There are many fine things you can say about the world of Broadway – you can talk for decades about the shows alone (trust us, we pretty much have), and for another few decades about the business of it. But one thing we feel it’s important to remind people about the world of Broadway is just this: Broadway people are awesome.
No, seriously, it’s a good bunch. we’re pretty sure that nobody will ever do this study (and nor should they, really – I mean, come on, work on curing cancer first), but if you were to do a survey of the industries whose people were the most fun to hang out with, we think theater people would come out on top. I mean, think about it – they’re talented, they’re full of interesting info because they absorb huge amounts of peculiar information for each new show they work on, they bond with their fellows easily and often they keep odd hours, and they will definitely, definitely, kill at karaoke, every single time. In short, Broadway people: fun.
If you don’t believe me, then just do a little google search for one of the awesomest people in an industry full of awesome: Lin-Manuel Miranda. He exploded onto the scene as a creator (and star) of ‘In The Heights’, and ever since he’s been happily filling the industry with happy. Procrastinating from working on a show? He’ll make a funny video about it. Defending a casting decision? He’ll write a rap for it. Getting married? He’ll enlist many of his nearest and dearest to participate in a joyous dance number to celebrate his new bride.
And now, he’ll be starring in the Encores! production of ‘Merrily We Roll Along’, which opens tomorrow. And in this interview with Broadwayworld.com, he talks about his upcoming role and his influences, and about working with his vocal coach, our very own Liz Caplan! So give it a read, and we think you’ll be convinced. Broadway: awesome. Lin-Manuel Miranda: awesomer.