By Kat Tabor
The Tony Award-winning musical Hamilton has taken center stage at the Hult Center, drawing packed audiences and high excitement from Lane Community College students. Part of the Broadway in Eugene season, the production runs from March 25 through April 6, 2025.
From the first notes of “Alexander Hamilton,” theatergoers were fully engaged — many singing along to the show’s iconic score. The high energy carried through the entire performance and ended with a standing ovation as the cast took their final bows.
Simon Longnight, a graduate from South Eugene High School, plays the dual roles of Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. The audience responded with a roar of cheers as the hometown actor took the stage as Thomas Jefferson, marking a special moment in the opening night performance. Longnight rejoined the cast in Eugene for the two-week run, after performing with the Broadway tour in Portland, according to KEZI 9 News.
Hamilton follows the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of the United States’ Founding Fathers, chronicling his rise through the American Revolution and his fight for legacy, honor, and love. The musical is known for its mostly Black and Brown cast, presenting America’s founding through a contemporary lens that centers voices historically excluded from the narrative.
The night’s program included a special opportunity for students. A section titled “EduHam – The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History” featured a QR code with the prompt “Scan to learn more about student opportunities.” The link directed attendees to GilderLehrman.org, where the institute highlights programs designed to encourage the study of American history and support students in their academic and career goals. Opportunities include internships, scholarships, and free courses for students in grades 6–12, college undergraduates, and recent graduates.
“I love Hamilton so much,” said Patrick Armbrust, a second-year student at Lane Community College. “I think it’s a great introduction to that era of history — which is the Revolution.”
Armbrust, who previously saw the show three years ago, was thrilled to return, this time seated in the rear orchestra section. “It’s a great romanticism of history,” he says.
The show’s creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, reimagined historical events with modern music and casting, making the founding story more accessible and resonant for diverse audiences — especially students.
Up next for the Broadway in Eugene series is Riverdance, running June 3–5, followed by MJ: The Musical, coming to the Hult Center July 22–27.
Hamilton continues its run at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts through April 6. Tickets start at $49, with a limited number still available through the box office or online at HultCenter.org
