It’s a great day for diversity and representation, Hamilton fans! Actor and singer Marc dela Cruz is taking the helm of playing Alexander Hamilton in the musical’s current Broadway run. And guess what? He’s the first Filipino and Asian-American to play the lead.
Read more: What Hamilton And Filipinos Share On Being Young, Scrappy, And Hungry
He made his Broadway debut as Alexander Hamilton last Saturday. Since 2015, Marc became a part of Hamilton as an understudy; playing various roles including King George, John Laurens, Philip Hamilton, James Reynolds, and Philip Schuyler, among other roles.
“I am FILLED WITH GRATITUDE for the creators and originators of Hamilton. It’s an honor to help share this astoundingly crafted and important piece of theater,” Marc’s Instagram caption reads.
Karla Garcia and Isa Briones are Filipino actors have played roles in the Broadway cast of Hamilton as well. Meanwhile, Rachel Ann Go and Christine Allado are a part of its London production.
With a musical like Hamilton who places diversity as of utmost importance, it’s wonderful that it never wavered from giving talented actors and performers of color a platform to showcase their talents on a global stage. The musical runs in a country with a dangerous socio-political climate that doesn’t seem to favor people of color. So for pieces of media like this to continue, it’s an act of defiance in the 21st century.
Hamilton has always been a story about immigrants by immigrants. And with Marc playing the titular role, the narrative lives on. Here’s to more Asian-Americans thriving in Broadway. History has its eyes on us.
Photo from Inquirer