Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton in the Broadway production. Photo © Joan Marcus

History is Happening

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical Hamilton has redefined the possibilities of the American musical. Now, with its ethnically diverse cast, it is helping change the lie of the land in Australian theatre. Jo Litson talks to producer Michael Cassel and two cast members about creating a distinctly Australian-looking production, and why that’s so important.

In August 2015, Australian producer Michael Cassel woke up to find a text message on his phone from Cameron Mackintosh, saying that he had just been to the Broadway opening of Hamilton and had never had a theatre experience quite like it. “You need to get over here and...