Chicago ‘Hamilton’ cast to be led by veterans; Diggs leaving

If he can solve a single murder in a world where technology has made death almost obsolete, he will get a chance at a new life on Earth.

Actress Karen Olivo, a Tony Award victor for “West Side Story” and a Madison resident since spring 2013, returns to the stage this fall in the Chicago production of “Hamilton”.

His unexpected departure follows those of the show’s creator and original lead Lin-Manuel Miranda, as well as Phillipa Soo and fellow Tony victor Leslie Odom Jr.

Meanwhile, Tony victor Karen Olivo, Miguel Cervantes and Alexander Gemignani will headline the Chicago company of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony-winning tuner.

Other notable cast additions include former “American Idol” contest Ari Afsar (Eliza Hamilton), Chris Lee (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jeferson), Jose Ramos (John Laurens/Phillip Hamilton), Joseph Morales (Alexander Hamilton alternate), Wallace Smith (Hercules Mulligan/James Madison), and Samantha Marie Ware (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds).

The news also followed Miranda’s the final performance as Alexander Hamilton in the show’s Broadway run on July 9. The few calls I’ve gone to have felt pretty perfunctory.

Local theater-goers, rejoice!

The Chicago production will open September 27 at the PrivateBank Theatre.

The Chicago Hamilton announcement follows a minor casting controversy earlier in 2016. He’s headed to every movie/show you [love]. “And ‘Hamilton” does require a very specific skill set, and even very specific physical traits, including height. It might be that the demands of this show – being able to do hip-hop, and street dance, and Broadway, and ballet level movement, and act – scared people away. Please see our terms of service for more information.