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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
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Now displaying: 2017
Dec 18, 2017

Listener favorites Ashley Graffeo, Kelly Warne, and Carrie-Rachel Dean join me for my 99th episode and a walk down memory lane, talking Hamilton, the podcast, and Broadway in general. It's the Schuyler Sisters meets the Sons of Liberty and I am lovin' it! 

Dec 11, 2017

Relax, have a drink with me... and Chris Jackson! The rain didn't let up and neither did my guest of honor. In his second episode, CJack wastes no time getting super real. This moving conversation focuses a lot on his son, CJ, who is on the autism spectrum and prepare to learn and feel a lot of things, you guys. We also talk about his amazing family and what it's like being on the CBS show "Bull."

hispanicfederation.org/donate

Dec 4, 2017

Ladies and gentlemen, Chris Jackson coulda been anywhere in the world tonight, but he's here with me in New York City. Are you ready for Part One of my chat with him?? In this episode, CJack gets real about some of his past bad behavior during the early days of In The Heights, his experience being in the original Broadway company of Hamilton, the moment he thought he chose the wrong career path, and the mutual love, respect, and admiration flowing between the members of the Lin's Cabinet. We go in on those #TequilaThoughts, with a torrential downpour as our soundtrack. 

hispanicfederation.org/donate

Nov 27, 2017

Carvens Lissaint (Washington, Burr, Lafayette/Jefferson in Hamilton on Broadway) is back! This week, Carvens goes in on the backlash he received after having a poem go viral, the logistical differences between Washington and Burr, the beginnings of his Black Velvet persona, and the importance of being authentic.

Journal to Journey: http://urbanwordnyc.org/journal-to-journey/

Urban Word: http://www.urbanwordnyc.org/

hispanicfederation.org/donate

 

 

Nov 20, 2017

Carvens Lissaint is an excellent human and an award-winning poet. He is also covering Washington, Burr, and Lafayette/Jefferson in Hamilton on Broadway. The Carvens Origin Story is INSANE. The Carvens Hamilton Origin Story is EVEN MORE INSANE. Carvens talks about how In The Heights changed his life (Lin came out during intermission during In The Heights to chat with him - which would NEVER happen now), his experience growing up in Harlem with Haitian parents, and how he literally had a Hamilton in his bank account before he booked Hamilton on Broadway.

Urban Dove: http://www.urbandove.org/

Urban Word: http://www.urbanwordnyc.org/

Brave New Voices slam champion Joshua Bennett performs "Tamaraʼs Opus at the White House Evening of Poetry, Music, and the Spoken Word on May 12, 2009: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5BwD8zOeM

 

hispanicfederation.org/donate

 

 

Nov 13, 2017

Anna-Lee Craig is back again this week and if you don't think she's the coolest, just you wait until you listen to this episode: ALC talks about being a badass lady in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men. We also talk about the hardest Hamilton tracks to mix, and how the cast and crew are Hamilton super fans - just like us!

Nov 6, 2017

Get ready to become OBSESSED with Anna-Lee Craig, one of Hamilton Broadway's team of groundbreaking sound experts. Anna-Lee's official title is A2/Assistant Sound, but I've also added Badass Lady because she is awesome. Having been with Hamilton since The Public, Anna-Lee knows how to make each and every performance sound its best. I mean, she came up with a special microphone design the crew calls the ALC Special. Does it get any cooler than that? Oh - one more thing - Anna-Lee invited me to watch the show from her sound console WHICH I WILL NEVER GET OVER, EVER! But having watch her mix a performance, I can tell you that what she does is nothing less than sorcery. Lezgo!

Oct 30, 2017

Our last week of #Lintoberfest starts out with some exciting news courtesy of Alex Lacamoire and Tommy Kail from all the way across the sea... and it is BANANAS! In Part Two of the B-Sides, Mike and I share more cut audio with Lin-Manuel Miranda, take questions from the Patreon Peeps, and reflect on the insanity of the last few weeks. 

 

To help Puerto Rico:


https://hispanicfederation.org/donate

https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWVJYaFlGP5hP

 

Donate to disaster relief:


http://www.businessinsider.com/best-charities-to-help-hurricane-victims-harvey-irma-maria-2017-9


https://www.bakerripley.org/get-involved/donate


https://www.oneamericaappeal.org/


https://secure.humanesociety.org

 

Oct 23, 2017

Welcome to The Lin B-Sides! Mike is joining me as I play cut audio from #Lintoberfest and give you behind the scenes commentary about what it was like recording with Lin-Manuel Miranda. And guess what? We have so many details to share with you that there will be TWO B-Sides, meaning you'll have FIVE Lin-Manuel Miranda episodes. Enjoy!

 

To help Puerto Rico:


https://hispanicfederation.org/donate

https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWVJYaFlGP5hP

 

Donate to disaster relief:


http://www.businessinsider.com/best-charities-to-help-hurricane-victims-harvey-irma-maria-2017-9


https://www.bakerripley.org/get-involved/donate


https://www.oneamericaappeal.org/


https://secure.humanesociety.org

 

Irish Bat Dad:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47pjisXzb_c

 

Freestyle Love Supreme improvise about Broadway at Sirius XM Live on Broadway:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuCOe5mshLw&feature=youtu.be

 

Oct 16, 2017

Lin-Manuel Miranda is back for another round and #Lintoberfest Part Three is our most emotional episode yet; Lin goes IN on "It's Quiet Uptown" as well as his thoughts on legacies and what he says is truly beautiful. But don't worry, there's balance! We also talk King George III, Moana, if and when the audience is allowed to sing along during parts of Hamilton, and Lin gives advice to writers and creative people. Stay tuned for next week for Part Four aka The Lin B-Sides, where you'll hear audio from the cutting room floor along with commentary from me and Mike. Keep sending those #popcornchomp photos!

 

To help Puerto Rico:


https://hispanicfederation.org/donate

https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWVJYaFlGP5hP

 

Donate to disaster relief:


http://www.businessinsider.com/best-charities-to-help-hurricane-victims-harvey-irma-maria-2017-9


https://www.bakerripley.org/get-involved/donate


https://www.oneamericaappeal.org/


https://secure.humanesociety.org


Previous episodes referenced:


http://www.thehamilcast.com/episode-83-everybodys-dancin-and-the-bands-top-volume/

http://www.thehamilcast.com/episode-84-everybodys-dancin-and-the-bands-top-volume-part-two

 

John Adams HBO Miniseries:

http://www.hbo.com/john-adams

 

"More" demo from Moana: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upjbIJESEUU

 

"Hot House" by Charlie Parker:

https://archive.org/details/CharlieParker93Songs

Oct 9, 2017

Welcome to Part Two of a five part series featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda! I am once again joined by my husband Mike and this episode focuses a LOT on music, so prepare to have your mind blown. Lin tries to teach me how to freestyle (it doesn't go well), we talk about Freestyle Love Supreme, Lin plays a "Meet Me Inside" demo, and answers questions from the Patreon Peeps. We also talk Hamilton memes, inside jokes from the days at The Public, and more. PS: Don't forget to send me your photos of listening to #Lintoberfest with your own popcorn using either #Lintoberfest or #popcornchomp!

 

To help Puerto Rico:


https://hispanicfederation.org/donate

https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWVJYaFlGP5hP

 

Donate to disaster relief:


http://www.businessinsider.com/best-charities-to-help-hurricane-victims-harvey-irma-maria-2017-9


https://www.bakerripley.org/get-involved/donate


https://www.oneamericaappeal.org/


https://secure.humanesociety.org


Previous episodes referenced:


http://www.thehamilcast.com/episode-65-dag-i-amaze-and-astonish-part-one/


http://www.thehamilcast.com/episode-66-dag-i-amaze-and-astonish-part-two/


http://www.thehamilcast.com/episode-77-you-want-a-revolution-i-want-a-revelation


http://www.thehamilcast.com/episode-83-everybodys-dancin-and-the-bands-top-volume/

http://www.thehamilcast.com/episode-84-everybodys-dancin-and-the-bands-top-volume-part-two

 

Shockwave's Ham4Ham:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=605NNhgl2U0

 

Freestyle Love Supreme at Joe's Pub: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_MLXaP2q1M 

 

Lin on Drunk History:

http://www.cc.com/episodes/y51rs0/drunk-history-hamilton-season-4-ep-410

 

Oct 2, 2017

Lin-Manuel Miranda came over to my apartment and we had so much fun that I have FIVE episodes for you! Welcome to #Lintoberfest, with my husband Michael Paul Smith joining me for these episodes. In Part One, I try to get over the fact that Lin is recording in my living room - spoiler! I don't! - But regardless, we tell the story of how Lin ended up on the podcast, details of the early days of Hamilton, why Lin is a Hamilton/Burr hybrid, and quote The West Wing a LOT. We also eat popcorn and drink the Spark Into a Flame cocktail, made especially for Lin and inspired by his Inwood, NYC roots. Stay tuned for four more episodes: two more with Lin and then the Lin B-Sides which will be outtakes, non-sequiturs, and commentary by me and Mike (you know Mike). And no, I'm still not over the fact that this happened! No chill whatsoever!

To help Puerto Rico:
https://hispanicfederation.org/donate

Donate to disaster relief:
http://www.businessinsider.com/best-charities-to-help-hurricane-victims-harvey-irma-maria-2017-9


https://www.bakerripley.org/get-involved/donate


https://www.oneamericaappeal.org/


https://secure.humanesociety.org


Previous episodes referenced:
http://www.thehamilcast.com/episode-65-dag-i-amaze-and-astonish-part-one/


http://www.thehamilcast.com/episode-66-dag-i-amaze-and-astonish-part-two/


http://www.thehamilcast.com/episode-77-you-want-a-revolution-i-want-a-revelation


http://www.thehamilcast.com/episode-83-everybodys-dancin-and-the-bands-top-volume/

http://www.thehamilcast.com/episode-84-everybodys-dancin-and-the-bands-top-volume-part-two

 

Sep 25, 2017

All hail Queen Lesli Margherita (Matilda, Dames at Sea)! Lesli is Broadway royalty and also human royalty because she rules her own kingdom, you guys. Get inspired as Lesli talks all about what it means to rule your kingdom and how can make it happen. And, duh, we talk all about Hamilton! Lesli gets super emotional reminiscing about seeing Hamilton for the first time and conversations with her friends and to Hamilton OGs Leslie Odom, Jr., Betsey Struxness, and Thayne Jasperson when they first started their crazy journey into what can only be described as Broadway's version of Beatlemania. Oh and we laugh a lot and drink wine out of GOBLETS! 

Sep 18, 2017

Lauren Boyd is truly delightful, especially on a rainy day in New York City. Hamilton Broadway's Woman 1 and Peggy/Maria stopped by to chat Hamilton's LA opening, details about her roles (like how Woman 1 is Martha Washington and her insights into Maria Reynolds), why stagedooring is so important to her, and how she handles those occasional bad days we all deal with.

Sep 11, 2017

Hear ye, hear ye! His name is Thayne Jasperson and he originated the role of Samuel Seabury in Hamilton! Yep, you read that right; Thayne. Jasperson. is on. the podcast. And the word of the day is FERVOR. Get ready for a full hour of #SeaburysFreeThoughts. Thayne really is as kind, energetic, and hilarious as he seems. In this super rapid fire and fun episode, we are all over the place and it is the best ever. Thayne talks about the details he added to Samuel Seabury before Hamilton moved to Broadway (plus changes that have since been cut from the show), his love of King George III, how he messes with his fellow cast members on stage, why his faith is so important to him, and explains his cookie addiction. We also talk a lot about ghosts, nudity (are you okay? take a few deep breaths!), and Thayne breaks out more than a few accents. 

 

Thayne's #FreeSpeech video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNIZ-v4xlwA 

Credit: The Oratory Laboratory

Sep 4, 2017

Ian Weinberger is back for another episode and you should probably be sitting down while you listen to this one... we turn our attention to the keyboard and YOU. ARE. NOT. READY. Ian plays us mind-blowing musical motifs from Hamilton, and we come to that conclusion that Alex Lacamoire really just can't help himself when it comes to being a genius. In other words, #LacsGonnaLac. We also do impressions of characters from The West Wing because of course we do. 

Aug 28, 2017

Ian Weinberger, the Associate Musical Director of Hamilton on Broadway, is going to BLOW US ALL AWAY. Ian conducts the show, plays keyboard in the pit, and happens to be one of the nicest people on the planet. In this first episode, Ian tells us how he got involved in Hamilton (Dear Evan Hansen is involved), confirms that Alex Lacamoire and Kurt Crowley are as nice as they are brilliant, and explains the musician's version of #BurrsCorner. 

Oh, did I mention there's a keyboard involved? Thank you Gregory Treco for telling me to get a keyboard for this recording and thank you Tyler Mount for making that happen. 

 

Aug 21, 2017

Raise a glass, friends! Welcome to another Emergency Podcast System. This week, Mike (you know Mike) and our friend and history enthusiast Ted O'Gorman help me recap August 12th's #HamiltonHappyHour, which was Ted's introduction to Hamilton and the Hamilton community. In case you missed it, Patrick Hinds of the Theater People Podcast, Broadway Backstory, and True Crime Obsessed hopped behind the bar with me and we hosted the #HamFam and sang the entire Hamilton cast album in New York City, the greatest city in the world. We had the best time and raised a ton of money for charity. It was also a much needed night of love, support, and community after the country endured what Mike described as a "James Reynolds kinda week."

After the Happy Hour, Ted went home and re-listened to the entire album so we also talk about his first impressions of Hamilton (spoiler: he loved it) and get super nerdy about history pop culture with things like 1776 and The West Wing.

PS: #HamiltonHappyHour is now a thing and Patrick and I are going to do it again. Stay tuned for details!

www.HamiltonHappyHour.com

Aug 14, 2017

Bryan Terrell Clark (George Washington in Hamilton on Broadway) was kind enough to invite me to his dressing room to hang out on a very busy two show day! Spoiler alert: things get real emotional real quick as BTC tells me about how his first time singing "One Last Time" was when President Barack Obama was giving his Farewell Speech in Chicago. Bryan gives beautiful insight to GDubbs, explains why he could never be a swing/cover/understudy (but why he has the utmost respect for them!), and how he keeps himself G.Wash-ready. 

President Barack Obama's Farewell Speech

Bryan's t-shirt company inDEFINED

Aug 7, 2017

James Monroe Iglehart is a kind, funny, generous, amazing bolt of energy and I am so proud to say that he is my guest this week. Fan favorite Ashley Graffeo is my co-host, making this episode extra special. James told us what it's like to play Lafayette/Jefferson in Hamilton on Broadway, how the role compares to his Tony winning portrayal of Genie in Aladdin, meeting the Freestyle Love Supreme crew, the wonderful night that was The American Songbook performance at Lincoln Center (he played Hercules Mulligan!), and he even gives us a never-before-heard Burr's Corner. Plus, we talk about The Muppets, The Blues Brothers, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and more! 

 

James Iglehart sings "I'm Going To Go Back There Someday"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZZjphU6hV0

 

Live at Feinstein's/54 Below: James Monroe Iglehart Sings "When You Wish Upon a Star"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY3ABsBsqG0

 

Lin-Manuel Miranda and James Monroe Iglehart sing “My Shot” at Lincoln Center’s American Songbook in 2012

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OByswSEL-RA

 

The #BARS Workshop with Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs

http://getrafael.com/bars/

 

#BARS Mixtape Musical Medley Vol. 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk89Retbl4A

 

The #BARS MEDLEY VOL 2 | Filmed live at the Public Theater, NY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf3YR2wtMyM&t=3s

 

Jul 31, 2017

Universal Swing Hope Endrenyi stops by and we had so much fun! Hope tells us how booking Hamilton was full of surprises, what it's like traveling between all three companies (the word "vagabond" was used), and why she loves the Sons of Liberty. Plus, Hope gives us excellent tips on what we can do to help the environment and how to live a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Jul 24, 2017

Kimberly "Kimmie" Mark was gracious enough to invite me to the Richard Rodgers Theatre to tell me all about what it's like to be what is known as a Star Dresser on Broadway for 19 years, dressing stars like Alan Cumming, Raul Esparza, and Leslie Odom Jr. (who brought her to Hamilton). Currently, Kimmie dresses George Washington and Aaron Burr and is easily one of the nicest, coolest people in the world. Take a listen and learn all about how Kimmie became a dresser, tons of behind-the-scenes details about Hamilton, why being assigned to Leslie Odom Jr. was a "dream come true," and how she hasn't actually SEEN Hamilton.

Information on how you can win Hamilton props and autographs through The NJ Freedom Farm raffles: 

https://www.instagram.com/dunkinscout/

https://www.facebook.com/freedomfarmanimalrescue/?ref=br_rs

https://www.facebook.com/Freedom-Farm-Fairy-157992421405102/?ref=br_rs

https://www.instagram.com/freedomfarm_animalrescue/

https://www.gofundme.com/NJFFAR

 

Jul 17, 2017

Calling all #FearlessSquad members (aka #SquadKicks): We have the one and only Mandy Gonzalez on the podcast this week! Mandy talks all things #FearlessSquad, what it's like playing Angelica in Hamilton on Broadway, her experience as Nina in In The Heights, the importance of having a fight within you, and why the world is a better place with Lin-Manuel Miranda in it. You will feel so motivated by the end of thisHamilton, Broadway, American History, Musical, Mandy Gonzalez, Fearless Squad, In the Heights episode!

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mandy Gonzalez perform "Empire State of Mind" at Lincoln Center for "The Hamilton Mixtape"/American Songbook

"30/90" from Tick, Tick...Boom!

"Breathe" from In The Heights

Jul 10, 2017

Hey Queens it's The Hamilcast with your boo Tyler! Tyler Mount of Playbill's The Tyler Mount Vlog talks everything from Hamilton, to how he got into the Broadway scene, to his vlog, to Tito's vodka, and then back to Hamilton again. Friends, we were all over the map but we went in on so much Hamilton and answered all the questions from our Patreon Peeps. Join the party! 

Alllll the links from this episode: 

 

Playbill's The Tyler Mount Vlog: 

http://www.playbill.com/tyler

 

Lexi Lawson talks manifesting being cast in Hamilton (The Origin of “Lexi” being a verb) on The Hamilcast:

http://www.thehamilcast.com/episode-54-you-walked-in-and-my-heart-went-boom-part-one/

 

Tyler Goes Backstage at Hamilton with David Korins: http://www.playbill.com/video/watch-behind-the-scenes-at-hamilton-with-scenic-designer-david-korins

 

Andy Blankenbuehler Breaks Down Hamilton Choreography for the Wall Street Journal:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmYTsOrnWP0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb67f2HLVGM

  

Hamilton Rap-Off with Mandy Gonzalez:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu0VMoDJsLU

 

Hamilton Bop-It with Jordan Fisher:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OWn6N-1h-Q

 

Helpless with Lexi Lawson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUgG0qGDtsQ&t=262s

 

Make A Wish with James Monroe Iglehart:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMx0Qvgi8GU

 

My Shot with Andrew Chappelle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHKTcW7HQUc&t=278s

 

Hot or Not with Ariana DeBose:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEkoBXxwSXo

 

Hamilton Star Morgan Marcell's First Time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKxm6nBSJMw

 

Hamilton Auditions with Stephanie Klemons:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSXefr5TPQ0

 

Lie Detector with Rob McClure:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEYs-aXIOjg&t

  

Tyler Mount Merch: 

https://www.tylermount.net/

 

 

 

Jul 3, 2017

Make yourself another Burrgory Bay Breeze because Gregory Treco is back again this week! In addition to taking questions from our lovely Patreon Peeps, Gregory talks about his experiences as both an original Broadway cast member of Boy George's musical Taboo and a finalist on WB's Popstars. Gregory also goes in on his fantastic relationship with his ultra talented brother Mathenee (Mulligan/Madison on the HamilTour) and their very similar career paths. 

 

Become a Patreon Peep: 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamilcast

Mathenee Treco on American Idol: 

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xxv8xw_mathenee-treco-sudden-death-american-idol-12_music

Mathenee Treco's Music Page:

https://www.facebook.com/mathenee/?pnref=lhc

 

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