The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast

Gillian Pensavalle

In this podcast about all things Hamilton, host Gillian Pensavalle speaks with guests, and sometimes co-host/all time husband Michael Paul Smith, about the innerworkings of the show, how it came together, what it takes to put on all around the world, finding Hamilton references in everyday life, and much more. The Hamilcast has played host to every member of the original creative team, aka "The Cabinet", including repeat visits from Hamilton creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Hamilcast features interviews with cast members from every Hamilton tour, Broadway, and UK company--crew members, musicians, creatives, and the hard working people behind-the-scenes that keep the production alive. Plus: historians, super fans, celebrity Hamilton enthusiasts, and group cast recordings! When I started this podcast in January of 2016, I could not have imagined the incredible community that has grown around the show and the amazing experiences that have come my way. Thank you to everyone who has listened, appeared on the show, contributed, or reached out in any way. This podcast is for you and I absolutely love making it. If you have any great Ham stories or funny references that you've come across, let me know! Email TheHamilcast [at] gmail [dot] com, or contact me on social media @TheHamilcast. I also have a Patreon that has given rise to the loveliest corner of the internet, ever. You can learn more about how to be a part of that lovely corner, and how to submit questions to guests, and to be part of my monthly AMA's at https://www.patreon.com/TheHamilcast read less

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#444: Jisel Soleil Ayon // The Schuyler Sisters on Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part One

#444: Jisel Soleil Ayon // The Schuyler Sisters on Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part One

Jisel Soleil Ayon (Hamilton's Philip Tour) is here for two fun, authentic, and very honest episodes. Jisel grew up watching old musicals and performing as a kid but then she hit college where they do the ridiculous thing of making teenagers pick a major?! Insanity! While Jisel loved performing, she also wanted a job where she could make a living, so she took her passion for American Sign Language and studied speech pathology and speech therapy. During her second semester, she was cast as Daniela in In the Heights and everything changed. She switched schools, focused on performing, and her career has been thriving since she graduated. Jisel speaks very candidly about her initial apprehension towards Hamilton, her unexpected casting as a standby for the Schuyler sisters, and how being on tour as an offstage cover can actually be very lonely, especially for a self described "extroverted extrovert." /// Jisel's Linktree Mixed in the Arts Podcast Mixed in the Arts on Patreon /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Episodios

#444: Jisel Soleil Ayon // The Schuyler Sisters on Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part One

#444: Jisel Soleil Ayon // The Schuyler Sisters on Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part One

Jisel Soleil Ayon (Hamilton's Philip Tour) is here for two fun, authentic, and very honest episodes. Jisel grew up watching old musicals and performing as a kid but then she hit college where they do the ridiculous thing of making teenagers pick a major?! Insanity! While Jisel loved performing, she also wanted a job where she could make a living, so she took her passion for American Sign Language and studied speech pathology and speech therapy. During her second semester, she was cast as Daniela in In the Heights and everything changed. She switched schools, focused on performing, and her career has been thriving since she graduated. Jisel speaks very candidly about her initial apprehension towards Hamilton, her unexpected casting as a standby for the Schuyler sisters, and how being on tour as an offstage cover can actually be very lonely, especially for a self described "extroverted extrovert." /// Jisel's Linktree Mixed in the Arts Podcast Mixed in the Arts on Patreon /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#443: Eddie Ortega // Mulligan/Madison on Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part Two

#443: Eddie Ortega // Mulligan/Madison on Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part Two

Eddie Ortega (Hercules Mulligan and James Madison on Hamilton’s Philip Tour) is back for round two and this week Eddie talks connecting to his roots in the Dominican Republic, recounts his awesome time in Chicago (singing at the National Anthem and going to restaurants in The Bear), and we do a deep dive into our astrological charts. Plus, Eddie takes questions from the Patreon Peeps including his fellow cast member Lucas Babcock, who asks him to breakdown his process for "We Know." Eddie on Instagram Eddie's Website /// Eddie Ortega, Marcus Choi, and Jared Howelton performing the National Anthem at the Chicago Bulls game Asia Ward on Spotify /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#442: Eddie Ortega // Mulligan/Madison on Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part One

#442: Eddie Ortega // Mulligan/Madison on Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part One

Eddie Ortega (Hercules Mulligan and James Madison on Hamilton’s Philip Tour) is here to tell you what can happen if you work hard, *really* love what you do, and stay focused. In his first episode, Eddie talks about growing up in Florida and discovering his love of theater as a teenager. After being rejected from Florida State University, he did everything he could to get accepted and start building his career. From making his Dominican-born parents proud with his award-winning performance in Usnavi in In the Heights to seeing the world performing on a cruise ship, all roads seemed to lead to Hamilton. Eddie on Instagram Eddie's Website /// Lin-Manuel Miranda Performs at the White House Poetry Jam: (8 of 8) Eddie Ortega, Marcus Choi, and Jared Howelton performing the National Anthem at the Chicago Bulls game /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#441: Lucas Babcock // Laurens/Philip on Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part Two

#441: Lucas Babcock // Laurens/Philip on Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part Two

Lucas Babcock (John Laurens and Philip Hamilton on Hamilton's Philip tour) is back to talk about how booking Hamilton right out of school "was like jumping on a moving train." This week, Lucas dives into his favorite Hamilton moments and takes questions from the Patreon Peeps where he talks about his favorite hidden gems from his time traveling the world and why he absolutely loves going to Ren Faires. /// Lucas on Instagram Lucas's Website Elizabeth Babcock: Lucas's mother, founding director of the upcoming Smithsonian Women's Natural History Museum, and living legend. /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#440: Lucas Babcock // Laurens/Philip on Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part One

#440: Lucas Babcock // Laurens/Philip on Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part One

Lucas Babcock plays John Laurens and Philip Hamilton on Hamilton's Philip tour and in his first episode he talks about growing up playing sports, his strong interest in sociology and political science, and navigating the musical theatre world as the new kid who knew more about baseball than Sondheim. While Lucas auditioned for Hamilton (the first musical he'd ever listened to, by the way), he was able to see the world as a cruise performer and felt seen doing a production of Next to Normal that mirrored his own life in many ways. /// Lucas on Instagram Lucas's Website Elizabeth Babcock: Lucas's mother, founding director of the upcoming Smithsonian Women's Natural History Museum, and living legend. /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#439: Meghan Faddis // Hamilton on Tour // Part Three

#439: Meghan Faddis // Hamilton on Tour // Part Three

As I wrap up with Meghan Faddis (Hamilton Chicago and touring companies) you're getting some hot takes on beloved musicals, you'll learn about how she almost ended up a professional soccer player, there's lots of love for her dog Spencer, and you'll hear the story of how "Expert Hula Hooper" ended up on her resume. Plus, Meghan loves and knows the lyrics to a ton of early 2000s hip hop and talks about how inspired she is by the amazing women putting out her new favorite music with super honest lyrics. Meghan on Instagram Meghan on TikTok Meghan's Website /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#438: Meghan Faddis // Hamilton on Tour // Part Two

#438: Meghan Faddis // Hamilton on Tour // Part Two

Meghan Faddis (Hamilton Chicago and touring companies) continues to speak about her experience in the entertainment industry as a whole, especially as a woman: from navigating internalized standards and pressures, to realizing that "No." is a complete sentence, and finally deleting all of those damn exclamation points in emails #IYKYK. And while Meghan doesn't have all the answers, talking about mental health in the theatre world is a super important step towards making the very necessary changes. After spending four wonderful and fulfilling years with Hamilton, Meghan made the careful decision to leave the show and focus on being home to reset, regroup, and branch out creatively. It was time to take everything she learned from Hamilton and apply it to different art forms and different ventures. Meghan has fallen in love with working with the new generation of artists by way of dance competition judging and I promise you the conversation is super fun, educational (at least for me!), and really inspiring! You might have seen one of Meghan's viral judging videos on TikTok, and she breaks down the whole experience. We're finally getting the new wave of teachers the kids deserve! Meghan on Instagram Meghan on TikTok Meghan's Website /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#437: Meghan Faddis // Hamilton on Tour // Part One

#437: Meghan Faddis // Hamilton on Tour // Part One

Meghan Faddis spent four years as swing in Hamilton, starting in Chicago and then moving to the touring companies. While she's been dancing professionally since she was six years old, Hamilton was her first time swinging and to say she learned a lot is quite an understatement. Hamilton has her favorite style of dance and she was (and still is) thrilled to be part of the show. This week Meghan talks about the balance of looking at Hamilton's intricate choreography as a puzzle, focusing on both the big picture and the endless details. Meghan's first episode kicks off a very real and necessary conversation about the overwhelming work of a swing as she talks about learning Woman 1 in real time in the middle of a performance (yep, read that again), the time she did the show while suffering from food poisoning, the lack of mental health resources in the theatre industry, and the importance of being your own advocate. Yes, swings are seen as superheroes but they are also humans, which begs the question: just because someone *can*, does it mean they *should?* Meghan on Instagram Meghan on TikTok Meghan's Website /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#436: Nick Sanchez // Hamilton's Philip Company // Part Three

#436: Nick Sanchez // Hamilton's Philip Company // Part Three

Booking Hamilton made Nick Sanchez (Hamilton's Philip Tour) feel kind of crazy (I get it) but being on that stage finally served as a release from the negative voices of the haters that had been haunting him since college. This week, he talks about his Hamilton experience and why it changed the trajectory of what he felt he was capable of doing. The beauty of Nick's story is that it proves that as cheesy as it sounds, you really can do whatever you want to do in your life and you don't have to be trapped in just one thing. For example, while Nick is on tour he is also in the process of renovating a house that has been abandoned for 30 years! Plus, Nick takes questions from the Patreon Peeps and offers to be your tour guide in Puerto Rico. Nick on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#435: Nick Sanchez // Hamilton's Philip Company // Part Two

#435: Nick Sanchez // Hamilton's Philip Company // Part Two

This week, Nick Sanchez (Hamilton's Philip Company) talks about how Hamilton has reached the point that superfans of the show are auditioning for and booking it, which is what happened to him with Rent. From Rent, Nick joined Tarzan on Broadway and then went on tour with Mary Poppins (and we can't forget his time with But I'm a Cheerleader and Altar Boyz). At 30 years old, Nick decided he'd reached the top of his career and left show business. After flirting with the idea of being on Masterchef (!!!), Nick tackled the world of interior design in New York City. But the stage kept calling him, and after a trip to Margaritaville on Broadway and a stop uptown (of course In the Heights is involved!), Nick finds himself auditioning for Hamilton. Nick on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#434: Nick Sanchez // Hamilton's Philip Company // Part One

#434: Nick Sanchez // Hamilton's Philip Company // Part One

Nick Sanchez has been Man 5 on Hamilton's Philip Tour for almost six years. When not performing as Man 5 he also covers Alexander Hamilton, Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, Charles Lee, James Reynolds, and more. Almost on a whim, Nick auditioned for Rent on Broadway at 15-years-old. Amazingly, that led to a series of auditions and callbacks that would culminate in Nick making his Broadway debut in Rent in 2004. Since then, Nick has had a full career swinging and understudying on Broadway and on tour around the country. He also stepped away from the industry for a few years to be an interior designer but we'll get to that later. This week, Nick tells his Rent story as we commiserate about the loss of The Life Cafe (RIP), bond over a shared love of doo-wop tunes, and vent our mutual disdain of adults in education telling teenagers what they definitively can and cannot do in their careers. Get out of their way and let them learn and thrive, you jerks! Nick on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#433: Cherry Torres // Hamilton on Broadway // Part Three

#433: Cherry Torres // Hamilton on Broadway // Part Three

As we wrap up our chat, Cherry Torres (currently Hamilton on Broadway, previously the Angelica Tour) drops the curly hair routine, tells me about her passion for teaching, explains why she loves Eliza's "Lord of the Rings" robe so much, and she's taking questions from the Patreon Peeps (many of whom have seen her in the show)! Plus, Cherry talks about the unforgettable experience starring in Evita in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was able to perform in a place that means so much to her with her friends and family in the audience... including her Grammy Award winning legend of a grandfather, Wisón Torres! Regálame Esta Noche - Los Hispanos Quartet Cherry on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#432: Cherry Torres // Hamilton on Broadway // Part Two

#432: Cherry Torres // Hamilton on Broadway // Part Two

Cherry Torres (currently Hamilton on Broadway, previously the Angelica Tour) is back for round two! After four years traveling the world on cruise ships, Cherry was ready to plant her roots and move her career to dry land. Rock of Ages led to Cherry's Hamilton process, which continued as she performed her dream role of Nina in In the Heights and booking a gig for Disney. From auditioning for Hamilton Puerto Rico to eventually going on tour with the show, Cherry explains how her life led her to an absolute rollercoaster of emotions: pure elation, an unbelievable amount of grief, completely understandable anger, and what it's like to work through it all. Hint: women friendships are so special and valuable! Girlhood is alive and well and we love it! Cherry on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#431: Cherry Torres // Hamilton on Broadway // Part One

#431: Cherry Torres // Hamilton on Broadway // Part One

Cherry Torres is currently an ensemble member in the Broadway production of Hamilton covering all three Schuyler Sisters, and was previously on the Angelica Tour. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cherry discovered her love of performing when she moved to Florida at 12 years old. From there, she went to the famous Berklee College of Music in Boston and then traveled the world performing on cruise ships. We talk about all of that in this episode but we also take a few detours to discuss Nick at Nite reruns from our childhoods, our gratitude for being technologically savvy millennials while reminiscing about what it was like to physically hang up a phone, and compare and contrast our neurodivergent tendencies. Please don't take our handwritten notes and lists away from us! Cherry on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#430: Jordan Frazier // Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton West End // Part Two

#430: Jordan Frazier // Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton West End // Part Two

Welcome back to another episode of the neurospicy hour, my friends! Jordan Frazier (Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton's West End production) is back to infuse equal parts energy and love into your podcast feed. This week, Jordan talks about sailing off to London and navigating auditions, her visa situation, and the eventual COVID lockdown. She will eventually find an apartment she loves (hello Brixton!) and start her Hamilton adventure, where she was originally Woman 5 (covering Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler) and after a few years of being a cover, a standby, and leaving the show three times, she lands Angelica Schuyler full time. Jordan also talks about her two vocal cord injuries including how she came back stronger than ever, and why vocal health should be taught in schools all over the world. Plus, Jordan takes questions from the Patreon Peeps and tells us the causes she's passionate about, the things she's hyperfocusing on at the moment, the importance of humility on stage, the difference between loving and living love, and why she wants everyone to have their own vine and fig tree. Jordan on Instagram Aroma Sanctum Perfumes /// Jordan was previously on the London party episodes from 2022, which can be heard here: #335: Hamilton West End Party Recording! // Part One #336: Hamilton West End Party Recording! // Part Two #337: Hamilton West End Party Recording! // Part Three #338: Hamilton West End Party Recording! // Part Four /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#429: Jordan Frazier // Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton West End // Part One

#429: Jordan Frazier // Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton West End // Part One

Hailing from North Carolina, Jordan Frazier is currently Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton's West End company. Jordan always knew she was an artist and a creator and grew up leaning into all kinds of interests as they presented themselves to her: music production, acting, dancing, songwriting, filmmaking, etc. In this episode, Jordan describes her frustrating experience at college, including her journey as a Black woman in the entertainment industry and her distinct ability to fit a mold... and then shatter it. Jordan's life is filled with that she calls "Divine redirection." After temporarily moving on from musical theater she spent some time studying Communications, making and starring in over a dozen short films, and working as a production assistant on The Walking Dead. Her journey to London starts on a cruise ship, where she had been working several contracts as the lead singer of the house band. After being introduced to UK-based representation by a friend, Jordan is off to London where everything starts falling into place. Jordan on Instagram /// Jordan was previously on the big London party episodes from 2022, which can be heard here: #335: Hamilton West End Party Recording! // Part One #336: Hamilton West End Party Recording! // Part Two #337: Hamilton West End Party Recording! // Part Three #338: Hamilton West End Party Recording! // Part Four /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#428: Alexis Hasbrouck // Swing on Hamilton's North American Tour // Part Two

#428: Alexis Hasbrouck // Swing on Hamilton's North American Tour // Part Two

Alexis Hasbrouck (a swing on the North American tour of Hamilton) is back for round two! This week Alexis talks about joining Hamilton's well established tour which was equal parts incredible and terrifying, and explains how her brain processes all the details a swing needs to know. You'll also hear about the once in a lifetime trip she and some casemates took to Alaska where they saw all kinds of wildlife, kayaked by a glacier in a torrential downpour, and most importantly THEY WENT DOGSLEDDING! And speaking of dogs, on this podcast we *do* talk about Bruno (Alexis's adorable rescue pup). Plus, Alexis takes questions from the Patreon Peeps and talks more about tour life and the people who inspire her. Alexis on Instagram AlexisHasbrouck.com /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#427: Alexis Hasbrouck // Swing on Hamilton's North American Tour // Part One

#427: Alexis Hasbrouck // Swing on Hamilton's North American Tour // Part One

Alexis Hasbrouck is currently a swing on the North American tour of Hamilton and my guest for the next two episodes! Alexis has been dancing since she was three years old, studying absolutely everything: ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, pointe, musical theatre dance, contemporary, lyrical, you name it. This week, Alexis talks about the musical theatre program at Rider University (which she loved!) and taking a year off to do Cats on the Royal Caribbean Oasis cruise ship. By the time Alexis was ready to finish her last semester, COVID hit and her whole college experience moved online. While Alexis waited for the entertainment industry to open back up she found her second true love: teaching elementary school special education, which she hopes to return to someday. After leaving what Alexis describes as a very toxic atmosphere doing Cats, she joined the first national tour of Moulin Rouge and had an incredible time. She was so thrilled to be a part of it, she learned everything she could, and she never took a second of it for granted. All the while, Hamilton kept calling... Alexis on Instagram AlexisHasbrouck.com /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#426: Alex Nicholson // Standby on the Philip Tour // Part Three

#426: Alex Nicholson // Standby on the Philip Tour // Part Three

Today I’m wrapping up with the Philip Tour’s Alex Nicholson. Alex covers Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Mulligan/Madison, King George III, and George Washington. He’s performed with Hamilton on Broadway, all over the country with the And Peggy and Philip Tours, and the show even gave him his first professional credit in his home country of Canada. This week, Alex talks about the full experience of being on tour with Hamilton including going from the And Peggy tour to joining the Philip Tour, spending a few months in Chicago as Man 6 and doing a Burr Bootcamp (and going to amazing restaurants), and how he realized he absolutely loves being a full time standby. Alex Nicholson on Instagram Uncle Charlie's Finer Diner /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

#425: Alex Nicholson // Standby on the Philip Tour // Part Two

#425: Alex Nicholson // Standby on the Philip Tour // Part Two

Alex Nicholson is currently on the Philip Tour covering Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Mulligan/Madison, King George III, and George Washington. His Hamilton journey begins in 2017 and will lead him to his Broadway debut, traveling the United States, and allowed him to reclaim Toronto after a traumatic college experience. In between Hamilton auditions, Alex was thriving in the regional theatre world performing in shows like Ragtime, Jersey Boys, and In the Heights. When 2020 hit he helped his in-laws keep their diner alive: the local gem and true definition of a mom and pop joint Uncle Charlie’s Finer Diner in Massachusetts. Alex Nicholson on Instagram Uncle Charlie's Finer Diner /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps