The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast

Vanessa Magula wraps up her episodes by taking questions from the Patreon Peeps! This week, she talks about her connection to all three Schuyler sisters including having such a soft spot for Eliza and why performing Satisfied is like playing Hamlet. From owning the room as Angelica, to accessing love through Eliza, and slayingggg that red dress as Maria, Vanessa absolutely LOVES being a standby. Vanessa also talks about her amazing husband Andrew, her newfound love of handbags and their trends, more NYC improv stories (Shitzprobe and Story Pirates), we once again bring it back to Warriors, and we beg the question IS IT TIME FOR AN IN THE HEIGHTS REVIVAL YET OR WHAT?! Vanessa on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

In her second episode, Vanessa Magula talks about what it was like to join the Philip tour as a Hamilton superfan, including learning harmonies she didn't know existed and doing her best *not* to sing Burr's part in Non-Stop. But now she's in Hamilton and as a friend told Vanessa: time to dream a new dream. She booked her dream job, and now she's gotta figure out how to live it in a healthy and fulfilling way. From imposter syndrome, to having to learn the show, to giving herself grace, and the added stress of coming out of lockdown? Yeah, there was a lot to navigate. Vanessa's episodes are total lovefests, but that doesn't mean we can't pay tribute to the biggest hater of them all: Kendrick Lamar. And we do! Oh, and quick reminder that you can be a hater without being a bully. FYI. Mermaid (Brittany Campbell and Candace Quarrels have a band! Get into it!) Vanessa on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Vanessa Magula went from being a Hamilton superfan studying pre-health at UCLA to being cast as the standby for all three Schuyler sisters on the Philip tour. No, for real. Vanessa has always been a self-described theatre kid, evidenced by the fact that Deaf West's Spring Awakening is what inspired her to minor in Disability Studies, but it took her a while to take the leap and be a full time performer. After going to an open call for Hamilton in 2016 and being given a literal golden ticket for a callback, everything changed as Vanessa realized that - whether she booked Hamilton or not - this is what she wanted to do. In between yearly Hamilton auditions, Vanessa thrived in the New York City improv comedy scene and even ended up collecting Yondr pouches during Freestyle Love Supreme's Broadway run. Come join our instant bff vibes as we talk about our love of Hamilton (Vanessa saw it in September of 2015 hello!), Anessa Folds, Utkarsh Ambudkar (UTK), Lin's Warriors, and tons of other stuff. Vanessa on Instagra

In their third episode, Paul Louis Lessard reflects on their one year anniversary playing King George III on Hamilton's Philip Tour. Booking the show was a surreal experience, but Paul is having the time of his life and has never felt more beautiful than when he's wearing those *perfectly tailored* KG3 costumes. Paul also opens up about the unnecessary shame around vocal injuries and explains that has "vocal athletes", acknowledging issues and taking care of your voice is all part of the gig. Plus, while answering questions from the Patreon Peeps, Paul discusses the value of barbershop quartets, his time making Rent quizzes online in high school (hi Adam Pascal and Daphne Rubin-Vega!), how his King George channels the Queen of Genovia, and why he's a synth pop fan for life. Paul Louis Lessard Paul on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Paul Louis Lessard currently plays King George III on Hamilton's Philip Tour and this week they tell us about how playing King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar helped them get there. Paul was admittedly one of those people who had an "aversion" to Hamilton back in the 2016 era, but eventually he was listening to (and falling in love with) select songs like "Take a Break" and "Wait For It." But it was "You'll Be Back" that led him to write a Facebook post way back in 2016 letting the world know that one day he will be playing King George III. It didn't hurt that almost all of Paul's King Herod reviews mentioned a KG3 vibe, which Paul made sure casting knew about when he was auditioning for Hamilton almost eight years later in 2023. Paul Louis Lessard Paul on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Paul Louis Lessard (he/they) is currently King George III on Hamilton's Philip Tour and this week is all about authenticity. Starting from a very young age, Paul describes the allure of performing as a siren song that was calling to them, even down to the intoxicating smell and feel of the show programs he'd pore over on the way home. Remember that smell?? And the feeling of staying up late on a school night going to a show?! The best. Early in their career, Paul talks about how they truly felt their queerness was used against them, and once you hear about the shortsighted, close-minded jerks he had to deal with I'm sure you'll agree. After some time traveling the world he came back to New York City with a mantra that changed his life: fuck everyone and everything, I'm showing up authentically 100%." And that's when the gigs started rolling in. Paul Louis Lessard Paul on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

As I wrap up with Jennifer Geller, she talks about starting and managing a thriving business while *also* performing in Hamilton on Broadway. Plus, her love of croissants, that badass jump rope number from Legally Blonde that's still in her muscle memory, and why we need to stop gatekeeping absolutely everything. It's really not that serious, you guys. Animal Lighthouse Rescue El Faro PR Jennifer on Instagram J.E.T Fitness Training /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

In Jennifer Geller's second episode, she talks about how heartbroken she was not to book Hamilton Chicago after being personally invited to audition by Andy Blankenbuehler. But when she eventually booked Hamilton's first national tour, Andy reminded her it was all about trusting the process. Easier said than done, but a good lesson nonetheless. Jennifer also goes in on how the the ensemble is an extension of Burr's mind, especially during "The Room Where it Happens" (it's fascinating, you have to hear this) and explains how Hamilton's purposeful choreography and storytelling spoils performers forever. Plus, we talk about Hamilton coming back to Broadway after the COVID-19 lockdown and how we both used to be insufferable nightmares who didn't have any work/life balance but we've both moved on from that nonsense and have changed for the better (thank god). Jennifer on Instagram J.E.T Fitness Training /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Jennifer Geller has been in the ensemble of Hamilton since 2017 on the first national tour and she is currently on Broadway. In her first episode Jennifer talks about her fantastic experience with Bring It On and how amazing it was to tour North America and Japan doing a show she loves so much. Bring It On would eventually lead to an invitation to audition for Hamilton, but we have a lot of ground to cover before we get there including rescue dogs, deviated septums, physical therapists, and why you just gotta be nice! Jennifer on Instagram J.E.T Fitness Training Ollie's Angels Animal Rescue /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Shonica Gooden (Hamilton Broadway's Woman 4) first joined Hamilton in December of 2015, just in time for the full on Hamilton madness with the original cast, including that legendary trip to the White House. Shonica reflects on over ten years of Hamilton, explaining how her life experiences (being a mother, experiencing a pandemic, the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement) have changed her approach to the show. But guess what? She still looooooves it. She loves and respects all the time it took to really get it right and as Shonica says, "they didn't microwave it." Shonica also talks about being a founding member and the Executive Artistic Director of the Black Artists Dance Collective, an alliance of Black dance professionals who vow to uplift, support, inspire, and empower Atlanta’s Black dance community.  Shonica on Instagram The Black Artists Dance Collective Mutha Podcast /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Shonica Gooden (Hamilton Broadway's Woman 4) was born and raised in Atlanta, where she focused on what was supposed to be a thriving modern dance career. She had zero interest in musical theatre and didn't see herself as a triple threat. Luckily, her teachers at DanceMakers of Atlanta did see her as a triple threat and strongly encouraged Shonica to audition for Bring It On. This led to callbacks and work sessions with Alex Lacamoire and Andy Blankenbuehler, and it would prove to be the start of a beautiful friendship with The Cabinet.  Shonica had the incredibly unique experience working with Andy Blankenbuehler in the pre-production phase of Hamilton, and she was one of the dancers Andy called to help him visualize what would end up being the choreography in the show. It was a shock to everyone (especially Andy) when Shonica turned down the opportunity to be a swing when Hamilton was transferring to Broadway. As Shonica explains, it was a terrifying decision that ended up being the right move. Plus, Shonica

This week wraps up my series with John Devereaux, a standby on Hamilton's Philip Tour covering George Washington, King George III, Mulligan/Madison, and Lafayette/Jefferson. Remember when John told the story about booking Hamilton and almost passing on it? Yeah well that almost didn't even happen because this week you'll hear about how John actually did pass on the first audition! Yep, he just wasn't that into Hamilton. But then he heard Wait For It and couldn't stop crying and decided he absolutely had to be in the show. John walks us through his Hamilton process while also giving excellent advice (spoiler: whatever it is, take the note). He's also taking questions from the Patreon Peeps where you'll learn about "the multiverse of KGIIIs" and why he wants to sit down for a hard hitting interview with the real Aaron Burr. John on Instagram John on Tiktok Of Yours Products /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

John Devereaux (standby on Hamilton's Philip Tour) is back for round two and this episode is all about authenticity and being as present as possible. For John, he never wants to "lose his elasticity", so a lot of his work as an actor has to do with constantly learning and being curious about himself and the world around him. This week, John shares stories about what he describes as "being tested" in auditions (...or was it just racism? You be the judge) and discusses his fantastic experience on the Rent 20th Anniversary Tour. From the importance of integrity to the true meaning of legacy to the "do no harm, take no shit" way of life, John is laying it all on the table. John on Instagram John on Tiktok Of Yours Products /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

John Devereaux is currently on Hamilton's Philip Tour covering George Washington, King George III, Mulligan/Madison, and Lafayette/Jefferson. He grew up in Houston, Texas, loving sports and wanting to eventually practice medicine. In high school, he did some friends a favor by stepping in as a last minute replacement but this does NOT mean he was a theatre kid, okay?! In fact, he went out of his way to make sure his bio in the program said that acting was just a hobby and he was *really* an athlete who was going to be a doctor. But we know how this story goes, right? He stepped on that stage and everything changed. Not overnight, of course. This week John talks about realizing he was too squeamish to be a doctor while in the middle of rotations, why a Monopoly reference made him ditch his business major, the beauty of being present on stage, and auditioning for Friday Night Lights. John on Instagram John on Tiktok Of Yours Products /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join

In her third and final episode, Sabrina Imamura ties up how she landed on the Hamilton's Philip Tour after starting with the original Angelica Tour in 2017 and making stops on Broadway (twice), the Eliza Tour (the Los Angeles sit down), and the And Peggy Tour (which kicked off in Puerto Rico). Sabrina explains the importance of gigs that feed you creatively and why doing a show for the sake of it isn't really what she's about. You know what she *is* about, though? More stories about Asian people that don't revolve around war or politics or the fetishization of Asian women and people. Plus, Sabrina goes in on her favorite books with the strongest female leads, why animals are the greatest, vintage project runaway talk, and our plea for JUSTICE FOR NATALIE FROM LOVE, ACTUALLY!! It'll make sense when you get there, I promise. Sabrina on Instagram Sabrina's Fashion Account Sabrina on TikTok /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Sabrina Imamura is back for round two and she's very candidly talking about her experience with anxiety, including having daily panic attacks on stage while performing in Hamilton on Broadway. Sabrina covers it all: what sparked the anxiety, how it attached itself to Hamilton and performing in general, the weight of keeping it all a secret, and how being open about everything led her down a much safer path. The bottom line is that no one has any idea what they're doing and we're all just trying to figure it out. Sabrina has been a swing with Hamilton since 2017 starting with the original Angelica Tour and including stops on Broadway (twice), the Eliza Tour (the Los Angeles sit down), the And Peggy Tour (which kicked off in Puerto Rico), and is currently on the Philip Tour. Sabrina on Instagram Sabrina's Fashion Account Sabrina on TikTok /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Sabrina Imamura has been a swing with Hamilton since 2017 starting with the original Angelica Tour and including stops on Broadway (twice), the Eliza Tour (the Los Angeles sit down), the And Peggy Tour (which kicked off in Puerto Rico), and is currently on the Philip Tour. Sabrina started dancing and playing piano at three years old, with ballet being her first love and main focus. After a lot of success in the world of contemporary ballet and concert dancing, she graduated from the University of Michigan and began auditioning in New York City. Soon after, agents started sending her out for musical theatre. She didn't have a book, she'd never taken a voice lesson, and other than absolutely loving Phantom of the Opera, Sabrina had no *actual* musical theatre experience. Do you think that stopped Sabrina? ABSOLUTELY NOT. She grabbed her "Think of Me" sheet music, used her extensive piano skills to help her rehearse the vocals, harnessed what she called "fake confidence", and she walked into those audition rooms

Today I'm wrapping up with Terrance Martin, the dance captain and a swing currently on Hamilton's Philip Tour (and previously all over the world). This week, Terrance talks about his international experiences with Hamilton, including how exciting it was building up that tour with alums from every production of Hamilton worldwide. He also walks us through the role of a Dance Captain and how the way he focuses on the intentions of each character really informs the way he communicates. He has to know the intricacies of every role while being super tuned into his cast mates so he can give both the show and his fellow actors exactly what they need to kill it on stage.  And on the topic of legacy (because it always comes back to that, doesn't it?), Terrance talks about being a founding member of the Black Artist Dance Collective, a program focused on supporting and connecting Black artists and building the community he never had. /// Terrance Martin on Instagram Terrance Martin VO on Instagram Terrance's Website Th

Terrance Martin is back for round two and while everyone loves feeling seen, is there anything better than seeing your friend absolutely killing it at something they love and you get to hype them up and tell everyone how amazing they are? The answer is no. Terrance's journey to traveling the world as a Hamilton Swing and Dance Captain spans six years and in hearing him talk about his experiences and his friendships surrounding this show, you can tell that the invisible string theory is hard at work in his world.  This week Terrance talks about a life-changing Season of Yes but it took a lot of no's to get there and a lot of them were from Terrance! After a long look at his career and asking himself some very hard questions about how and why he wanted to be a performer in the first place, Terrance called his bestie and announced his retirement. His plan was to "bow out gracefully,” commit to teaching the next generation, and embark on his Season of Yes.  So naturally that's when the Universe jumped in and said

Terrance Martin is a multi-faceted performer and activist, a founding member of the Black Artists Dance Collective, and one of the best conversationalists on the planet. Terrance is currently the dance captain and a swing on the Philip Tour, and previously has been all over the world with Hamilton. It took him six years of auditioning to get there but that's actually great because he got a ton of experience performing in other great shows during that time. We talk a lot about redefining success, and that was all a major part of it. His approach to being a swing is so fun because Terrance has detailed backstories for every role on that stage and gives us a fascinating deep dive on why the psyche of these characters is so important. Shout out to his fellow Capricorns! This week, Terrance also talks about growing up an introvert who wanted to perform while having to learn to fight for his existence as a "Black feminine gay man in the red South." Terrance explains that his voice, his walk, his *light* didn't allo