OnlyOnAOL: What makes 'Hamilton' star Renée Elise Goldsberry's heart sing
By: Donna Freydkin
It's her sweet 16.
Renée Elise Goldsberry, who plays the witty, clever, deeply intelligent sister-in-law of Alexander Hamilton in the Broadway smash 'Hamilton,' is now a Tony nominee for her performance. The musical itself earned a historic 16 nominations, and tickets remain as tough to get as – well, there's pretty much nothing tougher to get than 'Hamilton' tickets, so we rest our case.
"This whole awards thing is new for me. It's all new for 'Hamilton.' This is the first time I've ever been nominated for a Tony. It's a dream come true for me to even be on the list at all," says Goldsberry.
Creator and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda originated the musical Off-Broadway at The Public Theater in February 2015 and moved to the Great White Way in August. And Goldsberry originated the role of Angelica Schuyler Church, infusing the performance with cheekiness and charm. She's such a standout and an audience favorite -– would she ever consider a spinoff musical?
"I would! I don't have another job. That would be fun. I'd love to do that beuacse there's a lot about her that we'd love to still learn. I love playing a featured role," she says.
All the 'Hamilton' you want:
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Miranda is reportedly departing the show in July, and "whenever he leaves the show I'll miss him deeply because I love him," says Goldsberry.
She does eight shows a week –- no small feat given that Goldsberry has two young children and a husband. She retains her sanity by relying on her inner circle.
"It's about prayer and really good support systems. I have kids. I have a great husband and a great babysitter and great kids. There's always the threat of losing my mind but I haven't yet. I feel really supported," she says.
And yes, her son and daughter understand that mom is in a major, serious, groundbreaking musical smash. "I kind of think they do – even the 3-year-old. She's starting to say, 'When am I going to see the show?' Definitely my son, because the show is successful with kids," she says.
Steven Spielberg, Bill Clinton, Beyonce, Kanye West, Julianna Margulies – the list goes and on of folks who have been wowed by 'Hamilton.'
"I think I'm still realizing (its impact). I tend to make things small. I minimize things so I don't feel too overwhelmed. This is a hit show, and there will be another hit show and there were hit shows before. So far it's been every bit the phenomenon in my life that people seem to think it is," says Goldsberry.
