Full Circle: Michigan Native Stars in Hamilton in Grand Rapids

A Michigan Native Returns Home for Hamilton Tour

Paul Louis Lessard, a Michigan native and actor, has returned to his home state to perform in the touring cast of Hamilton, the critically acclaimed musical that has captivated audiences across the United States. Lessard, who plays King George III in the show, was born in Okemos and graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree. His return to Grand Rapids marks a significant milestone in his career.

“I think it’s a nice full circle moment to come back to where I started in that journey as an artist and bring this show to my home state,” Lessard said. “It was really nice to be in my home state and bring this epic tale and epic musical.”

Hamilton kicked off its run at the Devos Performance Hall on July 22 as part of the 2024-2025 season of Broadway Grand Rapids. The production tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and the founding of the United States through the lens of various historical figures. Since its debut on Broadway, the musical has become a cultural phenomenon, resonating with audiences of all ages.

The show blends traditional musical theater with modern music styles such as rap, hip hop, and R&B. This unique mix helps make the story of America's founding relevant and engaging for today's audiences.

“It takes this classic tale of the birth of our democracy and mixes it with music of today. Primarily rap, hip hop, R&B, there is some traditional musical theater so there is a little bit of music and appeal for everyone,” Lessard explained. “No pun intended, but it really is ‘Non-Stop.’ So once the show starts, we do not stop until the very end.”

One of the reasons Hamilton has connected with so many people is its ability to bridge the gap between history and the present day. The musical brings the past to life in a way that feels fresh and relatable.

“I think Hamilton bridges that gap of taking that story that happened a few hundred years ago and making it seem relevant and fresh and relatable with music of today and that culminates for a unique experience for the audience,” Lessard said.

A Cohesive Cast and Powerful Message

A.D. Weaver, who plays George Washington in the production, has been a part of the tour since it began in June 2024. He emphasized the importance of the cast’s unity in bringing the show to life.

“What I hope that our show does tonight, especially with the makeup of our cast, is that it shows the world that we are so much more alike than we are different,” Weaver said. “To go out there and do a show like Hamilton that by nature is so technically hard, we can’t do it alone. All of us need each other on that stage. This show does not work if we do not take the moment on stage to have that synergy and come together. Whatever is going on throughout the day for those three hours we are all connected, we are all one.”

Weaver expressed his awe at being part of such a globally recognized production. “If you were to have told me 15 years ago that I’d be in the biggest musical in the world, I don’t know that I would have believed you. … This still blows my mind night to night.”

Lessard shares this sentiment, acknowledging the legacy he is now a part of. “To have even a small part of this epic piece of art is humbling, it’s exciting. It’s such this global sensation and phenomenon and that comes around once in a generation so it’s thrilling for me to be even just a small part of it.”

The Role of a Swing Actor

Taylor Broadard, a swing actor for the production, has been involved with Hamilton for the past 3.5 years. She started as a “universal swing,” covering five female ensemble roles across multiple productions. Her role requires her to be ready to step in at a moment’s notice when another performer is unavailable.

“There are five women in the ensemble, and I cover each one of those women. So, whether they are out on vacation or illness or injury, I step in for them for the night and try to blend in with the rest of the show,” she said.

Broadard has also joined the current tour as a swing, still covering the same roles but within a single production. Over the years, she has seen how the show evolves with the changing political climate.

“I have been able to, over the last 3.5 years, see a lot of our political climate change. Having to do the show after Roe v. Wade was turned over,” she said. “It changes not only how we do the show and how we feel the show, but it changes how it is perceived by the audience on any given night.”

Broadard has been performing for most of her life, starting with various touring productions and cruise ships. Landing a role in Hamilton was a dream come true.

“I have been dancing for practically my whole life and singing for just as long. I went to school for musical theater at Pace University and just kind of bloomed from there, jumping from tours to cruise ships. After many, many auditions, I finally made my way to Hamilton post-pandemic which was always a dream. I just had that mindset of, ‘It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when’ and waited for the timing to be right and here we are.”

For those interested in seeing the show, tickets are available through the Broadway Grand Rapids website.