When the long-awaited Philadelphia run of the Broadway blockbuster Hamilton opens Aug. 27 at the Forrest eatre, it will join four U.S. tours, including Chicago and San Francisco. But the Philly production has one thing other cities don’t, says Frances Egler, senior director of programming. “We are the only city where the show is taking place on the same street where Alexander Hamilton actually lived,” she says, noting the historical plaque that marks the spot where the Founding Father and first treasury secretary lived at 226 Walnut St. It’s this palpable connection between history and theater that makes the hip-hop-infused 11-time Tony Award winner’s arrival in Philly all the more moving. “We see this phenomenal historical figure through the lens of (creator) Lin-Manuel Miranda: the story of an immigrant to America who dreams of making a life and finding love and leaving a legacy,” says Egler. “All of it feels so vital right now. I’ve seen the show four times.” With 95 performances through Nov. 17, there are plenty of opportunities to see Hamilton—and walk in the actual footsteps of America’s most unlikely leading man. Tickets from $129, Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St., kimmelcenter.
Photography by: Photo by Joan Marcus
