Backstage with A.D. Weaver from 'Hamilton'
If you know me then you know that I’m a huge Hamilton fan. I’ve long been a fan of Lin Manuel Miranda’s work, and I’ve been fortunate to see multiple iterations of his magnum opus, Hamilton. So, needless to say, I was thrilled when I had the chance to speak with one of the cast members leading into their stop in Austin. The actor didn’t disappoint.
A.D. Weaver is a talented actor who has built an extensive resume taking on a wide range of roles, from Mr. Fezziwig in ‘A Christmas Carol’ to Javert in ‘Les Miserables.’ His experience in the industry has taught him to know what he wants, not allowing the expectations of others to limit him.
A.D. Weaver. Photo by Orel Chollette
“I've always had an idea in me to want to defy the norms,” he admitted. “Being a bigger guy, we're typically not the leading man characters. We typically are the funny man. and I knew that there was more to me than one type of role. So for me it has been a lot of sometimes having to say no. And that meant sometimes not having a job, something that meant sometimes sitting out and doing other things, but always holding fast to the vision that I see for myself.”
Weaver is taking on the role of George Washington in the touring production of Hamilton, the revolutionary story of passion and unstoppable ambition, following the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation.
With so many fans of the musical in love with the original cast, it would be easy for any actor to fall into the trap of trying to give audiences their best impersonation of the likes of Leslie Odom Jr. or Daveed Diggs, but Weaver has avoided this pitfall. Crediting his confidence, Weaver breathes life into George Washington by bringing his authentic self to the stage, without concern of trying to be his best Christopher Jackson.
Tyler Fauntleroy (L) and A.D. Weaver
“I can only be me. I can only bring myself and my experiences,” Weaver proclaimed. “I bring my best because it is in me to bring, I don't bring my best for anyone else or for applause. I'm excellent because excellence was instilled in me. I learned the value of excellence and being excellent before this moment. I know a lot of times people have to hurry up and learn what excellence is. They have to learn what being a steward of your gift is when they get to a moment like this. For me, that was instilled in me, long before I got here. So that's what I bring.”
On the topic of his authentic self, Weaver approaches the role of George Washington by pulling from his own lived experiences, finding connection and understanding with both Washington and Hamilton.
“I didn't grow up with a father, but I was lucky enough to have elders and mentors who, in some ways, guided me along the way,” He explained. “So when I look at Hamilton, I liken our relationship to me now being a generation above him. I look at Hamilton as my mentee. I have young guys that look up to me, who I consider like little brothers and mentees. I go to those places and think about seeing that they're on their way to a path that I don't want them to go down, that's not going to be beneficial to them. I kind of lock into those moments when I've had to have some of those rough conversations with the guys or anybody that looks up to me.”
Despite bringing so much to the role, Weaver refuses to rest on his laurels. While being capable is what got him to the stage, being consistent is what keeps him there.
“The reason why I work so hard is to continue to be worthy of standing next to those other 20 people who are just as excellent,” he said. “My favorite part in the show is in the beginning, when we all stand in this timeline across the stage. Just imagine looking to the left and the right of you and seeing 20 other people who are just as hungry, just as gifted and just as talented. It forces you to bring your A-game — to not be subpar or to not be bootleg — for them. Because if they’re bringing their best and they're constantly raising the bar, you want to be a part of that.”
“I'm really grateful to be doing what I said I would do since I was five years old, in my dream role,” Weaver said before we parted ways. “I think this entire season, this entire season of my life has been God saying to me, “Whatever you're thinking, I have bigger.’”
Hamilton will be at Bass Concert Hall until April 6, 2025. Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased through Texas Performing Arts.
Nick Bailey is a forward thinking journalist with a well-rounded skill set unafraid to take on topics head on. He now resides in Austin, TX and continues to create content on a daily basis.
