Mike Pence endorses 'Hamilton' despite lecture from cast member Those tickets to see "Hamilton" just got harder...
Mike Pence endorses 'Hamilton' despite lecture from cast member
Those tickets to see "Hamilton" just got harder to get. Again.
Despite a lecture from the "Hamilton" cast, Vice President-elect Mike Pence has heartily endorsed the Broadway musical.
On "Fox News Sunday," Pence called it "an incredible production" with "incredibly talented people." He added: "It was a real joy to be there."
On Friday night, Pence took his daughter and her cousins to see the Lin-Manuel Miranda musical about the Founding Fathers, who are portrayed by actors of color. "Hamilton" is the most acclaimed Broadway musical in years and the winner of 11 Tony Awards.
After the musical, Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr, addressed Pence from the stage about "the diverse America" that is "alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us."
The statement was written by composer Miranda, director Thomas Kail and producer Jeffrey Seller with additions from the cast, The New York Times reports.
On "Fox News Sunday," Pence said he heard what was said and was not offended. He added that he knows it's a disappointing time for people who didn't see their candidate win. Pence said Trump means to be the president of all the people.
Pence said he would leave it other people whether the "Hamilton" stage was the appropriate venue for the comment.
But he said people should "go see the show -- it's a great, great show."
"Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace said he agreed and that he and Pence were giving the Broadway musical two thumbs-up.
On CBS' "Face the Nation," Pence repeated his endorsement.
"It's a great show," Pence told John Dickerson. "I'm a history buff. And my hat's off to the cast and to the extraordinary team that brought 'Hamilton' to the public. We really enjoyed being there. And, yeah, I heard the remarks that were made at the end. And, you know ... what I can tell you, I wasn't offended by what was said."
Pence said he wanted to reassure people, including the "Hamilton" actor who spoke, that Trump will be a president for all.
Trump, however, tweeted Sunday morning that "The cast and producers of Hamilton, which I hear is highly overrated, should immediately apologize to Mike Pence for their terrible behavior."
Trump later added: "The Theater must always be a safe and special place. The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize!"
Here's hoping that Pence tells Trump about "Hamilton." It is not highly overrated. It is one of the most important pieces of art to come out of this country in years. And if it gets people talking about the country, that's confirmation of its power.
No comments