Lin-Manuel Miranda Reveals ‘Hamilton Mixtape’ Workshop From 2013
Creator shares nostalgic videos from Powerhouse Program featuring early version of Broadway hit
Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.
Read full bio of Sakshi
Image: Instagram
In a nostalgic #Hamiltuesday post, Lin-Manuel Miranda has offered fans a rare glimpse into the early development stages of what would become the cultural phenomenon “Hamilton.” The award-winning composer and actor shared images from the summer of 2013 when the project was still known as “The Hamilton Mixtape.”
The Instagram post features old videos from the New York Stage & Film Powerhouse Program in Poughkeepsie, where Miranda and his team spent several weeks workshopping the production with what he describes as “a murderer’s row of talent.”
Star-Studded Early Cast
The workshop featured an impressive lineup of performers, many of whom went on to become household names. The early cast included Ana Nogueira as Eliza Hamilton, Tony Award-winner Anika Noni Rose as Angelica Schuyler, and Presilah Núñez Davis portraying both Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds.
Other notable participants included Utkarsh Ambudkar as Aaron Burr, Christopher Jackson (who continued with the production to Broadway), Daveed Diggs, and Javier Muñoz as John Laurens. Joshua Henry took on dual roles as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison while also portraying King George III.
In the videos shared by Miranda, we can see the performers in what appears to be a rehearsal space, working through early versions of what would become one of the most celebrated musicals in Broadway history.
From Mixtape To Musical Revolution
What’s particularly significant about this throwback is the reminder that “Hamilton” began its life as “The Hamilton Mixtape” – a concept that evolved substantially before reaching its final form. The musical would go on to premiere at The Public Theater in early 2015 before transferring to Broadway later that year, where it became a global sensation and went on to win 11 Tony Awards.
Miranda also teased more historical content in his caption, writing: “I’ll post pictures from this epic summer workshop NEXT Tuesday.” He added humorously that this week’s post includes clips of “Lac learning to use Vine, and Kail and I attempting to explain what we’re doing.” This likely refers to choreographer Lacamoire and director Thomas Kail, key collaborators in Hamilton’s development.
Hamilton’s Cultural Impact
Since its Broadway debut, “Hamilton” has become more than just a musical – it’s a cultural touchstone that transformed how audiences experience theater. The show’s innovative blend of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional Broadway elements, combined with its diverse casting approach, revolutionized musical theater.
The original Broadway cast recording of “Hamilton” was recently inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress, recognizing its cultural, historic, and aesthetic importance to America’s recorded sound history – a testament to its lasting impact on American culture.
Miranda’s #Hamilten and #Hamiltuesday posts have become a tradition for the creator, who frequently shares behind-the-scenes glimpses and development stories with fans. Just last week, Miranda posted alternative poster designs for Hamilton that were considered before settling on the now-iconic silhouette image.
Miranda’s Ongoing Broadway Influence
Beyond Hamilton, Miranda continues to be a significant force in theater. He recently attended a performance of “Real Women Have Curves” on Broadway, expressing pride in seeing Latino stories and artists represented on stage. In an Instagram post about the experience, he wrote: “The representation we’ve always dreamed of is happening right before our eyes.”
Miranda has also been featured in New York Magazine’s “Yesteryear Issue” celebrating Broadway legends, where he appears alongside icons like Barbra Streisand and Bernadette Peters. The issue honors his groundbreaking contributions to theater, particularly through his role as Usnavi in “In the Heights,” his first Tony-winning musical.
As these old Hamilton workshop videos circulate, they offer a fascinating look at the humble beginnings of what would become a theatrical juggernaut that changed Broadway forever, reminding fans that even the most revolutionary creative works often begin as small, collaborative experiments.
Trivia
Read full bio of Sakshi
