Wayne Brady will soon be in the room where it happens. The former “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” star is set to join the cast of the Chicago production of “Hamilton” in the role of Aaron Burr, the man known for killing political rival Alexander Hamilton in the famous 1804 duel.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Brady’s casting “represents the first time that the show has employed a previously established star name in any role (aside, that is, from the creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda).” The Chicago cast currently includes Miguel Cervantes as Hamilton, Karen Olivo as Angelica Schuyler, Ari Afsar as Eliza Hamilton and Alexander Gemignani as King George III. The cast also features Chris Lee, Jose Ramos, Wallace Smith and Samantha Marie Ware, according to Playbill.
After the announcement was officially made by producer Jeffrey Seller, Brady tweeted that he was getting ready to go back to Chicago for rehearsals. “Getting ready to get back on the plane to Chicago! Rehearsal tomorrow y’all! Thanks for all the good wishes!” He also tweeted a picture of some of the “Hamilton” swag he had already received, including an A. Burr hat.
This is really happening! I'm so glad to be in a business where I can still feel like a kid on Xmas everyday! pic.twitter.com/O6wkz8dpiw
— Wayne Brady (@waynebrady) January 10, 2017
Brady is set to step into the role after Joshua Henry, Chicago’s current Burr, departs the cast to join the “Hamilton” national tour cast. He is set to star in the role from Jan 17 through April 9.
Brady’s previous theatre credits include “Kinky Boots,” “The Wiz” and “Chicago.”
Social Media Reacts to Wayne Brady’s “Hamilton” Chicago Role
The only problem I can see with Wayne Brady playing Burr is that I would expect him to Hoe Down.
— Michelle (@MichelleSBright) January 9, 2017
This isn't something I knew I needed oh my god https://t.co/r7Iznz7rNK
— Luke S (@CantSeeRight) January 9, 2017
i saw wayne brady and now he's part of the hamilton cast :-)
— sam | 43 (@honeybeemish) January 9, 2017
Wayne Brady in Hamilton?! Gotta go see it now.
— ☆Kino( ＾∀＾)☆ (@Art__Kino) January 10, 2017
Wayne Brady as Aaron Burr is… weirdly perfect #Hamilton
— Sarah Benesi (@sarahbenesi) January 10, 2017
OKAY SO WAYNE BRADY IS GOING TO BE IN HAMILTON FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT AND I AM FREAKING OUT
— Joe Greenan (@joey_green_man) January 9, 2017
Wayne Brady is going to perform as Aaron Burr in Hamilton in Chicago and I don't have a ticket and I'm so so sad
— lyz lenz (@lyzl) January 10, 2017
Wayne Brady is going to be playing Aaron Burr in Hamilton….bless this day pic.twitter.com/tZwHFhSwzs
— Micayla (@MicaylaZee) January 10, 2017
What are your thoughts on Wayne Brady joining the cast of “Hamilton” in Chicago? Do you think he will make a good Aaron Burr? Sound off in the comments section below!