It was a special night at the White House in 2009 when Lin Manuel Miranda was met with a few laughs from the audience after he announced his plans to write a hip-hop concept album about the life of US secretary of treasury Alexander Hamilton. At the time, he was often an overlooked founding father figure as many would remember more notable members such as George Washington, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. 

Fast forward to 2015, Hamilton took Broadway by storm and went on to be one of its biggest plays in recent years. It won big at the Tony Awards, taking home 11 of the 16 nominations it had received. Now, Hamilton is headed for an international tour starting here in Manila on Sept. 17. We spoke with one of its stars, UK-based Filipina theater actress Rachelle Anne Go, to see how she’s getting ready to perform as Eliza Hamilton.

How does it feel for you to be part of such a big production?
I fell in love with it… When I got the role, it was a dream come true. And now I’m going back (to the Philippines) to do this and share it with our kababayans (countrymen).

It’s a big role to be playing Eliza Hamilton. What exactly are some of the traits you think you share with her character?
I love the joyful part of Eliza. So every time I’m doing Eliza’s “The Schuyler Sisters,” for me that’s very authentic because every time I sing that song, there’s that joy onstage. The strength as well, I believe. She’s been through a lot and I know I’ve been through a lot. Magkaiba man (As different as it seems), but you know the strength is there, I can relate to that. And now that I’m a mom, I believe there will be more depth when it comes to portraying the character as a mom. I guess it’s going to be different now, it’s going to be deeper.

If I’m not mistaken, Hamilton and Eliza, in real life had eight or nine children together. 
Baka ‘di ko kayanin ang eight (I might not be able to handle eight), I’m kidding. She’s been through a lot but the fact that she was able to continue on his legacy, it’s special. Because of her, we all know Alexander Hamilton, and her foundation is still running. It’s amazing!

It is quite inspiring to know the amount of work she put into their foundation. Which leads us to our next question, who or what inspires you in all of your performances? 
Because this show is so tiring, it’s a lot, I always remind myself of that little kid. That little Rachelle Anne. Like, it’s one thing to perform and it’s one thing to sing, and the people as well, watching the show… Because every single night we see people of color, kids, and you just see them in awe seeing people (of color) onstage.  Seeing people like, “Oh I look like this person, I can be onstage!” I guess thinking every single night that you’re doing this for a purpose, you’re not just singing or performing the best songs and the best musical, but also being an instrument to inspire people and encourage people. I guess that’s what’s pushing me every single night that this is not just for fun. Well, it is for fun, which is great, but also you have a purpose and I think that’s what keeps me going.

You mentioned earlier how you started early in your career. What drew you to performing as a child?
My family is really musically inclined. My mom used to be a singer. Before, she had a band. Tapos (And then) my dad just loves musical instruments. It just runs in the family! I believe when I was nine, that was the first time I joined amateur singing competitions in the Philippines. ’Yung mga nasa barangay (The barangay contests), that was the first time I joined. I just loved pop music. I really didn’t have any background with musical theater. I had no idea at all.

My inspirations were Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, all the pop stars. But then, back in 2010, when I was in Canada, Miss Saigon was playing there and then my uncle said, “Tara, manood tayo ng Miss Saigon (Let’s go watch Miss Saigon)!” At that time, I had no idea what it was about, and he said, “‘Dyan nakilala si Lea Salonga (That’s where Lea Salonga got recognized)!” From then on, when I watched the show, I could see myself doing theater. I guess that’s why I tried auditioning for the part as well.

Now that you’re playing Eliza, how would you compare your performance as Eliza Hamilton with your previous performances in Miss Saigon and as Fantine in Les Misérables?
It’s so different since Miss Saigon was my first-ever musical here (in the UK). I guess I was just full of uncertainties and insecurities at that time. I didn’t know, is this for me? I’m not even a dancer, I’m not even good at it at all, and they’re (all) performers. Maybe I can sing, but when it comes to acting and dancing, I wasn’t sure. That first year being here in the West End, that was a challenge for me. I had to learn a lot and I did. I did learn a lot from the people around me and the directors. It felt like a stepping stone. Miss Saigon was an easier role compared to Hamilton. Les Misérables was like the next level. Fantine’s role is, she was onstage for 23 minutes basically. That was challenging as well. But then Hamilton, this is like, “We’re gonna go to the next level. Now we’re going to be onstage the whole time, you’re gonna be singing the whole time.” I couldn’t really compare it but my favorite, I guess, is Hamilton because of the music.

Hamilton certainly has a modern feel that has been the draw for many people. How would you compare the vibe of Hamilton with other Broadway plays? 
I guess because it’s R&B, pop, rap, and jazz all in one, it’s quite different from any other show. You don’t really see that. When I first heard of it, it’s not your typical musical. Also growing up from a pop background, that’s why I got so attracted to it. I guess it’s something new, especially for the kabataan (the youth). They probably know the music better. It’s just the music, and there’s a story behind it, it’s history. You learn something from it.

What would you say is the greatest lesson you have learned from performing in Hamilton?
For me personally, because it’s hard work, I got to know myself better. Just doing it every single night, like what I said earlier when I did my first show in London I was full of insecurities, but now I feel more comfortable doing a show. 

I’m comfortable with what I can do, what God has given me, and I learned that if you just enjoy yourself onstage, you won’t feel tired. Because sometimes you get pressured like, “I wanna deliver 100 percent!” I put pressure on myself every single time and that shouldn’t happen. You just have to tell the story and know why you’re doing this. Sharing the story with people, inspiring and encouraging other people. I learned about love and forgiveness. Every single night they talk about forgiveness onstage and that’s the grace. It’s just a reminder if I’m going through something that day and I’m telling that story, it’s like I’m preaching to myself which helped me a lot.

How was your experience around all the other stars in Hamilton?
It was great! It felt like we were a family because we were the original cast here in London. The rehearsal was a two-month period and I guess we bonded a lot. We have each other to lean onto. We hug each other, we have breaks together, just sharing special moments together. During the show, wala kang choice (you have no choice) but to really trust one another so it really felt like a family. Before we go onstage, we have this circle of love. We pray every single night. Whoever wants to say words of encouragement, you’re free to say whatever you want to say. It’s really special, it’s like we’re one. We have to be one because it’s such a tough show. We have to be united when we’re onstage.

Do you have any messages for any of the Hamilton stans out there?
I’m just really excited to be back home and to share this story, this musical, with all the Pinoys out there. Sabi ko nga kanina (I was saying earlier), they probably know the music better than me. I’m really excited to hear them jam with us. I hope they’ll come and see us, especially (since) Eliza is Pinoy. I’m really excited to go back and give this role a different take now that I am a mom and I can’t wait for you guys to see that.

Hamilton will be staged at the Theater at Solaire in Parañaque City. Tickets can be purchased online via TicketWorld.