A Conversation with Kameron Richardson on Stage, Struggles, and the Soul of Theater
When Hamilton hits Spokane this month—brought to us by the incredible team at Broadway Spokane, it will light up the First Interstate Center for the Arts in a powerful way. It’s a full-on cultural moment. One that flips the script on how we see history, how we connect with music, and how we think about identity and legacy. And this time around, Spokane gets to experience all of that magic with Kameron Richardson commanding the stage as George Washington. He’s a NYC-based actor and University of Cincinnati grad, and he’s bringing serious presence to this iconic role. I was delighted to get to connect with him about his upcoming performance at Broadway Spokane and what it means to portray one of the most powerful and mythologized figures in history.
Pro tip: get tickets to this one, you don’t want to miss it!
HAMILTON National Tour – (c) Joan Marcus
The Impact of Hamilton: Changing Hearts, Shaping Minds
From its explosive debut, Hamilton has been a moment of reckoning—a poetic remix of history told through hip hop, R&B, and lyrical genius. It brings stories long excluded from mainstream narratives deservedly into the spotlight. For Kameron, that impact isn’t just something he witnesses—it’s something he lives every night. “There’s something visceral about being in front of an audience who’s seeing themselves onstage—maybe for the first time,” Kameron shared. “When I was younger, I never thought I’d see a cast that looked like this telling a story like that. It’s revolutionary in every sense of the word.”
He’s not wrong. For many in the audience, seeing a cast of predominantly BIPOC performers embody America’s founders isn’t just moving—it’s healing. Representation matters. And when that representation is backed by undeniable talent and an electrifying score, it becomes something spiritual.
“When I step on stage as George Washington, I’m not just playing a president,” Kameron said. “I’m carrying the weight of what it means to be seen. To say, ‘We were here.’ It’s an honor I don’t take lightly.”
Kameron’s Journey From Standby to Center Stage
Before donning the military coat and commanding the stage, Kameron spent several years with Hamilton in standby roles—a demanding position requiring actors to be ready at a moment’s notice for multiple principal parts. “I was a standby for almost five years,” he explained. “And you never know when you’re going to go on. It’s exciting, but it’s also nerve-wracking. You have to be constantly sharp.”
But that patience paid off. After leaving the show, Kameron was offered the role of George Washington—an opportunity that brought him back to the tour and to the spotlight. “I had literally just left, and they called me up and said, ‘Would you come back as Washington?’ And honestly, I couldn’t say no. This role… it’s big. It’s full. It’s challenging. But I knew it was time.”
That challenge is no small feat. Washington’s presence in Hamilton is commanding, and his songs—like “Right Hand Man” and “One Last Time”—demand vocal control, emotional depth, and gravitas. Kameron delivers all three, with a grounded confidence and a warmth that humanizes the larger-than-life figure. “I think a lot about legacy when I’m playing Washington,” Kameron said. “Especially being a Black man playing this role. What do I want to leave behind? What does leadership really mean? It’s not about ego—it’s about impact.”
The Struggles of Touring Life: Finding Stability in Motion
Touring with a production as large and logistically complex as Hamilton is not for the faint of heart. Long travel days, constant relocations, and the emotional demands of performance take their toll. But Kameron has found small ways to build home on the road—starting with his two cats. “Having my car and my cats with me changed everything,” he laughed. “I come back to the hotel or Airbnb after a show, and they’re chasing each other around. It’s chaos—but it’s grounding.” They’re unofficial members of the tour crew, winning hearts and minds everywhere they visit.
That kind of balance is essential when you’re working in one of the most emotionally and physically demanding jobs in theater.
“There are nights where you’re just exhausted,” Kameron admitted. “Your body hurts, your voice is tired, you miss your family, and you’ve got to dig deep to give 110% to the audience. Because they deserve it.” It’s a grind that doesn’t always get recognized, especially for BIPOC artists, who often carry added layers of expectation and pressure. “It’s not just about doing the role well,” Kameron said. “It’s about being excellent, all the time. Because you feel like if you mess up, you’re not just letting yourself down—you’re letting your community down. That’s a lot. And it doesn’t always get talked about.”
Broadway Spokane Tickets – The Iconic Hamilton Touring Production
Spokane is more than ready to experience the brilliance of Hamilton, with tickets selling fast and energy buzzing throughout the city. Kameron is excited to perform here—and he already feels the love. “I’ve heard Spokane’s audiences are amazing, and I’m excited to see that energy,” he shared. “When you know the crowd is locked in with you, it’s electric. It’s like we’re building something together, live, in real-time.”
That connection between actor and audience is what keeps Kameron going, even through the toughest tour stops.
“There’s this moment during ‘One Last Time’ where everything goes still,” he said quietly. “And I can hear people crying. I can feel the silence. That’s when I know—it’s all worth it. Every mile, every hotel, every sleepless night. It’s worth it.”
As Hamilton continues its run across the country, the story it tells—and the stories of the people telling it—continue to evolve. For Kameron Richardson, this moment in Spokane is more than a performance. It’s part of a personal legacy. “This show is a gift,” he said. “Not just because it’s brilliantly written or culturally iconic, but because it gives us a platform. To speak. To shine. To share. I just hope people walk away from the theater feeling a little more seen, a little more inspired.”
And in Spokane, we’re all lucky enough to witness that legacy unfold—live, center stage.
Catch Hamilton at the First Interstate Center for the Arts in Spokane April 8th-20th. Follow Kameron on Instagram @kamerondrichardson for behind-the-scenes tour life!
