Broadway sensation 'Hamilton' heading to Puerto Rico

 

NEW YORK: Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda announced Wednesday that he will bring the smash hit musical to Puerto Rico in 2019 as he rallies behind the hurricane-hit island's reconstruction.

Since its premiere in August 2015, the modern retelling of US founding father Alexander Hamilton's story has been one of Broadway's biggest hits in years with tickets still fetching at least $400 each.

Miranda — a New Yorker of Puerto Rican heritage — wrote Hamilton and starred in the title role until July 2016.

But he said he would return to take the role for the three-month run in January 2019 at the Teatro UPR in San Juan.

"I have a year and a bit to remember the words," Miranda wrote on Twitter before posting six emojis of the Puerto Rican flag.

Miranda announced his return at a news conference at the Teatro UPR, which was damaged when Hurricane Maria slammed into the island in September and will undergo repairs before the presentation of Hamilton.

Miranda promised at the news conference that a large number of tickets to Hamilton will be distributed by lottery for $10 each.

More than a month after Hurricane Maria, most of the island remains without electricity with many residents still unable to return home.

Miranda has long advocated for the island — and been an outspoken critic of the response of US President Donald Trump, who has criticized Puerto Rican officials.

Miranda in October wrote and arranged a song to raise money for relief efforts led by the Hispanic Federation non-governmental group.

Entitled "Almost Like Praying," the song featured leading Latin stars including Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan, and Luis Fonsi, the Puerto Rican pop star behind the global hit "Despacito."