Theatregoers tried to take photos of the President and his daughters Malia and Saha, prompting the show's creator and star Lin Manuel-Miranda to shout out with tongue-in-cheek, "Patti LuPone is coming for you all!"
Miranda, who was sitting out the performance whilst understudy Javier Muñoz took to the stage, was referencing the recent news-making incidents concerning bad theatre etiquette. LuPone received media attention recently for confiscating a cell phone from an audience member who was texting during a performance of Shows For Days, in which she currently stars. LuPone snatched the phone from the offender and later made a public statement about it. Read the story here.
Lin-Manuel Miranda and cast in Hamilton at the Public Theater
Audience member Nick Silvestri attempted to charge his phone on stage prior to a performance of Hand to God on Broadway, subsequently causing outrage amongst the theatre community. Read Playbill.com's exclusive interview with the Silvestri here.
Theatregoers at Hamilton can likely be excused for trying to document such a historical moment on Broadway. The area surrounding the Richard Rodgers theatre was buzzing with excitement in the moments leading up to Obama's visit; street barricades went up on Friday night but could hardly contain the crowds trying to catch a glimpse of the world leader at the Saturday matinee.
Read more about Obama's visit to Hamilton over the weekend, including his review and reactions from the cast. Obama joins a long history of U.S. presidents who have attended the theatre, including John F. Kennedy, who saw How to Succeed at the very same Broadway house 53 years ago. As Playbill.com reported earlier in the year, First Lady Michelle Obama attended the April 18 matinee performance of Hamilton at the Public Theater. Members of the First Family have been frequent theatregoers.
The President's visit to Hamilton marks the culmination of a weekend trip to New York City. The celebrated show, about the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, arrived on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre July 13 after an acclaimed, sold-out run at the Public Theater. It officially opens Aug. 6.
