#466: Vanessa Magula // Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part One
Vanessa Magula went from being a Hamilton superfan studying pre-health at UCLA to being cast as the standby for all three Schuyler sisters on the Philip tour. No, for real. Vanessa has always been a self-described theatre kid, evidenced by the fact that Deaf West's Spring Awakening is what inspired her to minor in Disability Studies, but it took her a while to take the leap and be a full time performer. After going to an open call for Hamilton in 2016 and being given a literal golden ticket for a callback, everything changed as Vanessa realized that - whether she booked Hamilton or not - this is what she wanted to do. In between yearly Hamilton auditions, Vanessa thrived in the New York City improv comedy scene and even ended up collecting Yondr pouches during Freestyle Love Supreme's Broadway run. Come join our instant bff vibes as we talk about our love of Hamilton (Vanessa saw it in September of 2015 hello!), Anessa Folds, Utkarsh Ambudkar (UTK), Lin's Warriors, and tons of other stuff. Vanessa on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps
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#465: Paul Louis Lessard // Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part Three
In their third episode, Paul Louis Lessard reflects on their one year anniversary playing King George III on Hamilton's Philip Tour. Booking the show was a surreal experience, but Paul is having the time of his life and has never felt more beautiful than when he's wearing those *perfectly tailored* KG3 costumes. Paul also opens up about the unnecessary shame around vocal injuries and explains that has "vocal athletes", acknowledging issues and taking care of your voice is all part of the gig. Plus, while answering questions from the Patreon Peeps, Paul discusses the value of barbershop quartets, his time making Rent quizzes online in high school (hi Adam Pascal and Daphne Rubin-Vega!), how his King George channels the Queen of Genovia, and why he's a synth pop fan for life. Paul Louis Lessard Paul on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps
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#464: Paul Louis Lessard // Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part Two
Paul Louis Lessard currently plays King George III on Hamilton's Philip Tour and this week they tell us about how playing King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar helped them get there. Paul was admittedly one of those people who had an "aversion" to Hamilton back in the 2016 era, but eventually he was listening to (and falling in love with) select songs like "Take a Break" and "Wait For It." But it was "You'll Be Back" that led him to write a Facebook post way back in 2016 letting the world know that one day he will be playing King George III. It didn't hurt that almost all of Paul's King Herod reviews mentioned a KG3 vibe, which Paul made sure casting knew about when he was auditioning for Hamilton almost eight years later in 2023. Paul Louis Lessard Paul on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps
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#463: Paul Louis Lessard // Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part One
Paul Louis Lessard (he/they) is currently King George III on Hamilton's Philip Tour and this week is all about authenticity. Starting from a very young age, Paul describes the allure of performing as a siren song that was calling to them, even down to the intoxicating smell and feel of the show programs he'd pore over on the way home. Remember that smell?? And the feeling of staying up late on a school night going to a show?! The best. Early in their career, Paul talks about how they truly felt their queerness was used against them, and once you hear about the shortsighted, close-minded jerks he had to deal with I'm sure you'll agree. After some time traveling the world he came back to New York City with a mantra that changed his life: fuck everyone and everything, I'm showing up authentically 100%." And that's when the gigs started rolling in. Paul Louis Lessard Paul on Instagram /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps
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#462: Jennifer Geller // Hamilton on Broadway // Part Three
As I wrap up with Jennifer Geller, she talks about starting and managing a thriving business while *also* performing in Hamilton on Broadway. Plus, her love of croissants, that badass jump rope number from Legally Blonde that's still in her muscle memory, and why we need to stop gatekeeping absolutely everything. It's really not that serious, you guys. Animal Lighthouse Rescue El Faro PR Jennifer on Instagram J.E.T Fitness Training /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps
In this podcast about all things Hamilton, host Gillian Pensavalle speaks with guests, and sometimes co-host/all time husband Michael Paul Smith, about the innerworkings of the show, how it came together, what it takes to put on all around the world, finding Hamilton references in everyday life, and much more. The Hamilcast has played host to every member of the original creative team, aka "The Cabinet", including repeat visits from Hamilton creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Hamilcast features interviews with cast members from every Hamilton tour, Broadway, and UK company--crew members, musicians, creatives, and the hard working people behind-the-scenes that keep the production alive. Plus: historians, super fans, celebrity Hamilton enthusiasts, and group cast recordings!
When I started this podcast in January of 2016, I could not have imagined the incredible community that has grown around the show and the amazing experiences that have come my way. Thank you to everyone who has listened, appeared on the show, contributed, or reached out in any way. This podcast is for you and I absolutely love making it.
If you have any great Ham stories or funny references that you've come across, let me know! Email TheHamilcast [at] gmail [dot] com, or contact me on social media @TheHamilcast. I also have a Patreon that has given rise to the loveliest corner of the internet, ever. You can learn more about how to be a part of that lovely corner, and how to submit questions to guests, and to be part of my monthly AMA's at https://www.patreon.com/TheHamilcast
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