There's a new $10 founding father without a father in town today.
Understudy for the title character, Hamilton's Jon Rua steps in for the role in today's matinee as both the star and alternate, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Javier Munoz, are out of the show. This marks Rua's debut as Alexander Hamilton.
Rua usually performs in the ensemble and as General Charles Lee, whose delivery of the line, "...go back to planting tobacco in MOUNT VERNON" on the album has made him an internet star in the realm of avid Broadway fans. Rua also understudied Miranda in IN THE HEIGHTS as Usnavi.
Munoz informed fans over Twitter that he was not feeling well enough to do today's show as he was scheduled, but in support of his fellow cast member, Munoz tweeted, "Take a moment to give @JonRua love. #JonRuaTakesTheReins w/ his first kick ass performance as Hamilton is today! @HamiltonMusical #Javilton."
Ensemble member Ariana DeBose tweeted, "Love to my boyz @brandonhudson90 & @JonRua today! Slay the show!!! #firsttimers #Hamilton #bwaydebut #STARS." Brandon Hudson, the show's Swing, took the stage in Hamilton for the first time today. Miranda also tweeted, "Today marks the premiere of @JonRua as Hamilton. Go get 'em Mano. You got this."
The new musical Hamilton has book, music and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also plays the title role. The musical is directed by Thomas Kail, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and music direction and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. Hamilton is inspired by Ron Chernow's biography "Alexander Hamilton."