When “Hamilton”—the biographical musical based on the life of Alexander Hamilton, with a book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda—hits the Academy of Music Oct. 29-Nov. 23, out actor Nathan Haydel will bring his unique take to the roles of abolitionist John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton’s son. For the former role, Haydel said he was able to bring his perspective as a Black man to relate to Laurens’s goal in abolishing slavery.
“I was able to take that a little closer to home,” Haydel said. “It was really interesting looking at it that way. I love being able to put myself and my feelings towards [the character] and giving him a little more depth in that regard.”
Haydel also connected Laurens’s death to the aftermath of the Battle of Yorktown, explaining that even though the war was won, obstacles still remained.
“Being a Black man who is living in America, there’s a lot of things that have been done for Black people—that we’ve done for ourselves—that have made my life incredible so far,” Haydel said. “But there are also a lot of things that are still hindering Black people to this day, that are still actively working against us. We’ve won the war, but we’re still dying. We’re still struggling. We’re still fighting to hang on, and in that same way, John won. They won the fight. They won Yorktown, but he still was shot when the soldiers were retreating. Playing around with those similarities, and just nitpicking those little things out to build a different approach to how he exists has been a really, really cool ride for me.”
Before being involved in “Hamilton,” Haydel had a narrow view of musical theater, feeling that it often lacked diversity and genuine representation. He was used to seeing a more stylized, personified version of life on stage, rather than realistic portrayals. However, his perspective eventually broadened, noting that he started to “see and find other shows and other ways that expanded my knowledge of that.”
After participating in an intensive program focused on acting and musical theater last year, Haydel connected with a casting director who encouraged him to audition for “Hamilton.” After sending in self-tapes and auditioning, he booked the dual roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton.
“I think it really furthers the storytelling, in a way that wouldn’t be the same if you had two separate actors [in the roles],” Haydel said about taking on the two roles.
Haydel noted that playing the two roles gives him the avenue to explore the similarities of the relationships both John Laurens and Philip Hamilton had with Alexander Hamilton.
“I think with John Laurens and Philip, the relationship to Hamilton is very, very interesting to talk about because when Philip comes into the world, and when John is exiting the world [in Act I], the relationship of father-son closeness [in Act II] is something that can further that kind of bond,” Haydel said. “[It’s] kind of like reincarnation.”
To prepare for these two roles, Haydel conducted historical research to inform his portrayals. He noted that this show not only offers him the opportunity to learn about history but also educates the audience, encouraging them to read further.
“That’s probably my favorite thing about ‘Hamilton,’ is that it opens the door for learning,” Haydel said. “This is a great show, and it offers so much great information, but it’s never done. You’re never done learning. We have all this technology. We have everything at the tip of our fingers.”
Haydel also said it’s been a “beautiful thing” to be a part of a show that’s predominantly people of color, with a good mix of LGBTQ+ people as well. This has increased Haydel’s learning about societal structures.
“I think it’s beautiful to be around a bunch of people who are like me, or who have related experiences,” he said. “Something to take away from that is how people can interact and learn more on both sides and just have a better understanding as a whole. It’s been a really nice thing to witness and to learn. I’m 21. I’m still learning, and I think you can learn at any age, but it’s a really, really beautiful learning experience.”
Haydel’s learning experiences have extended into other musical forays as well. He currently releases his own music under the name Nat Riel.
“My ultimate goal so far has been just growing more and more comfortable in myself,” Haydel said. “I think that’s been a huge struggle in my life. Because, again, as a Black person, as a queer person, it’s been pretty crazy to find a place where you can feel good, but just in yourself, finding the level of acceptance [and] just not caring about what other people think, and being able to truly just live.”
Haydel started making music in high school and found confidence in expressing his true feelings through his music. This includes embracing his love for Pokémon (his first single is entitled “Gengar,” after a Pokémon character), anime and cartoons, despite societal pressures to outgrow those interests. Haydel believes that these passions are integral to who he is and should be celebrated rather than abandoned.
“I think being able to keep that no matter what people say about that, [is important],” Haydel said. “Let that drive you, and let that motivate you.”
Haydel plans to release two more singles at the end of October, which is coincidentally near his birthday on Oct. 23 and near opening night of “Hamilton” on Oct. 29 in Philadelphia. As he steps into the spotlight, much like Alexander Hamilton, he is not throwing away his shot.
Ensemble Arts Philly presents “Hamilton” Oct. 29-Nov. 23 at the Academy of Music, 240 S Broad St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ensembleartsphilly.org. Audiences can also join a city-wide scavenger hunt exclusively on the “Hamilton” App through Oct. 21 — snap photos, share your adventure, and enter for a chance to win tickets to see the show.