Apr 28, 2016 12:00 PM EDT
The cast of Broadway smash Hamilton recently went viral once again as they created an alternate version of one of the musical's hit songs by paying homage to one of the great musicals: Sweeney Todd. In the melody of Hamilton's first song, the cast told the story of Stephen Sondheim's classic -- with Lin-Manuel Miranda as the Demon Barber of Fleet Street!
Even though he's best known for his insane ability to freestyle, Miranda is not one to shy away from the classic showtunes, having grown up a Broadway fan. In the latest iteration of his love for musical theater, he and the rest of the cast of the Grammy-winning show joined the Easter Bonnet Competition. Their entry not only won during the big night -- but also the hearts of Broadway fans all over the world!
In the melody of "Alexander Hamilton," the first song from the period rap musical, Miranda and the main cast changed up the lyrics to tell a Sweeney Todd summary. Trading the iconic "bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman" from the opening number for a "master's gore-filled sumptuous score and a plot skimmed hot from a British novel," Leslie Odom, Jr.'s new rendition of the song goes on to wonder how a good man ends up becoming the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Right at the end, original King George III actor Jonathan Groff (also the voice of Kristoff on Frozen) appeared onstage in character (although without singing). He was holding a huge bonnet to honor the occasion -- one with a mechanism that made a classic shaving razor.
For their awesome lyrics and presentation, with Miranda chillingly playing the scariest barber in London lore, the cast won the award for top presentation. They also raised $516,029 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the organization promoting the event and fundraiser.
Now, one thing is certain after this: Miranda should play Sweeney Todd on stage for real!
