In the season finale of Take 5, Lin-Manuel shares his heartfelt story with Zan Rowe, from Hamilton’s inception to losing a mentor.
Lin-Manuel Miranda is a master storyteller. As the creator and star of the smash hit Hamilton, he brought musical theatre to a whole new audience.
Lin-Manuel brings energy to this Take 5 that only a theatre kid could muster. In this episode you will see him belting out lyrics and teaching Zan to salsa. But it quickly becomes apparent that he has come to this conversation at a crossroads in life.
He reveals the story of his relationship with the late Stephen Sondheim, one of the most important figures of 20th century musical theatre.
Lin-Manuel opens up about a chance meeting with Sondheim in his younger days telling him he was writing a musical about Alexander Hamilton. From that day on, Lin would often go to Sondheim for advice. When he passed away towards the end of 2021 the world lost an artist, but Lin-Manuel lost a mentor and friend. As he plays Zan the Sondheim song ‘Move On’ he chokes back tears as he sings along.
In the last few years, Lin-Manuel has been writing chart topping hits that have redefined Disney for a new generation. His revolutionary approach has awarded him Tonys, Grammys, Emmys, and a Pulitzer.
This episode is a masterclass in music, the power of having someone believe in you, and in working hard to share your talent, whatever that may be, with the world.
Production credit: Take 5 is an ABC Production. Created, Hosted and Written by Zan Rowe. Executive Producer, Nikita Agzarian. Series Producer, Josh Schmidt. Director/DOP, Aaron Smith ACS. Producers Zan Rowe, Phoebe Bennett and Tania Doumit.
