Juggling the Details of the ‘Hamilton’ Juggernaut (WSJ):
As the nation’s founding fathers strut and fret upon the stage of Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre, Jason Bassett plays an unseen role, perched on a snug triangular wooden platform about 10 feet above them.
While the cast of the smash-hit hip-hop musical “Hamilton” weaves through fast-paced raps and intricate wordplay, he follows them word for word, calling the show’s 856 lighting cues and 40 set cues with rapid-fire, split-second timing.
But overseeing the spectacle is just part of Mr. Bassett’s job as the musical’s production stage manager. Working six days a week, often 12 hours a day, he is responsible—with the help of two assistants—for managing the show’s behind-the-scenes aspects. That also includes organizing rehearsals, coordinating between creative and technical crews and solving problems, such as how to replace an ensemble member mid-show.
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Have you had any mishaps?
We have mishaps all the time. Last week, one of our cast members came off the stage during the first act. She had tweaked her neck during a big dance number and she struggled to try to stay on as long as possible. As soon as I had a conversation with her, I told the swing to start getting ready and I told sound.
As soon as it’s comfortable, I make the switch. It’s actually a very smooth transition; the audience would never know. We’ve gotten fairly proficient at it because we’ve had to do it four or five times now.