Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Dad Told Him Not to Sing “Hamilton” at the White House: ‘Go with What We Know Works’ (Exclusive)

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Father Advised Against Singing ‘Hamilton’ at the White House

Renowned artist Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for his groundbreaking work on the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton,” faced a pivotal decision back in 2009 when he was invited to perform at the White House. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Lin-Manuel’s father, Luis A. Miranda Jr., revealed that he initially cautioned his son against singing material from “Hamilton” during the prestigious event.

Luis A. Miranda Jr. recounted his reaction to Lin-Manuel’s proposal, saying, “He was asked to sing something from ‘In the Heights,’ but he expressed his desire to showcase ‘Hamilton,’ which he had been working on.” Despite his reservations, Luis advised his son to stick with what they knew worked, suggesting he perform a piece from “In the Heights” instead.

However, Lin-Manuel’s persistence paid off, and he went on to perform “The Hamilton Mixtape,” an early version of the musical’s opening number, at the White House Evening of Poetry, Music, and the Spoken Word in May 2009. This momentous occasion is now considered the first public performance of material from the revolutionary Broadway production.

Following his White House performance, Lin-Manuel continued to make waves in the theatre scene. His debut with “In the Heights” in 2008 set the stage for his monumental success with “Hamilton,” which premiered on Broadway in 2015 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. The musical went on to garner widespread acclaim, earning numerous accolades including Pulitzer Prize and multiple Tony and Grammy Awards.

Former President Barack Obama, a vocal admirer of “Hamilton,” has been actively involved in celebrating the musical’s impact. He even participated in a remix of the song “One Last Time” for Lin-Manuel’s Hamildrops collection, further solidifying his support for the production.

Reflecting on Lin-Manuel’s achievements, his parents, Luis and Luz Towns-Miranda, expressed immense pride in his contributions to the arts. Beyond “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel has ventured into other projects like Disney’s “Moana,” “Encanto,” and his directorial debut with the Netflix adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s “Tick, Tick… Boom!”

Looking ahead, the Mirandas anticipate continued success from Lin-Manuel, with his work reaching even broader audiences through cinematic adaptations. As “Hamilton” celebrates its milestone anniversary, the Mirandas emphasise the significance of bringing the production to the big screen, making it more accessible to families who may not have had the opportunity to experience it live on Broadway.

As “Hamilton” continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s enduring legacy in the entertainment industry serves as a testament to his creative genius and unwavering passion for storytelling.