cannot stop listening to the CDs

[deird1]

I've spent a fair bit of this morning mentally race-casting an Australian production of Hamilton.

Hamilton is, of course, notable for having its original US cast being largely Latino and African American. Which is awesome - but doesn't translate well to an Australian audience. You see, we don't so much need to be subconsciously reminded about our country's Latinos and African-Americans... because we don't really have either of those people groups. Instead...

Hamilton: Chinese
Washington: Lebanese
Burr: Aborigine
Jefferson (Lafayette): Greek/Italian
Madison (Mulligan): Aborigine
Philip (Laurens): SriLankan
King George: Anglo

I nearly swapped Hamilton and Washington, so that our hero/immigrant was the Lebanese guy, but decided that it was more important to have the visual of a wise, discerning, downright heroic Lebanese guy, and make the Chinese guy the young hothead.

I can't really cast King George as anything other than an Anglo - otherwise it just doesn't work in my head...

And Burr is one of the most prominent people in the show other than Hamilton himself, and I thought that role should belong to an Indigenous actor.

(No idea about the female leads, though.)

Comments

[tielan]

Is it coming to Australia yet?

[deird1]

Rumoured to be coming in late-2019 - but then, it was also rumoured to be coming in 2016...

Whatever city it ends up in, I am buying tickets! I want to see this damn show!

[contrary_cal]

Driveby comment that the only possible Australian casting in my mind for Burr has always been Rob Collins, who played Waruu in Cleverman. Yes, he sings.

And then he can come back in the revival in ten years' time and play Washington.

[deird1]

YES. TOTALLY.

That would work so well.

[jesuswasbatman]

Is there a story from early Australian colonial history that would make a good musical?

[zeborah]

The kangaroo war? <d&r>

[mesotablar]

I'm sure something could be worked up to fit songs into that time before money...when rum WAS money. but it might end up like pub karaoke.
or you know...the gold rush?

[deird1]

The Rum Rebellion or the Eureka Stockage would probably come closest. Both are political rebellions, and fairly interesting.

Nothing quite as epic as the American Revolution, however. Our own Federation as a country was quite polite and civilised...