Maya Martin, Editor

PHILADELPHIA – Select La Salle students attended a performance of the “Hamilton” North American Tour on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The students attended the live performance, enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour and experienced a meet and greet.

Members of the history and political science departments as well as the Masque executive board were given the opportunity to see the show for free. Dr. Mark Thomas, of the political science department, and Dr. Stuart Leibiger, of the history department, arranged and organized the trip.

“Hamilton” is the popular musical written by Lin Manuel Miranda who also starred in the original cast as Alexander Hamilton. The show was inspired by the book “Alexander Hamiton” by Ron Chernow.

The musical was released in 2015 followed by the Disney+ release of the show for streaming in 2020. It gained a large following and popularity shortly after its original release in 2015. Since then, the show has been known as a lively, modern interpretation of Alexander Hamilton’s life using a variety of music styles. It is very well known for its use of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and soul music styles.

“Hamilton was really great, and I thank Mark Thomas and the political science department for the opportunity to see how history played out – and we had great seats,” said junior Patrick Malloy.

Members of the Masque’s executive board got a behind-the-scenes tour after the show as well. Eric Mayer, the production’s stage manager, led the tour. During this, the students asked questions and learned more about the show’s operations.

“I had to pinch myself. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the inner workings of professional theater,” said the Vice President of the Masque, Allie Ringsdorf. “Eric Mayer was very accommodating, knowledgeable and slid in a joke or two after a wonderful show run.”

Additionally, the students viewed the costumes, props and inner workings of the show. They had backstage access and were able to take pictures and view the set from on stage.

“I was in awe of how beautiful the set was and was fascinated with all of the technical details used to bring this story to life,” said Ringsdorf.

On Nov. 7, the day after the performance, students who attended joined a Zoom meet and greet with the cast in which they got to know the performers behind the historical roles and asked any questions about the show.

The attending students were very grateful to see and have an in-depth experience for such an impactful show, especially in the “Birthplace of America” – Philadelphia – just a day after election day.