While attending Hamilton: An American Musical on Broadway Friday night (Nov. 19), Vice President-elect Mike Pence was met with boos from the crowd. The response even prompted a retort from Donald Trump.
“Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing,” he wrote. “This should not happen!”
Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing.This should not happen!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016
In response to Pence’s presence, the Hamilton ensemble gave a moving speech calling for an understanding and their hope that the play would inspire Pence to view all Americans as equal.
“We are the diverse America that are alarmed and anxious that you and your administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights,” cast member, Brandon V. Dixon said. “We hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and work on behalf of all of us.”
Tonight, VP-Elect Mike Pence attended #HamiltonBway. After the show, @BrandonVDixon delivered the following statement on behalf of the show. pic.twitter.com/Jsg9Q1pMZs
— Hamilton (@HamiltonMusical) November 19, 2016
In an interview with Broadway.com, Dixon shared that the team instantly came up with the idea once they heard Pence would be seated in the audience. “These are opportunities that you die for,” he said. “It was a message from the producers the creative and the cast. If you have differences, say something! What better place than on this stage telling this story with these people? I hope he thinks of us every time he has to deal with an issue or talk about a bill or present anything.”
Hamilton creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, also showed his support for the cast and their viral statement.
Proud of @HamiltonMusical. Proud of @BrandonVDixon, for leading with love.
And proud to remind you that ALL are welcome at the theater.— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) November 19, 2016
But once again, Trump aimed his words at the performers after the message was a topic of discussion early Saturday morning (Nov. 19), writing, “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!”
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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016