American Music Awards guests talk ‘Hamilton’ and Pence
LOS ANGELES — Stars at the American Music Awards are still thinking about the “Hamilton” cast’s statement to Vice-President-elect Mike Pence, for which President-elect Donald Trump is demanding an apology.
Broadway star Idina Menzel said the theatre is the perfect place to provoke thought, as the “Hamilton” cast did when they told Pence after a recent show that they hoped it would inspire him to work for all Americans.
“It’s the right place and it’s beautiful and that’s what theatre’s all about: It’s about being thought-provoking,” Menzel said Sunday on her way into the American Music Awards, where she was set to take the stage as a presenter. “And it’s just unfortunate that someone who’s going to be our president doesn’t embrace that as a freedom of speech and the arts, and sort of celebrate that moment… I’m really proud of all my friends in Hamilton and I thought it took a lot of courage.”
From the stage, she declared, “I love you ‘Hamilton!’”