In one of the most feel-good stories of the week, Lin-Manual Miranda brought his Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece Hamilton the Musical to Puerto Rico, the hurricane-ravaged island of his father’s birth. He also returned to the role of Alexander Hamilton, the part he originated and made famous on Broadway. Miranda brought the show to the island to raise $15M for hurricane victims and to share the show with many of the islanders who otherwise would never have the chance to see it in person. The show opened on Friday the 11th of January and will run for three weeks at the famed Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré. Miranda said in a speech that he “loved this island”, and wanted it to be proud of him. I think it is safe to say, mission accomplished… Opening night was filled with politicians and celebrities alongside students and locals who won tickets through a lottery. Jimmy Fallon did his show live from just outside the show. From what I hear, it was an extraordinary evening that brought hope and focus from what one politician called “the island’s most powerful celebrity advocate”. Fallon will air his show on January 15th with Miranda and Chef José Andrés, who through his charity, has fed over 3 million meals since the hurricane. Great people doing great things.
Author: Gary Acosta
Gary Acosta is an entrepreneur, public policy advocate, investor, and thought leader passionate about advancing prosperity for Latinos and other underserved communities.