Donald Trump demanded an apology from the producers of "Hamilton: An American Musical," after the cast urged Vice President-elect Mike Pence to "uphold American values" at the end of Friday's performance.
Pence, who had earlier been panned by the "Hamilton" audience, received an emotional message from the show's cast during curtain call: Fight for all of us.
As the show came to an end and the actors stood on stage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr in the musical, read a prepared statement aimed at Pence.
"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, sir," Dixon said. "But we truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values."
Watch the whole clip here:
Tonight, VP-Elect Mike Pence attended #HamiltonBway. After the show, @BrandonVDixon delivered the following statement on behalf of the show. pic.twitter.com/Jsg9Q1pMZs
— Hamilton (@HamiltonMusical) November 19, 2016
The president-elect was not pleased, taking to his Twitter account to demand an apology and advocate for "safe spaces" in the theater.
Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing.This should not happen!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016
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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016
Some audience members broke out into a chorus of boos upon Pence's arrival, and during one famous line in the show — "Immigrants: We get the job done" — the crowd rose to a standing ovation, according to reports.
Here's Pence getting booed as he gets to his seats at Hamilton pic.twitter.com/IRQG68x1sB
— David K (@dkipke12) November 19, 2016
The crowd's reaction and cast's message echo a growing fear that the election of Donald Trump represents a deeper divide throughout the country, and in New York. Hate crimes in the city have jumped 30 percent this year compared to 2015, according to NYPD statistics, and police on Friday announced a spike in reported swastikas since the election, something Mayor de Blasio feared was spurred by Trump's rhetoric.
Trump has also been roundly criticized for his cabinet choices, including former Breitbart Media chairman and "alt-right" icon Steve Bannon — who has allegedly made anti-Semitic comments about a children's private school — and Jeff Sessions, who was once denied a federal judgeship over racist remarks.
The cast and crew phoned creator Lin-Manuel Miranda just 30 minutes before the start of the show, and crafted the post-performance message, Dixon told Broadway.com.
"When we first got the call that he was coming, there was certainly a question of what we would do," Dixon told the site. "These are the opportunities that you die for."
"I saw him enjoying it with whoever he was with, and I hope he remembers us. I truly believe we had an affect," he added. "It was a message from the producers the creative and the cast. If you have differences, say something! What better place than on this stage telling this story with these people? I hope he thinks of us every time he has to deal with an issue or talk about a bill or present anything."
Reactions on Twitter were mixed, with diehard fans and liberals largely supporting both the jeers and the cast's statement. Others, including conservatives, were less inspired.
Miranda, for his part, said that the theater is for everyone.
Proud of @HamiltonMusical. Proud of @BrandonVDixon, for leading with love.
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) November 19, 2016
And proud to remind you that ALL are welcome at the theater.
