Cast of Hit Show ‘Hamilton' Talks About Chicago Production

Chicago is the first city outside of New York to mount the super popular and critically acclaimed musical "Hamilton" and Miquel Cervantes has the honor of playing the lead role.

"I called my wife and said I think we may be moving to Chicago," he said with a laugh.

Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the book, music and lyrics. He also played the role of Hamilton.

"Most of the pressure i in getting all the words right," Miranda said. "Because everybody knows the words, from the 5 year olds all the way up.

The show is named after Alexander Hamilton, the very first secretary of the treasury.

"Our entire financial system is based on something that came out of his head," said actress Karen Olivo. "No one probably knew that until they came out to do the show.

Actor Wallace Smith noted Hamilton's rise from modest beginnings.

"I think that's what we all in this country desire to do, no matter where you come from," he said.

"Hamilton" is Jose Ramos' first big break since he graduated from the Chicago Academy for the Arts in 2011, calling the experience "totally insane."

"I left four years ago to pursue my dream and my dream brought me back home," he said. "So, it's awesome."

Director Thomas Kail expounded up on how the production is the story of America's past told with modern cultural flare.

"Hip hop is poetry, hip hop is verse," Kail said. "Hip hop is a way to get really complex ideas expressed in a very compact way, so it makes perfect sense that 'Hamilton' uses to deliver."

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