Story by Sherry Mazzocchi and Debralee Santos
Photos by E. Abreu Visuals
Lin is leaving.
Miranda Mania was in high gear at the United Palace this past Mon., Oct. 17th. The celebrated star of Hamilton walked the red carpet before the premiere of the new PBS about the making of this century’s biggest Broadway hit.
It was a precisely timed event, as soon he, his family and even their dog Tobillo, will all leave the Heights for London, where he is due to start filming a remake of Mary Poppins with Emily Blunt. But first, Miranda answered a host of inquiries on the carpet that ranged from his favorite childhood Halloween costume (something from his Goth years) to whether he’d pen a musical about the current election (the award-winning librettist said he doesn’t have enough perspective just yet).
The setting was fitting, as Miranda recently contributed $100,000 towards the new DCP projection system, which will provide a high quality film experience for Palace moviegoers.
On Monday, the 2,800-seat theater was packed with uptown residents, fans, media, students and elected officials. State Senator Adriano Espaillat was in the audience. He noted that since Hamilton’s day, politics has always been “a full contact sport,” adding, “I’m glad they’re not having any duels in Jersey, that’s for sure.”
The documentary, Inside Hamilton’s America, is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the musical. Directed by Alex Horwitz, Miranda’s college roommate, it is a rich and layered study of Miranda, Hamilton and how they came to make history together.
It is also likely the only documentary to feature interviews with biographer Ron Chernow, hip hop icon Nas, former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, The Roots’ Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, director Thomas Kail, and House Speaker Paul Ryan, among many others. In the film, Miranda explained that Hamilton reached out from the pages of Chernow’s biography and grabbed him—and basically insisted that he make a musical of his life.
One of the many sincerely glad he did is Oskar Eustis, the Artistic Director of The Public Theater, where Hamilton got its start. He compares Miranda’s genius to Shakespeare. First Lady Michelle Obama enthuses that the play is the best work of art – of any genre – she’s ever experienced.
The many perspectives result in a film that is suspenseful, historical and often hilarious.
It is also intensely personal.
Read more: Princes at the Palace | Manhattan Times
For more information on PBS’ Inside Hamilton’s America, which is scheduled for broadcast on Oct. 21st at 9 p.m., please visit www.pbs.org.
Related:
Uptown Video: Lin-Manuel Spreads Uptown Love On SNL
Say Word: #Ham4Vote – Lin-Manuel Miranda & The Cast Of Hamilton Stand Up For Voting
‘Hamilton’ Star Lin-Manuel Miranda Is Ready for His Next Coup | Variety
Lin-Manuel Miranda Launches Fundraiser At Iconic Manhattan Theatre | Broadway World
The United Palace Featured In NYC Media’s Wonder Theatres Episode
Spend Sundays at the Palace with Lin-Manuel Miranda | Backstage
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