Talented Southeast Asian thespians continue to shine on one of the biggest stages of theater as Singaporean actress and singer Nathania Ong is set to play Eliza Hamilton in the critically acclaimed production of Hamilton at West End’s Victoria Palace Theatre in London.
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In a post on her Instagram, the rising star triumphantly announced her casting in the award-winning production, writing “It’s been so hard keeping this to myself, but I am happy to announce the next step in my journey as the role of Eliza Hamilton!” She finished the post by stating “I am not throwing away my shot” which is a reference to Alexander Hamilton’s mantra in the musical. Nathania Ong’s first performance as Eliza Hamilton will be on June 17.
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Ong’s casting as the female lead in Hamilton will be her third role in a West End production. Debuting in 2021, Nathania Ong played the role of Jenna Rolan in Be More Chill, a musical about the challenges of fitting-in as a high school senior. Her breakthrough role was her portrayal as Eponine in Les Miserables, where she became the first Singaporean actress to play the role in the West End.
The Singaporean artist’s casting amplifies Southeast Asia’s vibrant presence and proud heritage in the West End, joining the ranks of renowned Southeast Asian performers like Lea Salonga, Rachelle Ann Go, and Jon Jon Briones from the Philippines, along with El Haq Latief, a groundbreaking non-binary actor and performer from Indonesia.Are you excited to see more Southeast Asian performers in the West End? Share your thoughts in the comments below!