Marc delaCruz, a Hilo-born actor, takes the lead role of Alexander Hamilton for the first time tonight in the New York company of “Hamilton,” playing at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway. He’s been understudying the character since December.
“I am thrilled,” he said of his debut, in an email exchange. “I understand and appreciate the magnitude of being part of this show, in any capacity, because of the impact it’s made, its immense popularity, and how it’s changed the landscape of theater. I’m certainly filled with anticipation; I’m beyond thrilled and I know I’ll be nervous.
“But there is so much love and care that I feel is just woven into the DNA of this show by Lin (Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Tony-winning creative force who originated the titular character) and all of its creators that is present, no matter who is performing. Hamilton is a big role, but I feel so supported by this generous, warm and loving company and everyone who works in this building. It’s truly a family; we all hold each other up. My goal is to do justice to his groundbreaking material and to be a custodian of its artistry.”
DelaCruz auditioned for the company last summer. Following callbacks from other companies (“Chicago,” national touring companies), he landed, beginning rehearsals in November, and appearing onstage for the first time Dec. 1. “I was floored,” he said.
He appears in the ensemble regularly but understudies Hamilton (currently played by Michael Luwoye), both John Laurence (Act 1) and Philip Hamilton (Act 2) on a split track, and King George III characters. He’s the second islander portraying the Hamilton, on a track similar to Joseph Morales, who was the Chicago Hamilton understudy doing Sunday performances, but later inheriting the title role in a touring company last year.
“The first cover for me to learn has been Hamilton,” he said, so tonight’s debut is monumental. “Lin-Manuel Miranda is a huge inspiration to me. He is a champion of immigrants and all people of color and has done so much to open the door for minority representation in all the arts. I am Filipino — my father emigrated from the Philippines — so there is much in Lin’s writing and in his life that relates to my own family’s story. He is also a leader, someone who encourages compassion, care and community.”
When delaCruz was 4, his parents Roy and Rochelle delaCruz relocated to Seattle but he frequently visited his grandparents in Hawaii. His dad and mom since have returned to Hawaii, now residing in Waimea on the Big Island.
DelaCruz began acting while attending the University of Washington, acquiring an international studies degree but shifting his focus to theater. “Seattle has a vibrant arts scene that gave me many opportunities to learn and perform.” In New York, he did shows with 5th Avenue Theatre, Village Theatre and ReAct, then decided to explore Broadway, where he made his debut in “If/Then” a few years ago.
“Ever since I first heard the cast recording (of “Hamilton”), which echoed the music I grew up with that’s near and dear to my heart, I knew I’d be lucky if I ever got to be part of ‘Hamilton.’ And now, here I am. It’s an unbelievable joy to step onto this stage every night. I am so humbled.”
DelaCruz counts his blessings daily. To those pursuing similar dreams, his advice is sound: “Focus on taking one step at a time and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Have fun. Have goals and work for them. But be ready and remain open to possibilities and opportunities you never expected.” …
WATCH WHAT HAPPENS
To kick off 2019, superstar Bruno Mars gifted his band, The Hooligans, with luxe wristwatches at the tune of $500,000. The musicians each received Audemars Piguet Extra-Thin “Jumbo” Royal Oak, a timepiece Mars wears. Revelation was via Instagram: “My boys continue to show the world what time it is, and a band that sings together blings together!” #AudeMARS #Hooligans #Squad 2019.
The watches were distributed at Mars’ New Year’s Eve gig in Las Vegas. The gift was encased in a box that boasted the logo of 24K Magic Tour, which ended in Hawaii but had a post-closing final adieu in Sin City. …
And that’s “Show Biz.”
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
