The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast

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 /// Gil

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

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

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

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 lovi

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 fa

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

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 secon

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

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

Alex Nicholson is on the pod!  Alex is currently a standby on the Philip Tour covering: 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 also got to perform in his home country of Canada.  This week Alex talks about his amazing high school experience, healing from the trauma caused by abusive and gaslighting college professors, and the total game changer that was Circle in the Square Theatre School. Alex also explains his work visa situation, opening his own theatre company, and passionately discusses The Real Housewives of both Salt Lake City and New York City. Alex Nicholson on Instagram Uncle Charlie's Finer Diner /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Aisha Jawando (Angelica Schuyler, the UK/Ireland tour of Hamilton) wraps up her series by diving into her full Hamilton experience, including how she originally turned it down. From overcoming her intimidation to finding her (and Angelica's!) voice in a show about men, Aisha takes us on a deep dive into how her personal connection to Angelica leads to a layered, moving, and feminist performance. Plus, Aisha answers questions from the Patreon Peeps and talks about going back to save the day at Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at the last minute, her goal to be on the big screen, and why she doesn't believe in time travel of any kind. Aisha Jawando on Instagram Aisha's Vintage/Pre-Loved Jewelry /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Aisha Jawando (Angelica Schuyler, the UK/Ireland tour of Hamilton) is back for round two, talking about her experience doing The Book of Mormon and Motown, and how she's always a little bit in "swing mode" even when playing a principle role. Aisha also tells the incredible story of originating the role of Alline Bullock and working with the legendary Tina Turner in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. When she eventually took over the role of Tina (from the fantastic Adrienne Warren), Aisha explains how she learned about leading a company, setting boundaries, and rewiring her brain to work outside her comfort zone. Aisha Jawando on Instagram Aisha's Vintage/Pre-Loved Jewelry /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Aisha Jawando (Angelica Schuyler, the UK/Ireland tour of Hamilton) is on the pod! In this episode, she talks about her childhood, her training, and the start of her career, including why she (wrongly!) thought lead roles weren't in the realm of possibility for her. Plus, her side hustle of selling pre-loved jewelry, her connection to her Nigerian culture, and dealing with being on tour as a Black woman. Aisha Jawando on Instagram Aisha's Vintage/Pre-Loved Jewelry /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

This week wraps up my chat with Zach Bravo, a swing on Hamilton’s Philip Tour. He talks about his experience as Rum Tum Tugger on the 40th Anniversary Tour of Cats and he candidly discusses his mental health. Zach is also taking questions from the Patreon Peeps talking about dream roles and superheroes, and Zach leaves us with some very, very inspirational final words. Zach Bravo on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Zach Bravo (Swing on Hamilton’s Philip Tour) is back and this week we’re talking about Zach’s amazing family, his experience at Pace University, and why he’ll always defend Spiderman: Turn off the Dark.  Zach started off not wanting to listen to Hamilton before seeing it but like so many of us… he lost that battle. His first time listening to the album was euphoric and finally seeing the show was fantastic but he was intimidated by the choreography. Fun fact: as that was happening, his mother leaned over in the middle of the performance and said, “I can totally see you in this show.”  This week, Zach walks us through his Hamilton audition process and talks about how booking the show felt like psychosis: after five years of work and stress and auditions they suddenly need him in Detroit… TOMORROW. Zach Bravo on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Zach Bravo (Swing on Hamilton’s Philip Tour) is here! This week, Zach talks about growing up as a Puerto Rican only child in Queens whose whole life changed when he tagged along to his cousin’s dance class. Thanks to his incredibly supportive family Zach grew up training to do what he loves, from performing Aladdin Jr. to thriving at the famous LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts in New York City. Zach Bravo on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

As I wrap up with Billy Nevers (Lafayette/Jefferson on the Hamilton UK/Ireland tour), we kick off with questions from the Patreon Peeps. Billy talks about coming to terms with and taking the power back from problematic founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson, describing the terrifying and exhilarating first moments of starting the show as Aaron Burr, the beautiful madness of being in a cast with so many of his dearest friends, and why we should all be watching every iteration of The Traitors.  Billy Nevers on TikTok Billy Nevers on Instagram Legally Blonde | West End LIVE 2022 /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

In his second episode, Billy Nevers (Lafayette/Jefferson on the UK/Ireland tour) talks about his extensive history with & Juliet, including working with the fantastic Bill Sherman and the prolific Max Martin. Billy also talks about how Legally Blonde was one of the best experiences of his life, how he booked Lafayette/Jefferson for the Hamilton tour, and tells me about the fateful phone call where he was asked a very loaded question: How do you feel about Aaron Burr? Billy Nevers on TikTok Billy Nevers on Instagram & Juliet (Original London Cast Recording) /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Billy Nevers is currently in the UK/Ireland tour of Hamilton playing Lafayette/Jefferson. He’s also in the very rare position of being a principal who covers another principal - he’s the second standby for Aaron Burr, which is pretty unprecedented! Billy grew up in London in a very theatrical family, so he was surrounded by it from a super young age: music was always on, he was always going to see shows, his mom was a drama teacher. His talent and passion were undeniably there from the start but Billy learned early on about the gatekeeping people of color have to deal with when trying to break into this industry. In this episode Billy talks about the BIPOC experience in the arts and education world, how doing what you love is really hard work (and that's a good thing!), and doing Jesus Christ Superstar at an outdoor theater in the summer of 2020. Billy Nevers on TikTok Billy Nevers on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps