On the eve of the midterm election, Globe cultural critic Ty Burr welcomed three cast members of “Hamilton” to a sold-out panel discussion at the Old South Meeting House.
The national tour of the hip-hop musical is at the Boston Opera House through Nov. 18, and the actors — Austin Scott (Alexander Hamilton), Hannah Cruz (Eliza Hamilton), and Nicholas Christopher (Aaron Burr) — spent their one night off with Burr (who may be a distant cousin of the other Burr).
During the event, the cast discussed what it was like stepping into the shoes of Lin-Manuel Miranda and the original Broadway cast, the show’s role in our contemporary political climate, and how each city they perform in has a different attitude. According to the cast, Boston’s personality is “scrappy.”
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Audience members also had the chance to ask questions. These included what the cast members’ favorite songs were and what lyrics they would write for their characters.
The highlight of the evening, and of the tour experience for the actors, was “EduHam,” the program that allows select groups of local students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, to see the show and perform in front of a “Hamilton” pre-show audience.
On Monday five students performed after the panel discussion, with an introduction and encouragement from the “Hamilton” crew. Two performed original songs and raps, while the final performance was the “Hamilton” song “Farmer Refuted.”
Lillian Brown can be reached at lillian.brown@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @lilliangbrown.