As we previously reported, Lin-Manuel Miranda is leaving Hamilton after the musical’s July 9th performance. But thanks to Blake Ross, Editor in Chief of Playbill, we now know Javier Muñoz will be taking over the role as of July 11th!
And the torch is officially passed @Lin_Manuel hands @HamiltonMusical to @JMunozActor July 11 pic.twitter.com/eot97P4FV6
— Blake Ross (@PlaybillBlake) June 16, 2016
Okay, I’ll say it: stage twins!
Here’s what we know so far:
Javier Muñoz has worked with Miranda before
According to USA Today, Muñoz was Miranda’s alternate for his other Tony-winning musical In the Heights. Then, like now, he took over the lead role when Miranda left the show.
But we won’t be getting rid of our favourite Alexander that easily. According to Broadway.com, Miranda will still appear “from time to time.” He will cover the role when other actors’ take vacations.
People already love his Hamilton!
Muñoz has been Miranda’s alternate for Hamilton and repeatedly played the role of Alexander Hamilton on Sundays. He’s also taken over the role when Miranda was not able to. The New York Times even reviewed one of his Sunday performances, saying “Alexander Hamilton is sexy on Sundays.”
“It takes a little longer to warm to Mr. Muñoz’s more aggressive and angular Hamilton, who wields his ambition like a sword. But this interpretation does not upset the balance of a revolutionary show about a revolutionary era that seems better every time I see it.”
He’s performed in other plays, including a rock opera!
While a “decent portion” of Muñoz’s acting career has been as an alternate in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s shows, he has had several other roles. He’s starred in Into the Woods, Richard III, the musical Venice, and a rock opera version of Two Gentlemen of Verona.
He performed for the President and First Lady
On one of Miranda’s days off, Muñoz stepped in as the Founding Father without a father…the night President Obama brought his family to watch the show! According to an interview with Vulture, Muñoz was incredibly honoured to perform for a “president and first lady that I voted for and like!”
Although we will miss seeing Lin-Manuel Miranda on stage more nights a week, Javier Muñoz has more than proven himself!
We have the honour of being your obedient servants, Mr. Hamilton!
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