In a climate of unease following a contentious election, Vice President-elect Mike Pence found himself in the audience of the much-acclaimed Broadway musical “Hamilton.” As he made his way to his seat, boos echoed through the theater, but what transpired later captured the nation’s attention. The cast took it upon themselves to convey a significant message to the newly elected second-in-command, and it’s a message we hope he truly heard.
“Hamilton,” a multi-award-winning musical, stands as a celebration of America’s Founding Fathers, featuring a diverse ensemble that includes individuals from various backgrounds, including minorities and members of the LGBTQ community. The cast felt it was essential to address Pence directly upon learning of his attendance that night. Video footage of this moment, led by actor Jordan Foster, who portrays Aaron Burr, has gone viral.
As Pence prepared to exit, Foster paused to address him, stating, “I see you walking out but I hope you will hear us. Just a few more moments. Nothing to boo here, we’re all sharing a story of love. We have a message for you, sir. And we hope that you will hear us out.” He encouraged the audience to amplify their words through social media, emphasizing the importance of spreading this vital message.
Although Pence had already left his seat, he lingered in the hallway, listening attentively until Foster concluded. The actor expressed, “We welcome you, and we truly thank you for joining us here at Hamilton: An American Musical — we really do. We, sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, sir. But we truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and work on behalf of all of us. All of us.”
Foster’s words resonate with many who fear the implications of the new administration for marginalized communities targeted by the Trump-Pence campaign’s divisive rhetoric and policies. Pence has a long history of anti-LGBTQ stances, including advocating for a religious freedom act that would permit discrimination against these communities. Though he was compelled to retract some of these ideas, his support for “conversion” therapy remains alarming, as it promotes discredited practices aimed at altering a person’s sexual orientation.
Moreover, Pence’s website explicitly opposes the equal legal status of gay and lesbian relationships, stating that Congress should reject any measures to equate them with heterosexual marriage. This is indicative of a broader agenda that threatens the rights of countless individuals.
The broader context includes President-elect Trump’s disturbing campaign promises, such as building a wall to exclude Mexican immigrants, the deportation of millions of families, and a call to ban Muslims from entering the country while mandating registration for those already here. These sentiments echo the fear that has emerged in response to recent appointments to the Trump administration, which many find alarming.
As “Hamilton” producer Jeffrey Sellers aptly noted, “This is not a normal time, this is not a normal election. This has not been a normal result. And in a democracy, one must let his and her voice be heard.” The courage shown by the cast in delivering their message resonates with those of us who share their concerns.
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In summary, the heartfelt message delivered by the cast of “Hamilton” serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for diversity, inclusion, and the rights of all individuals in a time of uncertainty.
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