The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast

Manny Schvartzman (Hamilton Music Director and Conductor) is back for round two as he continues discussing his experience putting up Rent in Cuba with Andy Señor, Jr in 2014. The whiplash of going from the shiny, multimillion dollar On Your Feet to a space with daily power outages and a lack of running water was an intense, rewarding, and life changing experience. It taught Manny that anything was possible, and theatre could truly be done absolutely anywhere. If he could do that, he could do anything. After Rent in Cuba and successfully adapting Gloria Estefan's music to a Broadway stage, Manny made his way to Hamilton, which he was a fan of "from day zero." Manny knew about Hamilton before any of us did, and being able to be a part of the show - and to work with his hero Alex Lacamoire - was beyond a dream come true. In this episode, Manny breaks down his super detailed job of Hamilton's music director (and conductor and keyboard player) and it takes us no time at all to become an Alex Lacamoire Appreciation

I hope you're ready for a deep dive on Team Music because Manny Schvartzman is here! Manny is the music director, conductor, and keyboard one player on Hamilton's Angelica Tour. In his first episode, Manny walks us through the early stages of his career, which started at around eight years old, when he started teaching himself to play piano and read music with the goal of being a classical pianist. By the time he was a freshman in high school, the word was out in Miami about kid from Buenos Aires who could play piano like nobody's business. Manny was like Schroeder - all about the classical music - and he couldn't be bothered with musicals like Fiddler on the Roof. But once he got a taste of the collaboration and storytelling involved in the theatre world, he never looked back.  Being his high school's music director at 14 years old was a formative experience and then you combine it with Manny's inherent curiosity, kindness, and relentless work ethic? He's unstoppable.  Manny was summoned to New York to work

Robbie Rozelle wraps up his episodes with the moment we've all been waiting for: Stephen Sondheim stories!! Robbie talks about extensively working so closely with the legend he calls a "deity" and why you always, always (always!) sing what Sondheim wrote on the page.  Robbie also takes us through creating his cabaret shows and explains why it's all about storytelling. Celebrities? Boring. What do YOU have to say? Let's find out what that is and then find ways to lift people up and make good art with and for the ones we love. Oh and we are all over the place so buckle up! We're talking Housewives, Taylor Swift, Scandoval (Team Ariana!), The Traitors (Gabby Windey 4eva we heart you Gaggy), the invisible string theory, and our TikTok FYPs. Robbie Rozelle @DivaRobbie  Robbie Rozelle - Songs from Inside My Locker (Live at Feinstein’s/54 Below) Gabby Windey on TikTok - Gaggy to u Fairuza Balk Taylor Swift - tolerate it   /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon

Robbie Rozelle is back for round two and I think it's safe to say that we are officially off the rails. After passing up lottery tickets to Hamilton at the Public in 2015, Robbie eventually saw it in previews and promptly had an out of body experience, prompting a StubHub debacle the very next day (remember those days?!). Robbie was the creative director of Playbill at the start and eventual astronomical height of Hamilton, so we take a look back on some of the insane fervor of that time and why some of it was probably not very cool (it's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me). Plus, we share stories about being in the room for some very famous on-stage mishaps: breaking the fourth wall in Wicked and Gypsy, a drunk Richard Burton furious that they gave him the curtain during Camelot, Bette Midler mugging with a purse in Hello Dolly!, and the famous Emily Skinner/Linda Eder situation for that one night only performance of Jekyll & Hyde. Robbie Rozelle @DivaRobbie  Robbie Rozelle - Songs from Inside My Locker

Robbie Rozelle is a beloved cabaret artist, director, producer, housewives aficionado, and my friend. He identifies as a Charles Nelson Reilly with a Paul Lynde Rising. And guess what?! We're going back to basics! Robbie joins me in person, in my living room, and we talk about his Hamilton experience as well as pretty much everything else.  As a kid, Robbie fell in love with classic movie musicals (The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, Annie (1982 ONLY), Bye Bye Birdie, Damn Yankees) and became transfixed. By the time he was cast as Scarecrow his freshman year of high school he knew he was going to be a performer. As a young gay kid in the middle of the AIDS crisis, Robbie found hope, joy, and a sense of belonging in theatre, which is why he's made it his life goal to preserve musicals through producing cast and artist albums.  This week, Robbie talks about his journey to New York City by way of upstate New York with a quick stop in Pennsylvania, how he became the Creative Director of Playbill, his transition

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