusiasts, and group cast recordings! When I started this podcast in January of 2016, I could not have imagined the incredible community that has grown around the show and the amazing experiences that have come my way. Thank you to everyone who has listened, appeared on the show, contributed, or reached out in any way. This podcast is for you and I absolutely love making it. If you have any great Ham stories or funny references that you've come across, let me know! Email TheHamilcast [at] gmail [dot] com, or contact me on social media @TheHamilcast. I also have a Patreon that has given rise to the loveliest corner of the internet, ever. You can learn more about how to be a part of that lovely corner, and how to submit questions to guests, and to be part of my monthly AMA's at https://www.patreon.com/TheHamilcast
RSS Feed Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
2024
March
February
January


2023
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2022
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


All Episodes
Archives
Now displaying: Page 1
Mar 18, 2024

Jarrod Spector (King George III in Hamilton Broadway) is back for round two. In this episode, Jarrod talks about heading to New York City to study at the Atlantic Theater Company and starting his Broadway career. After being fired from Jersey Boys before he even started, Jarrod went on to play a record-breaking 1500 performances at Frankie Valli. We also talk Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The Cher Show, and collaborating with his fantastic wife Kelli Barrett. Jarrod also discusses landing KGIII in Hamilton, explains why the role is like "starting on third base", and reflects on his long history of playing real people. Plus, he takes questions from the Patreon Peeps and talks about what's inspiring him.

Fosse/Verdon

A Killer Party

Jarrod on Instagram

Full Circle Artists

///

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Mar 11, 2024

Jarrod Spector, Hamilton Broadway’s current King George III, is on the podcast! This week, Jarrod talks about growing up in Philadelphia where he started performing on the Al Alberts Showcase at barely three years old. From there, he did his Bobby Darin act on Star Search for a while, humbly passed on The Mickey Mouse Club, and at nine years old he landed the role of Gavroche in Les Miserables where he performed in Philly, Chicago, and eventually on Broadway.

Jarrod also opens up about his somewhat tumultuous early college experience, (girl, same) and we have a very honest conversation about some tricky life lessons we both learned around the same time.

Al Alberts Showcase featuring Al and Jarrod singing "That's Life" (1986)

Jarrod Spector singing Mack the Knife on Star Search (1988)

Star Search - Jarrod Spector vs. Countess Vaughn (1988)

Jarrod on Instagram

Full Circle Artists

///

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Mar 4, 2024

This week wraps up my chat with Jonathan Butler-Duplessis (Hamilton Broadway: Aaron Burr, George Washington, and Mulligan/Madison) and he’s taking questions from The Patreon Peeps so we’re all over the map. There’s lots of pizza talk (obviously), Jonathan gives advice about being weird and authentic and finding your people, he talks about his fascination with the 2019 Cats movie, manifests his dream of playing Elphaba, and confesses how many times he’s read that erotica book that's onstage at Hamilton. Plus! Jonathan explains why he sees his Broadway debut as Burr as a return on a lot of people's investments, and he does some deep introspection about relating to the frustration and ambition of Aaron Burr, a role Jonathan never thought he'd play because according to him, "no one is ever gonna let him LEAD a show."

Counting Stars by Nujabes

A tribute to J-Dilla and Nujabes

Patzeria Perfect Pizza aka Scientology Pizza

No Good Deed from the Original Cast Recording of Wicked

What The Internet Did To Garfield

A Beginner's Guide to the Monogatari Series

///

Jonathan on Instagram
Jade Armor
The Plate Show Podcast

///

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Feb 26, 2024

Jonathan Butler-Duplessis (Hamilton Broadway: Aaron Burr, George Washington, and Mulligan/Madison) is back for round two! In this episode, we kick off talking about his experience playing Jim Conley in Parade. It was a really intense audition process, Jonathan couldn't afford contacts for the first half of the run so could barely see and the audience looked like blobs, and he had to deal with several instances of the cops being called on him for existing while Black. But according to Jonathan, all of this craziness actually *helped* his performance. 

We also dive into his Hamilton story, which starts with the belief that he was wrong for absolutely every part in the show. Of course that wasn’t the case because we eventually hear the story about how Jonathan was giving Lin-Manuel Miranda shit for eating Sicilian style pizza at the Richard Rodgers so things worked out pretty well! Side note: Jonathan takes his Chicago pizza very, very seriously.

Jonathan also has an incredibly moving debut experience, and talks about what it was like to play Aaron Burr for the first time. He explains his connection to Wait For It and how he carries his past with him as he moves forward.

///

Jonathan on Instagram
Jade Armor
The Plate Show Podcast

///

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Feb 19, 2024

Jonathan Butler-Duplessis is currently in the Broadway company of Hamilton covering Aaron Burr, George Washington, and Mulligan/Madison. 

Jonathan grew up in Chicago singing in church and  got his first break thanks (in part) to his grandmother's babysitting gig. He did a lot of community theatre but by the time he graduated from high school, he stopped performing. After a quick (not great!) experience at a Christian bible college, Jonathan had the opportunity to audition for the University of Illinois and he took it. He worked hard, he wanted to learn, he used the tools they gave him, and he kicked off his prolific career.

Jonathan has this No Shortcuts mantra and it's definitely the vibe of his three episodes. From professional wrestling, to a metaphysical discussion of Beyonce's Renaissance, to his love of small details, it all seems to come back to how all of these things effect his performance in Hamilton and everything else he does.

///

Jonathan on Instagram
Jade Armor
The Plate Show Podcast

///

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Feb 12, 2024

Welcome back to Charles Simmons 2.0! Charles is currently George Washington on the UK/Ireland tour and previously originated the role in Hamburg, Germany.

This week, Charles talks more about joining his new company including how the amazing cast and crew helped make his transition super easy, all the craziness leading up to opening night, and adjusting to life in the UK. Plus, he talks about his all time favorite Hamilton moment, and Charles does a deep dive on some of the lyrics he thinks might actually hit harder in German than they do in English. Remember: Charles is a self-proclaimed Hamilton superfan, so he spares no detail.

#339: Charles Simmons // G.Wash in Hamilton Germany // Part One

#340: Charles Simmons // G.Wash in Hamilton Germany // Part Two

///

Charles Simmons

Charles on Instagram

Charles on Facebook

Charles on Youtube

///

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Feb 5, 2024

Charles Simmons is back on the podcast for the first time since October 2022, when he was in rehearsals as the original George Washington in the German production of Hamilton. Go listen to those episodes to learn about how a guy originally from Kansas City ended up in Germany for most of his life and then booked Hamilton with no formal training. It’s truly, truly fascinating.

After a successful run in Hamburg, Charles is currently reprising the role of George Washington in the new UK and Ireland tour. Charles was in rehearsals when he first came on the podcast so there was a lot about the German production that we didn’t get to discuss but now we can! From the translation and lyric changes, to the incredibly enthusiastic fans, to a very rare concert version of Hamilton, to learning the show in two languages, we talk about it all. 

#339: Charles Simmons // G.Wash in Hamilton Germany // Part One

#340: Charles Simmons // G.Wash in Hamilton Germany // Part Two

Complete Ham4Ham Hamburg and the last applause of final show Hamilton das Musical Germany

///

Charles Simmons

Charles on Instagram

Charles on Facebook

Charles on Youtube

///

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Jan 29, 2024

Amanda Braun is back for round two! After almost two years as a swing on tour with Hamilton, Amanda needed a break from the road. Six months later was offered the role of Universal Swing. This week Amanda discusses diving into arguably the most demanding role in theatre, which ended up being perfect for her! She embraced the chaos, she loved learning and perfecting every track, and the experience now permeates the way she learns and performs in general. Plus a deep dive on personalized corset designs, a shared affection for the Yorktown dance break, major love for the legendary Antuan Magic Raimone, and some words of wisdom from Amanda about inspiration and being kind to yourself. 

Center Stage Dance and Theatre School

Amanda on Instagram

///

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Jan 22, 2024

Amanda Braun is on the podcast this and next week! Amanda first joined Hamilton as a swing in the original cast of the first national tour. After a short break from the Angelica Tour, she returned to Hamilton as a universal swing for two years (a VERY long time to do what is possibly the hardest gig in theatre), and is currently a swing on Broadway. Pretty impressive for someone who saw Hamilton at The Public and convinced herself the choreography was too hard for her to ever be cast in the show!

Amanda started dancing at three years old and thrives on expertly navigating any challenge that is thrown her way. From taking childhood dance lessons from Stephanie Klemons, to doing her sophomore year of college online because she was on tour with Catch Me If You Can, to working with Andy Blankenbuehler on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Amanda has an arsenal of knowledge and experience. 

Center Stage Dance and Theatre School

Amanda on Instagram

///

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Jan 15, 2024

Welcome back to another episode of The Shan Show™ with Shan Ako, who is currently playing Eliza Schuyler in Hamilton West End. This week, Shan discusses her beautiful relationship to Eponine in Les Miserables and how that role was right on time, helping prep her to finally land the role of Eliza. Shan discusses her strong connection to Eliza including what she brings to the role and what the role has done for her personally. Plus, Shan talks about her blog (and upcoming book!) The Shan Vibe, discussing her passion for mental health and positive well-being.

Shan's Linktree

The Shan Vibe Book!

On My Own (Shan Ako) | Les Miserables: The Staged Concert (2019) | TUNE

///

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Jan 8, 2024

Shan Ako is a singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and author who has a degree in Music Business and is in the process of getting her Masters in Positive Psychology. Shan is currently playing Eliza Schuyler in the West End and previously played Eponine in multiple iterations of Les Miserables, Whitney Houston in Whitney: Queen of the Night, and blew everyone away as a member of Simon Cowell’s team on X-Factor. In her first episode, Shan talks about growing up in a musical household and how her musicianship is always at the forefront of her projects and artistry. Her main goal as a performer is honesty, and it comes through in every facet of Shan’s storytelling: from her surreal experience on X-Factor to falling in love with Eponine to hoping listeners are encouraged by the fact that she initially made it as far as final callbacks for Eliza only to be told “no” by the Hamilton creatives. As Shan herself says, “Welcome to The Shan Show!!!”

Shan's Linktree

Shan's Linktree

The Shan Vibe Book!

Shan sings original track at Simon Cowell's house | Judges' Houses | The X Factor UK 2018

The X Factor UK 2018 Shan Auditions Full Clip S15E06

/// 

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Dec 20, 2023

A celebration of all the holiday classics, ’Twas The Night is a feel-good homage to the original poem, set in a world with security alarms, cell phones, and a little Christmas magic. Parents Ian and Margaret are having a serene Christmas night, their two children dreaming of sugar plums in the next room, when a series of noises and crashes cause concern that Margaret’s younger brother is playing a holiday prank. But who, really, arose such a clatter? In the end, the whole family remembers that it’s never too late to say what you mean and that the spirit of Christmas is stronger than ever.

Listeners of 'Twas the Night are encouraged to donate to The Actors Fund, supporting their mission of fostering stability and resiliency, and providing a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan. 

Visit twasthenightplay.com for more information.

 

Credits

Aneesa Folds as Margaret​

Michael Paul Smith as Ian

Nik Walker as Nick​

Fergie L Philippe as Max

Lexi Garcia as Julie

James Monroe Iglehart as Santa

Christopher Jackson as Narrator

Eddy Lee as News Announcer, Dispatcher, more

 

Additional voices by

​Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle

Written and directed by Michael Paul Smith

 

Production management by Leah Cornish for Mischief Media

Additional music provided by Matt Wilson Christmas Tree-O

​Communications by Tori Bryan for Mischief Media

Graphics for 'Twas The Night by Jordan Edwards for Mischief Media

Website by Jenson Neal and Jordan Edwards

​Produced by Mischief Media and Jenson Neal

Executive Producer Gillian Pensavalle

Special Thanks To:

​Melissa Anelli, Founder and CEO of Mischief Media

SAG-AFTRA

The Actors Fund

 

The Actors Fund is a national human services organization that helps everyone— performers and those behind the scenes—who works in performing arts and entertainment, serving more than 17,000 people annually. Programs include social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, housing, and employment and training services. Visit www.actorsfund.org to learn more.

Dec 18, 2023

As we wrap up our chat, Alexander Ferguson (Hamilton Broadway) takes questions from the fantastic Patreon Peeps. He explains why he thinks Hamilton isn’t actually a history piece, talks about the characters he relates to the most, tells me why he turned down the opportunity to be on MasterChef, and speaks the truth about why our friends can be so inspiring.

Alexander's Linktree

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Dec 11, 2023

This week, Alexander Ferguson (Hamilton Broadway) talks about his experience taking a leave from the Broadway company to spend a few months on tour in Australia and New Zealand including adorable koalas, terrifying spiders, Flight of the Conchords, incredible restaurants, and loving audiences. And yes, we finally get to Alexander’s impressions! We talk about his viral YouTube videos, how he figured out he could actually *do* so many impressions, and the many influences and inspirations behind his sense of humor. Plus, more about Alexander’s animation, filmmaking, and other creative endeavors.

Alexander's Linktree

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Dec 4, 2023

Alexander Ferguson has been with Hamilton since 2018. From the Angelica Tour to Broadway to Australia and New Zealand and back to Broadway again, he’s been Man 5 and he’s played Hamilton, Burr, King George III, Laurens/Philip, James Reynolds, and Philip Schuyler. A creator through and through, Alexander is also a talented impressionist, animator, and filmmaker. This week, Alexander explains his journey from regional theatre to Hamilton, including all the personal growth he’s experienced along the way.

Alexander's Linktree

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Nov 27, 2023

In this episode, Nikisha Williams explains her transition from Woman 5 to coming back as Eliza full time (even after she thought she was done with Hamilton entirely) and how she brings her experience as an educator to the role of Eliza. Plus, we go in on our unabashed love of all things fall including but not limited to: cute autumn outfits, why everyone needs to lighten up about pumpkin spice lattes, and our favorite scary movies. Nikisha is kind of an expert considering she co-hosts the Talking Horror podcast, which you should definitely check out!

Nikisha's Website

Nikisha on Instagram

Talking Horror Podcast

Broadwaysted Podcast

Broadwaysted on Instagram

Victoria Monet - On My Mama

Laufey - From the Start

Ratatouille The Musical with Bonus Features

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Nov 20, 2023

I’m so excited to welcome Nikisha Williams, who currently plays Eliza Schuyler on the Philip Tour, to the podcast!

Prior to joining Hamilton in 2018, Nikisha gained a ton of experience performing in musicals and operas across the country. Oh! She was also a high school choir teacher! Yep, Nikisha has a masters degree in Choral Conducting and a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal performance so she has the unique ability to bring her experience as an educator to the role of Eliza. 

This week, Nikisha talks about her journey as both a teacher and a performer: from auditioning multiple times to get into her vocal performance program, to leading an award-winning all girl high school a cappella group, and how her students got her into Hamilton

A firm believer in taking care of your mental health and meeting yourself where you are, Nikisha also talks about the strength of the women in the show and the strength of her Eliza specifically. For example, her version of “That Would Be Enough” isn’t begging Hamilton to stay, but about getting these two determined people on the same page.

///

"Random Black Girl"

"It's a Man's Man's Man's World"

///

Nikisha's Website

Nikisha on Instagram

Talking Horror Podcast

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Nov 13, 2023

Brandee Danielle Huston (Hamilton Broadway's Hair Supervisor) wraps up her episodes with more questions from The Patreon Peeps. Brandee explains how and why Hamilton sets her up for success, debunks the very wrong idea that hair and makeup is "stupid girl stuff", talks about her favorite and most challenging hairstyles she's worked on, and her goals of working in other aspects of theatre somewhere down the line. We also discuss Brandee's activism, the importance of therapy, and why the world is wide enough for both New York *and* Chicago-style pizza.

///

Brandee on Instagram

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Nov 6, 2023

Brandee Danielle Huston loves being Hamilton Broadway's Hair Supervisor, but it wasn't an easy journey getting there. As Brandee tell us in this episode, things are a lot different for people of color, women, LGBTQ+ folks, and those in women-dominated fields. From poor work conditions to pay disparities to unpleasant interactions, there is inequity all over this industry. It's so important making someone feel confident going on stage, and the work is very personal, but that isn't always acknowledged. Since working at Hamilton, though, Brandee finally feels like she's been set up for success. Brandee tells us how she got there, and walks us through how she earned the trust of the cast as a white woman working with BIPOC hair.

///

Brandee on Instagram

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Oct 30, 2023

aBrandee Danielle Huston is currently the Hair Supervisor at Hamilton Broadway, and has been in the entertainment industry her entire life. She grew up in a 5th generation carnival concession business and has been working since she was two years old. Inspired by painting people's faces at carnivals, she started working in theatre, and when she saw that there was a job in fixing the Santa beards for the famous Rockettes show and she thought, "Why am I not doing THIS?!" Brandee did everything from pushing boxes backstage, electrical work, sound, handling props, driving a forklift, you name it... all while going to cosmetology school. There's not a guidebook for breaking into the industry and working with the unions but this episode is definitely a very good start.

IATSE Yellow Cards

///

Brandee on Instagram

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Oct 23, 2023

This week, Julian Ramos (Hamilton LA, And Peggy, Philip Tour) is back with a love letter to New York, New York: both the city and the musical. He tells us about the tap number on the beam, what instruments he actually knows how to play, and why the one and only John Kander is the coolest person he has ever met. 

Plus, more love and stories from his time with Hamilton, what it was like working with Lin-Manuel Miranda again on another show, and the inspirations behind his fantastic sense of style. 

New York, New York Original Broadway Cast Recording

Tyla - Been Thinking

///

Episode 107

Episode 108

Julian on Instagram

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Oct 16, 2023

The effervescent Julian Ramos is back on the podcast! He was first on back in 2018, when he and Fergie Philippe came on together during rehearsals for the Philip Tour. Julian spent over four years touring with Hamilton, and his story with the show is incredible. He recently made his Broadway debut in New York, New York and is truly living his dreams, which all started with a certified meet-cute with living legend Susan Stroman.  

This week, Julian tells me about growing up in Indiana, falling in love with musical theatre, and then moving to New York City to pursue his career. He even worked as a host at The Public Theater when Hamilton was there, seating people like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, and Oskar Eustis.

///

Episode 107

Episode 108

Julian on Instagram

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Oct 9, 2023

In the final episode of this three part series, Cristina Lundy and Fergie L. Philippe bring it home in a way only the two of them can. We kick off the Patreon Peeps and they’re off and running talking about The Muppets, Sesame Street, Othello, unexpected takes on Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet set in a nursing home, for example), favorite Shakespeare take downs, movies we can't believe haven't been turned into musicals yet, and the idea of kids putting on Hamilton Jr.

Will in the World

Shakespeare Lexicon and Quotation Dictionary, Vol. 1: Volume 1

///

New York Shakespeare Exchange

Fergie's Website

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Oct 2, 2023

This week we bring back #YayHamlet! Cristina Lundy and Fergie L. Philippe talk about the similarities between Hamilton (the musical) and the works of Shakespeare, and why actors need to honor those pieces in the same way. Hint: no need to overact it; all the words are right there on the page. And they're not saying it's easy! Fergie used to think he had to do Shakespeare in a British accent because FANCY. We also talk about an unrealistic need for all works of art to be perfect and right and accurate when in reality, so much of it is about writers being inspired by, as Cristina says, "the influences that pollinate them as artists."

Plus! Dream casting! Cristina and Fergie cast Hamilton actors in a slew of Shakespeare plays, they cast a Ted Lasso Much Ado About Nothing, and then we cast Ted Lasso characters in Hamilton.

A Tribe Called Quest ft. Busta Rhymes - Scenario (LP Mix)

The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act

///

New York Shakespeare Exchange

Fergie's Website

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

Sep 25, 2023

Nope, the title of this episode is not a typo. My dear friends Cristina Lundy and Fergie Philippe are back on the podcast, this time together! We explain it all in the episode but they both had so much more to say so we thought we'd have a little party. 

Quick refresher: Fergie recently ended his five year run as Mulligan/Madison (both on tour and on Broadway) and Cristina Lundy is currently a dresser for the Broadway company as well as the Artistic Director of the New York Shakespeare exchange.

In the first of three episodes, we talk about the 2023 Tony Awards, Fergie's experience performing at the show, how the writer's strike affected the evening, and the fact that HISTORY WAS MADE with BIPOC and non-binary folks taking home so many awards. 

Fergie and Cristina are both massive Shakespeare nerds (that's a compliment!) so these are very Bard-heavy eps. This week we talk a lot about modern adaptations like Ten Things I Hate About You (1999) and Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet (1996).

 

New York Shakespeare Exchange

Fergie's Website

Gillian's Website

The Hamilcast on Twitter

The Hamilcast on Instagram

Join the Patreon Peeps

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next » 17