NEW YORK – President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday demanded an apology from the “Hamilton” cast member who gave Mike Pence an onstage earful about equality.
After curtain call Friday night, actor Brandon Victor Dixon addressed the Republican vice president-elect, saying the Broadway hit’s multiracial and multicultural cast is concerned about the Trump administration.
“We, sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights,” said Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr, the nation’s third vice president. “We truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and work on behalf of all of us. All of us.”
Pence ducked out before Dixon finished the unprecedented message but heard the full remarks from the hallway outside the auditorium.
“Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing,” the Republican Trump tweeted Saturday. “The theater must always be a safe and special place. The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize!”
Dixon tweeted at Trump saying “conversation is not harassment sir” while adding that he appreciates Pence stopping to listen.
The atmosphere was tense from the time Pence arrived at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, triggering both cheers and boos as he slipped into the prime orchestra seats. After the curtain-call, Dixon called Pence out from the stage, with the cast behind him.
“Vice President-elect Pence, I see you walking out, but I hope you will hear us, just a few more moments. There’s nothing to boo here, ladies and gentlemen,” Dixon said. “We’re all here sharing a story about love.”
Outside, many protesters jeered, including one woman who held up a sign with a line from the musical that always gets a cheer: “Immigrants, we get the job done.” Dixon’s speech, which ended with a plea to donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, brought down the house.
