As if the Chicago production of “Hamilton” wasn’t buzzy enough, several new casting additions have made the show a can’t-miss event for theatergoers in the Windy City.
Karen Olivo, known for her Tony Award-winning performance as Anita in “West Side Story” and for originating the role of Vanessa in “In the Heights,” will take on Angelica Schuyler in the hit musical. Having worked with “Heights” and “Hamilton” creator and longtime friend Lin-Manuel Miranda several times, Olivo’s involvement was only a matter of time.
WATCH: “3 ‘Hamilton’ Stars Who Got Their Start With Backstage”
Producer Jeffrey Seller also announced musical theater veterans Miguel Cervantes and Alexander Gemignani will join the Chicago cast as Alexander Hamilton and King George III, respectively. Cervantes appeared in Broadway’s “If/Then” and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” as well as on the small screen in “Person of Interest” and “Madame Secretary.” To prepare for his Chicago debut, the actor will play Hamilton on Broadway on July 13, 18, and July 25. Gemignani headlined the 2006 Broadway revival of “Les Misérables” and appeared in Broadway’s “Assassins” and “Sweeney Todd.”
Although the role of Aaron Burr has yet to be announced, the Chicago cast will include Ari Afsar as Eliza Hamilton, Chris Lee as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, Jose Ramos as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, Wallace Smith as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, and Samantha Marie Ware as Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds. “Hamilton” performances will begin at Chicago’s PrivateBank Theatre Sept. 27.
Meanwhile, the Broadway production continues to be New York’s biggest current hit, and will celebrate its first anniversary at the Richard Rodgers Theatre Aug. 6. It was announced today that Daveed Diggs, who plays Lafayette and Jefferson, will play his final performance July 15. Renée Elise Goldsberry aka Angelica Schuyler will move on from the show sometime in the fall to star in Netflix’s sci-fi drama “Altered Carbon.” Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., and Phillipa Soo departed the show July 9.
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