PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The national tour of the hit musical theater production “Hamilton” arrived in Philadelphia this week. It’s a show about the founding of America, just in time for the presidential election — bringing with it a University of the Arts grad, Phillip Deceus, who’s in the ensemble.
The cast has been very involved in “get out the vote” efforts and even canvassing while in Pennsylvania.
And Deceus says he’s been feeling the love from audiences.
“I can't even tell people I'm in 'Hamilton' without them going crazy,” he said. “And it really keeps us going - the energy of the crowd, we love it.”
He’s been remembering the last time he was in Philadelphia for a history-making vote.
“It's bittersweet, because I was here when Obama got elected,” he said. “So it's kind of interesting that I will be in Philly again for a very historical year, hopefully.”
Deceus studied dance and was in the tap ensemble at UArts, and he’s excited to be back in his old stomping grounds — but it comes with sadness, following the bankruptcy and closure of the university.
“I'll definitely be reminiscing a lot once I get back. But yeah, it is a sad thing that they had to close,” Deceus said, calling his experience at the historic school something he will never forget.
“Hamilton” has been praised for its inclusive casting, and Deceus says this ensemble is full of diversity and talent.
“Everyone's different, you know, so the crowd gets to see themselves in us,” he said.
“We're doing a lot, you know, while the turntable is turning … we're lifting props, we're lifting each other, we're in the air and we're on the floor, we're literally everywhere.”
“And just the way that everyone works, the camaraderie is just sick. It's the best.”
“Hamilton” is at the Academy of Music through Nov. 23.