You quote Burr and Hamilton; you can rattle off all the King Georges; you've taken the Schuyler sister quiz; but how well do you know the kick-ass ensemble of Broadway's Hamilton
?
BroadwayBox gets to know each of the phenomenal performers tearing it up at the Richard Rodgers Theatre a bit better in our new spotlight series. Next up, Carleigh Bettiol, Andrew Chappelle, & Ariana DeBose.
Carleigh Bettiol
(Broadway debut! Understudy for Eliza Hamilton.)
1. Moment in Hamilton I look forward to most each night:
Thayne Jasperson always has something funny to say to me during a very quick moment that we have in 'Helpless’. Sasha Hutchings always tries (and usually succeeds) to make me laugh during serious moments. Anthony Ramos and I always do a silly freestyle dance during ‘Guns And Ships’. Those are just a few!
2. Broadway show that changed my life the first time I saw it:
The first time I saw A Chorus Line. There was something about watching all of those performers dance AND sing AND act, and I loved the music (even though I didn’t understand some of its meaning at the time!).
3. Time period I wish I could travel back and live in for a while:
This is tough, because my first thought is fashion, and there were some many good time periods of fashion…but I think I’d say either 1920s or 1960s. Flapper-esque dresses and all types of embellishments in the ‘20s, and fun mini dresses and boots in the ‘60s!
4. Biggest Hamilton pinch-me moment:
Our opening night party was one of my favorite events yet. Fireworks over the Hudson, a live performance by The Roots, my mom and sister were there, and I had just officially made my Broadway debut in this gigantic hit of a show. I wanted to do it all over again the next day. And the next.
5. My New York City happy place (outside of the Rodgers):
Anywhere in West Chelsea or the West Village. Those quiet (for NYC) tree-lined streets with one gorgeous brownstone after another….thats my fav.
6. Job that got me my equity card:
Playing Val in A Chorus Line at Pittsburgh CLO.
7. Special skill on my resume that I’m most proud of:
Moonwalking. I had to learn when I was on tour with Flashdance and I think it’s pretty cool!
Andrew Chappelle
(Past credits: Mamma Mia! on Broadway, Priscilla Queen of the Desert tour. Understudy for Laurens/Phillip, Lafayette/Jefferson & Mulligan/Madison.)
1. Moment in Hamilton I look forward to most each night:
I love the Kiki moments we have when most of us are offstage and hanging in stage management.
2. Broadway show that changed my life the first time I saw it:
The Boy from Oz.
3. Time period I wish I could travel back and live in for a while:
The ‘70s. Can't you see me twirling in a field with a fringe vest and hopping in a van headed for San Francisco?
4. Biggest Hamilton pinch-me moment:
When Meryl Streep kissed me on both cheeks and talked to me about my performance. WHAT?!?!
5. My New York City happy place (outside of the Rodgers):
The West Village.
6. Job that got me my equity card:
Cinderella at North Carolina Theatre.
Ariana DeBose
(Past credits: Nautica in Bring It On The Musical, Leading Player in Pippin, Motown & TV’s So You Think You Can Dance.)
1. Moment in Hamilton I look forward to most each night:
I love watching Daveed, Oak & Leslie in ‘We Know!’ Three different men that I have learned so much from by watching their process. Plus, that arrangement is fire!!! Props to LAC.
2. Broadway show that changed my life the first time I saw it:
Mary Poppins. #judgeifyouwant. I saw it for the first time early in my senior year. But more importantly, I listened to "Anything Can Happen If You Let It" over and over on the plane to LA to find out if I made the Top 20 of SYTYCD (season 6).
3. Time period I wish I could travel back and live in for a while:
As crazy as the world is now, I don't think I'd want to live in any other time. Women have more opportunity now than ever!
4. Biggest Hamilton pinch-me moment:
Meryl & Angela Bassett. Meryl because she's just divine & beautifully human... Growing up I quickly identified with Angela's work—she's strong, beautiful & brown! They can do anything!
5. My New York City happy place (outside of the Rodgers):
My couch with my cats :) #proudcatlady
6. Job that got me my equity card:
Bring It On the Musical, ATL premier.
7. Special skill on my resume that I’m most proud of:
Flag & rifle work:) I spun on color guard in high school. I felt real badass to say the least.
See this talented trio in 'Hamilton' at Broadway's Richard Rodgers Theatre, and check back to meet the rest of the crazy-talented 'Hamilton' crew.
