Rachelle Ann Go Compares Playing Eliza Hamilton as a Mother

by Alexa Villano
September 21, 2023

Rachelle Ann Go, who is part of the Manila tour of Hamilton, shared what it’s like to reprise Eliza and the difference in playing the role now that she is a mom of two.

The cast of Hamilton is excited to show what they have been preparing for the Filipino audience as the musical formally opens on September 21 at the Theater at Solaire. Before the big night, members of the media got to interview some of the cast members, including Rachelle Ann Go, who is set to reprise her role as Eliza Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton’s wife.

Rachelle Ann Go on Manila Production: It’s A Dream Come True

During the press conference, Rachelle said it’s exciting for her to do the show this time for fellow Filipinos. She has done the role back in 2017 in West End.

“I was actually telling some of my friends that back in 2017 when I did this role in the West End, I had a feeling that Hamilton will be coming to the Philippines. For some reason, I had that vision. And I told myself I’m going to do this role,” Rachelle said.

“And here I am doing it in front of our fellow kababayans. It’s such a dream come true and also to be home and be with my family. So isang pangarap ko iyon.”

When asked what particular scene resonated with her the most, Rachelle said: “The first time I did the show, it was eight years ago. And I believe I was still a different person back then. Now I am a mom of two. If you asked me this question before, my answer would be different.”

“My favorite moment right now is, not really favorite, but the scene that really hits me the most is Philip’s death. That one really gets me emotional talking about it. Now I don’t need to dig deeper before I approach the scene. I can be in that moment and feel all the emotions because I now know how to be a mom. I know what a mom feels like.”

The Struggle of Playing Eliza Hamilton

The singer and actress also shared that when she first played Eliza, there were moments when she struggled.

“My first year doing Hamilton, I was really struggling. And I started enjoying it in the second year. And now that I’ve done this show, I can finally enjoy it with you guys!”

“And I have [my] family now. I can be with my family during breaks and the show is not just our world. We have a life as well. And a lot of us have families and they are here in the Philippines. And it’s different being with the family.”

Rachelle, who is married to Martin Spies, has two kids — their son Lukas and baby Sela, who she welcomed early this year.

Conceptualized and created by actor Lin Manuel Miranda, Hamilton went on to become one of the most-watched theater plays in the United States and United Kingdom. It also won several awards at the Tonys. Moreover, it gave Lin Manuel a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2016.

The Hamilton International Tour will run until November. Get your tickets here.