Good news, theatre lovers, the iconic Broadway production of Hamilton is finally making its way to Australia, with Sydney set to host the premiere.

Inspired by a biography of Alexander Hamilton, one of the United States’ Founding Fathers, composer Lin-Manuel Miranda first floated the idea of a theatrical version of the icon’s life more than a decade ago.

In 2015, the production made its debut in an off-Broadway theatre, before production not only saw it transferred to the famed New York City theatre district, but eventually being nominated for a record 16 Tony nominations the next year, ultimately winning 11.

Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton is the story of America then, as told by America now, and has managed to turn an entire generation of history-lovers into theatre-lovers too.

Now, after numerous US performances, a handful of international engagements, and years of pleading, Hamilton is coming to Sydney’s Lyric Theatre in 2021.

As Aussie Theatre reports, the news was announced earlier today by producers Jeffrey Seller and Michael Cassel, creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

“Thank you to everyone in Australia who’s been asking for Hamilton” Miranda explained. “It’s on its way and we can’t wait.”

“The moment I saw Lin-Manuel’s remarkable Hamilton I wanted to share it with Australian audiences,” Cassel noted. “This is musical theatre at its most innovative, original and transformative best.”

As producer Jeffrey Seller explained, the journey to bring Hamilton to Australia has been a long one, dating back to the first Broadway production.

“We have been talking to Michael for three years as well as Stephen [Found], the owner of the venue,” Seller explained.

“We had to get all our ducks in a row with getting our [US] domestic productions in and getting the tours off the ground, and then we had to get London going, but now we are thrilled to be announcing an Australian production.”

“Every producer of a successful Broadway musical dreams of bringing their show to Australia,” Seller added. “I can’t wait to bring this show to Sydney which, like New York City, was built on the shoulders of immigrants.”

Cast details are still unclear, but as The Sydney Morning Herald notes, the production’s London production saw a diverse cast of performers, all with varying backgrounds to help mirror the country’s cultural identity.

In the Australian production, Jeffrey Seller notes that he would love to see Indigenous Australians in the lead roles.

“Can you imagine? Wouldn’t that be incredible,” he said. “Let’s see if we can find someone.”

The Australian premiere of Hamilton is set to take place at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre in March of 2021. While no further details have been made public as yet, prospective audiences can keep up to date with info at the production’s official website.

Check out the production’s iconic song, ‘Alexander Hamilton’:

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine