Hamilton is in Kansas City through March 1, and I’ll admit something up front: I may have been the only one in the building who didn’t realize just how Black this touring production would feel.
I’m not a theater novice. I try to catch most of the Broadway touring shows that come near me, with predominantly Black themes or casts. And I knew, of course, that Lin-Manuel Miranda built Hamilton on race-conscious — some call it race-unconscious — casting from the very beginning. The Founding Fathers portrayed by actors of color was part of the show’s DNA.
But knowing that and seeing it are two different things.. FYI: I saw Hamilton in Wichita, and this was not the same experience.
When Alexander Hamilton stepped onto the stage in all his Blackness — nappy afro and all — I was floored. Then came a Black Aaron Burr. Then a Black George Washington. In a sea of overwhelmingly White faces in the audience, I felt, for a moment, like I was the only one taking in what felt like a revelation.
Had it evolved into this? I’m not as researched as some theatergoers, and maybe I should have known what was coming. But what I experienced felt bold and unapologetic.
And then something interesting happened.
I settled in — just like everyone else.
With a proud inner smirk, I watched actors of color command the stage in roles that history books have long painted White. The audience responded not with discomfort, but with applause. By the time the music swelled and the story unfolded, the race of the actors seemed secondary to the humanity of the characters.
That matters.
The Leads
Tyler Fauntleroy as Hamilton
Fauntleroy, who has appeared in national touring productions and regional theater across the country, steps into the title role with confidence. His background in musical theater is evident in how comfortably he handles the rapid dialogue and movement-heavy staging. He brings energy to the role without overplaying it.
Jimmie “JJ” Jeter as Aaron Burr
Jeter has built his career through touring and stage work, and his Burr feels thoughtful and measured. He leans into the character’s watchful nature, offering a steady presence throughout the production.
A.D. Weaver as George Washington
Weaver, a veteran stage performer, carries himself with authority in the role of Washington. His theater experience shows in his poise and stage command, anchoring key moments in the story.
They were good — solid, capable, clearly seasoned performers. I don’t need to oversell it. The point is they belonged there.
Why This Still Feels Big
For decades, opportunities for Black actors in Broadway-level productions were limited, often confined to roles written specifically as Black characters. Hamilton helped crack that ceiling by casting actors of color in the roles of America’s Founders — men who were not only White, but in many cases slave owners.
That choice has not been without controversy.
Some critics argue that casting Black actors as slave-owning historical figures risks blurring difficult truths. Others see it as a powerful reclaiming of narrative space — a way of asserting that America’s story belongs to all of us, even if we were not originally centered in it.
What’s undeniable is that the show has shifted conversations about casting in major productions. It has created more space for actors of color to compete for — and headline — roles once considered off-limits.
Sitting in that Kansas City audience, surrounded mostly by White theatergoers, I realized something else: no one seemed distracted. No one appeared daunted. The story carried us all.
For me, though, it was personal. It was affirming. It was a reminder of how far theater has come — and how much further it can go.
If Hamilton’s presence here signals anything, I hope it’s this: that this kind of casting is not a moment, but a movement. And that in the years ahead, seeing Black actors at the center of America’s biggest stages won’t feel like a revelation — it will simply feel normal. I hope I’m not being too optimistic.
IF You Want to Go
Tickets for Hamilton in Kansas City Tickets to see “Hamilton” at the Music Hall are available on Ticketmaster, but quantities are limited. Ticketmaster also offers verified resale tickets, but at higher prices. Fans can also buy tickets on third-party sites like StubHub and VividSeats, but expect to pay more.