Alaska audiences were forced to “wait for it” for several years.
“Hamilton,” the Tony-award winning musical “Hamilton” has made its way across Broadway to Anchorage this past week, presenting productions in The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts between mid-August and September. 10.
The musical is a story about the birth of the United States from the perspective of the nation’s the first Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, blending show songs and ballads with hip-hop as well as R&B.
Pierre Jean Gonzalez starred as Hamilton in Hamilton in Anchorage show. He spoke to the Alaska Public Media’s Wesley Early about his experience performing”the “$10 Founding Father Without a Father” show to stage on the Anchorage stage.
Listen:
This video interview is edited lightly to increase clarity and length.
Wesley The Early Years:So what’s it like to portray Hamilton and why did you choose to play this role?
Pierre Jean Gonzalez:I I mean, everyone would want to be Hamilton isn’t he? The first time I watched the show, it sort of blew me off. It’s a story I’ll always remember telling a friend as we sat there when I said, “Oh, God, I’m not able to play Hamilton. Who else could I portray for the stage production?” Right? It’s like talking about it. As actors We always think about, “Who’s my person? Perhaps I could be Philip/Laurens. Let’s think about the possibility of doing this.” (In”Hamilton,” the show the roles from John Laurens and Phillip Hamilton are usually performed with the exact same actor.) When I think of the moment I was in, and I’m the same way, as if I were Alexander Hamilton in “Hamilton.” Every time I’m on stage and I’m always having that moment when my inner child is completely blown away. I’m always crying over “Yorktown.” It’s true I’m an actor who criers. That’s why I’m aware of the very first people who are in the first couple rows I’ve been watching them go very hard. It’s been an experience that’s mind-blowing. I am extremely grateful. I feel extremely fortunate. I am extremely fortunate. I’ve been working my tail off to make it here. You see, I began as a standby in the beginning of the company which was an understudy for Hamilton, Burr and the King. Then I was promoted to the position of Hamilton and was expected to start in the month of March in 2020. Let that sink in. Yes, March 2020, it was the same as March 24. I was supposed debut in Toronto. It’s true that two weeks can turn into three years, then into 18 month, isn’t it? When we returned to open it in The Fox Theater in Atlanta, it was an amazing experience and significant moment for me and everyone else who looks like me. You see, I’m an out, gay and out Afro-Latinx guy. I’m determined to ensure that people can see me as a prominent man, representing everything I am. That’s why it’s so important to me.
Wesley Early:Yeah I was going to say that Lin Manuel-Miranda, the author and the original performer of the musical has stated “Hamilton” as being a narrative about “America that was then told by America today.” This means that most of the historical characters in the show which are all white, are depicted by people from different races. Being from Dominican as well as Puerto Rican descent, how would you describe your experience as a new actor?
Pierre Jean Gonzalez:I believe it’s the magic in the production, don’t you think? It’s a declaration. I’m feeling extremely powerful. And I am very at one with the show. Do you know what I’m talking about? I believe it’s difficult for many people to comprehend that there is a diversity in there are many different cultures in the United States. It’s not just me talking about my New York experience, you know, New York is really varied. When I was traveling with this organization, I’ve had the chance to go to a number of different places that are located in Middle America and a lot of cities that are in the United States. There are many places that aren’t as varied in comparison to New York. It’s all about, this show gives viewers the opportunity to watch people who aren’t like them, playing extraordinary, powerful characters. That’s one of the reasons why people love the show. I believe that’s part of the appeal for the audience. Also, I believe that we’re repairing many of the wounds of people who are of color not seeing themselves as leaders as women. Or as power-hungry and only seeing themselves as for instance when you examine my resume before I appeared on “Hamilton,” it was like Dishwasher Thug No. 2 Assassin, Bad Guy Thug No. 3. Do you know what I’m talking about? That’s why I had to fight for my job to make it happen. In all times, you have to be paid and that’s the way it should be. Therefore, I accept the positions however, I realized at some point I would have to make use of this platform to play Hamilton to open up more opportunities for people who are like me.
Wesley The Early Years:Have you been to Alaska previously? What were your experiences? Do you believe “you’ll come back?”
Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Ha! Absolutely. First of all the views are amazing. I’m talking about, I took an excursion the other day. We took the helicopter towards the dog sledding area, and then, we walked through the glaciers. And I’m still on top of the glaciers. I’m guessing Alaska… The Alaskans… was not prepared. I didn’t even know. I didn’t know. As a young boy who was raised in the housing projects of the Bronx I could never have imagined that I’d find myself here. It’s not just about playing Hamilton or even having the privilege of being Alaska. That’s something that’s undiscovered for the majority of people I have known since childhood. They’re stuck in the same place. This has opened my eyes and mind to many things.
Wesley Early:How did the Alaska people reacted to the show in person?
Pierre Jean Gonzalez:They’ve been awe-inspiring. The crowd here is glowing. They’re enjoying the show. We’re getting immense affection from our hosts. And I’m incredibly grateful for the folks who return. I’m always able of catching a couple people who have come several times. And we had the opportunity to meet some people who walked into the backstage area to told us that they had driven for eight hours or flew or took two planes in order to arrive and this was the second time they’ve been to the show. This is why I feel the excitement and know the significance of the show for me to be in Alaska.
Wesley early:And it’s time to inquire whether you have a favourite song in the series? Could you tell us how it relates to the story overall for those who aren’t familiar with it?
Pierre Jean Gonzalez:I am in love with “We Know” to the point of being something like “The Reynolds pamphlet.” This is like my… It’s deliciously fleshy. It’s so similar to, “fuuu …” Oh I’m sorry for my English. It’s just similar to “Oh man!” And then also I’m aware that there are 20 minutes left to the show.
Wesley Young:Could you sing a small portion of it for us?
Pierre Jean Gonzalez:My most favorite song track is “We know” because it’s perfect for Bronx. “She attracted me. She escorted me to bed, and then when she put me in the corner, that’s when Reynolds demanded an unsavory sum I paid him each quarter.” It’s similar to the hip-hop genre. It’s directly from Bronx. It’s where I call home. The music and rhythms are a reflection of who I am 100 100%.
