From Broadway Queen to King- Andrew Rannells Set to Join Cast of ‘Hamilton’
By Ryan Kane ‘19/Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
A year ago at this time, Tony Award nominee Andrew Rannells was starring as Broadway’s favorite queen, Hedwig, in Hedwig and the Angry Inch—replacing the original star Neil Patrick Harris. Now, Rannells is trading in his blonde wig, nail polish, and booty shorts for a powdered wig, breeches, and an elegant cloak.
Rannells will be reigning over Broadway in Hamilton as King George for a limited month-long engagement. Jonathan Groff, who currently stars as King George, is taking a pre-arranged one-month leave to appear in the HBO film Looking. Rannells will fill the role from October 27 to November 29 with Groff returning on December 1, so get your tickets to see Rannells soon.
Andrew Rannells began his Broadway career in 2006 when he landed the role of Link Larkin in Hairspray. He went on to play Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys, yet he is probably best known for originating the role of Elder Price in The Book of Mormon, for which he was nominated for a Tony Award in 2011. Aside from Broadway, Rannells has appeared in film and television. He appeared in the 2012 film Bachelorette, played a lead character in the 2012-13 television series The New Normal, and has a recurring role as Elijah on HBO television series Girls. Now, Rannells gets to add the delightful comic tyrant of King George III to his Broadway credits.
Hamilton follows the story of Alexander Hamilton, the unlikely founding father, who is determined to leave his mark on the new nation. In this musical exploration of the political mastermind, Hamilton encounters George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, and other famous figures. With music, lyrics, and book written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton intricately combines the radio-ready hip-hop style of contemporary music with dramatized American history in an adrenaline rush of musical genius.
Hamilton opened on August 6, 2015, and has rushed to the top of box office charts with continued sold-out performances. The cast album recently became available on iTunes, so you can go listen to this addictive music whenever you want. Jonathan Groff replaced Brian d’Arcy James, who originated the role of King George in the Off-Broadway production, and now Andrew Rannells will step into the prestigious role for a limited time only.