Exclusive: Sydney’s Hamilton cast in costume for the first time

With Sydney’s opening night of Hamilton just days away, The Sunday Telegraph was granted an exclusive look at the cast in costume. SEE THE PICTURES.

Clothes don’t maketh the man? Just ask Jason Arrow.

This week the actor tried out his costume for the first time before he steps out in the title role of Hamilton at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on Wednesday night.

Jason Arrow gets into the role — and costume — of Alexander Hamilton. Picture: Daniel Boud

So, how does the replica of an 18th century jacket feel when you have to hip hop and rap in it? “Really good,” Arrow said.

“It’s been so well fitted and designed. It immediately throws you into how you’re meant to hold yourself and how you’re meant to act.”

Hamilton is a musical about US founding father Alexander Hamilton, who grew up illegitimate and poor in the Caribbean, migrated to America and founded the Bank of New York and the New York Post.

Hamilton wound up head of the Treasury and was in President Washington’s cabinet.

The Broadway show debuts in Sydney at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, with the stunningly created costumes that have always been central to the vision of its success.

Chloe Zuel, Akina Edmonds and Elandrah Eramiha as the Schuyler sisters.

Lyndon Watts as Aaron Burr. Pictures: Daniel Boud

Dozens of Australian artisans and makers have taken many months to create these costumes.

Now, after six weeks in rehearsal at the ABC studios in Ultimo, the Australian cast of the show by American writer, composer and performer Lin-Manuel Miranda is ready to start making it real.

“Yeah, we’re pretty confident with where we’re at,” Arrow said.

“We’re getting back into show fitness, so I think we’re all ready to go. We’re all quite calm, but check in with me next week.”

In the world of musicals, Sydney’s Hamilton, produced by Michael Cassel is a global story. Not only is it rare for a theatre anywhere to be opening post-COVID-19, the Sydney Lyric is opening with a musical that’s won awards including the Pulitzer Prize for Miranda, and has a cult following.

Racial diversity, with all the roles except for King George III being filled by people of colour, is central to Hamilton.

Other Australian musical theatre performers in the show include Chloe Zuel, Lyndon Watts, Akina Edmonds, Matu Ngaropo, Victory Ndukwe, Shaka Cook, Marty Alix, Elandrah Eramiha and Brent Hill.