The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast

Rubén J. Carbajal (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton on Broadway) is back for another round! This week, he talks about his multiple Hamilton auditions and explains his process: the flights, the preparation, the importance of always showing his personality, and the beauty of staying curious. Rubén talks about his experience on tour, the full circle moment of bringing Hamilton home to Los Angeles, and what it was like performing with Lin-Manuel Miranda in Puerto Rico. And then… Rubén thought he was done with Hamilton in 2022 but some time away, a writers’ strike, and a very supportive partner led him to Broadway. Rubén J. Carbajal on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Rubén J. Carbajal is finally on the podcast after all this time, but honestly, the timing could not have been better. Rubén recently made his Broadway debut as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, but not before doing over one thousand performances across the country including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and performing alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda in Puerto Rico. Rubén has been performing since he was five years old, but it wasn’t until he did In the Heights for the first time that he felt truly connected to a role. He wants to do that show forever (that’s a quote) and so far he’s done it three times: once as Sonny and twice as Usnavi. When Hamilton came along Rubén was a superfan just like the rest of us, and we have a lot of fun revisiting those early days of the Hamilton fervor. What’s more exciting than being a fan of something and then actually being a part of it?! And for years, at that! It wasn’t an easy process and this episode ends with one of the busiest and most important days of Rubén’s life: an audition, the news about a call back, a Mets game, and standing on the turntable at the Richard Rodgers Theatre for the very first time. Rubén J. Carbajal on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Vincent Jamal Hooper is back for round two! Vinny’s Hamilton experience took him to Puerto Rico, California, Texas, and Australia playing the roles of Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Lafayette/Jefferson, George Washington, and KGIII. This week, Vinny talks about going from Hamilton to White Girl in Danger to making his Broadway debut as Simba in The Lion King. Plus, Vinny explains the responsibility of tone setting in a production, tells us about all the playlists he made to get in character for his multiple Hamilton roles, all the "animal work" he did to prepare for Hamilton and Burr, and why video games are a parable life. Vincent Jamal Hooper on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Vincent Jamal Hooper is here! Vinny recently made his Broadway debut as Simba in the Lion King and before that, his Hamilton experience took him all over the place: Puerto Rico, California, Texas, and Australia. Vinny played Hamilton, Burr, Lafayette/Jefferson, George Washington, and King George III. This week, Vinny talks about growing up in Texas and knowing pretty early on that he wanted to be a performer. He landed the role of Benny in a local production of In The Heights which led him to Hamilton, a show that he and his friends (J. Quinton Johnson and Trey Curtis) used to act out in parking lots. After Hamilton Vinny shifts gears completely to do White Girl in Danger, and while it was total whiplash the experience made him a better artist all around and taught him the importance of not being afraid to be seen trying. Vincent Jamal Hooper on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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