by Keridwyn Deller

A full YEAR ago, The Paramount Theatre announced the Broadway tour of HAMILTON would be returning to Seattle…but we had to wait a full year: until February 2025. Well, friends, it’s finally time! Later this week, I’ll have the joy of seeing this epic show for the second time…and I am particularly hyped to bring someone who has yet to see this show live on stage until now. ✨

This show is immensely engrossing and electrifying. It’s rare I am this excited to see a show that I’ve already seen, but if you check out my review from when I first saw HAMILTON in 2018, you’ll understand why I’ve been looking forward to this week for so long. Tickets and details for HAMILTON in Seattle Feb 4 – March 2, 2025, here.

Recently, I had a chance to connect with one of the talented musical theatre actors in the show, Paul Louis Lessard, who plays King George III in this Broadway tour of HAMILTON.

Here’s our Q&A:

Q: Hi Paul, welcome to Seattle! So: if someone is picking ONE Broadway show to see this Winter, why is HAMILTON the one to pick?

HAMILTON is a Pulitzer Prize winning iconic work of art and arguably the most prolific musical of our time. It’s a truly American tale about the birth of our country and the story of our founding fathers told through the lens of today’s music, connecting that gap between what happened 250 years ago to today with a modern sensibility of storytelling. It’s an auditory and visual feast. The pace is – forgive me – Non Stop. So buckle in and enjoy!
 
Q: How do you imagine an audience member feeling as they head out after the show?

I believe our goal as storytellers is that the audience feels SOMETHING as they head out after a show. We hope you walk out different than how you came in. Inspired, inquisitive, contemplative even perhaps frustrated? True art is meant to start a conversation, whether that’s between you and someone else or you and your mind. If some kind of chord has been struck within you, then the art has succeeded. Also, if what we do onstage allows you to escape and immerse yourself in a different world than the one we are currently in that also speaks to the transformative power of art and theatre. 
 
Q: What’s a memorable moment from a rehearsal or recent performance?

I love our student matinees made possible by the Hamilton Education Program. It’s a way for many young people to see this show for the first time and through an educational lens via their own schools. Young people are vocal and responsive and we love that. Anything that can potentially inspire the youth of this nation is a win for me. Also, walking out to scream and cheers always brings an (internal) smile, even if my outward face is in a disapproving scowl. 
  
Q: What’s a fun challenge about playing your role in HAMILTON?

On paper, King George III only has about 6 1/2 minutes of solo stage time and singing in this 3 hour opus. He has a specific job of coming onstage, by himself, and conveying a viewpoint completely unique to any other character in the show. He speaks to the audience directly as well. It’s a somewhat surreal experience to be waiting backstage and knowing that in 30 seconds you are about to be downstage, by yourself, in a spotlight, in a huge cape and crown and commanding the attention of sometimes 3,500 people. These touring houses can be massive and it’s a little mind over matter when you think of yourself in front of that many people. 

King George III also serves as a source of comic relief and the expectation and love for this character is high! Although you could categorize him as the antagonist, he truly is just another historical figure in this saga with his own hopes, desires, dreams, challenges, and tragedies. He was a colorful and controversial figure in history and it is truly my honor to tell his story and be a small part of his legacy. 
  
Q: What’s something that surprised you about the production or creative process when you were in rehearsals?

I wouldn’t say surprised, since HAMILTON operates at such a high level, but before I started rehearsals I was flown out numerous times for costume and wig fittings and the detail from the designers was truly astounding. Every wig, every costume, every shoe you see is custom made for that actor within a millimeter of their body. There is such care for every detail. I have never felt so beautiful in costumes before. It feels like you are being set up for success because the creative team wants to ensure that you can do your job to the best of your ability and interpretation of the character and they give you room to make that character your own – there is little interest in making you a copy of someone else’s performance. 
 
Q: What’s something you love about a fellow cast member or someone involved with the show?

I love how supportive this company is of it’s fellow members. HAMILTON is about 10 years old and while it is a job at the end of the day, I have found the camaraderie and positive energy of this company inspiring. I was a bit nervous to step into the King’s shoes and from day one I truly felt seen and lifted up from everyone onstage and offstage to do my best. 

Thank you, Paul, for taking the time to share some thoughtful answers to my questions. I can’t wait to see you on stage later this week. – Keridwyn Deller

Paul Louis Lessard (King George III)‘s bio: Thrilled to be here! Okemos, Mich., native. Recent Tour: Jesus Christ Superstar 50th Anniversary (King Herod) to positive international acclaim. BFA, University of Michigan; Interlochen Arts Center; London Dramatic Academy. Thank you and love to Mom, Dad, three older sisters, friends, teachers. Voice teacher. For the queer community and legacy. XO, PL2.@paullouislessard

HAMILTON plays The Paramount Theatre in downtown Seattle from February 4 – March 2, 2025. Tickets here.
he production is also hosting a digital lottery, with a select number of $10 tickets available for each show. Friends of mine entered and won the chance to buy these tickets last time HAMILTON was in town! Worth a shot! 🙂