BURBANK (CNS) - The filmed version of the acclaimed original Broadway production of “Hamilton'' begins streaming today on Disney+, more than 15 months before its planned theatrical debut.
The performance captured in the movie was filmed in June 2016 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway, starring show creator Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton, Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson and Renee Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler.
The film, directed by Thomas Kail, is described by Disney as “a leap forward in the art of `live capture,' which transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a uniquely intimate way.''
“I'm so proud of how beautifully Tommy Kail has brought `Hamilton' to the screen. He's given everyone who watches this film the best seat in the house,'' Miranda said.
“I'm so grateful to Disney and Disney+ for reimagining and moving up our release to July 4th weekend of this year, in light of the world turning upside down. I'm so grateful to all the fans who asked for this, and I'm so glad that we're able to make it happen. I'm so proud of this show. I can't wait for you to see it.''
An online watch party where viewers can tweet along with the cast members using the hashtag #Hamilfilm, is set to begin at 4 p.m., preceded at 3:30 p.m. by a preshow.
A behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of the film, “Hamilton: In-Depth with Kelley Carter,'' will also begin streaming on Disney+ Friday. It features journalist Kelley L. Carter hosting a roundtable discussion with Miranda, Diggs, Goldsberry, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, four other cast members and Kail about the musical's origins, its significance in pop culture, and how its story and portrayal of historical events resonate with the modern-day discussions about social injustice and systematic racism.
“Hamilton'' won 11 Tony Awards in 2016, including best musical, and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for drama.
“No other artistic work in the last decade has had the cultural impact of `Hamilton' -- an inspiring and captivating tale told and performed in a powerfully creative way,'' Robert Iger, executive chairman of The Walt Disney Co., said in a statement.
“In light of the extraordinary challenges facing our world, this story about leadership, tenacity, hope, love and the power of people to unite against the forces of adversity is both relevant and impactful.''
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