Show Notes
It was the role of a lifetime: Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway phenomenon “Hamilton.” But Renée Elise Goldsberry turned down the audition. Not just once, but multiple times.
As she explains to Karen Finerman in this episode and in her new documentary “Satisfied,” it was at that same moment that the family Renée had fought so hard to create was finally coming together. She and husband Alexis had just brought home their daughter Brielle, adopted from Ethiopia. She joined big brother Benjamin to make their family of four. After years of infertility struggles, Renée was ready to spend her energy being a mom to her very young children.
That was her plan, until her manager implored her to at least listen to the music from what was then called “The Hamilton Mixtape.” In the moment that she first heard Lin-Manuel Miranda singing the demo for “Satisfied,” she knew she wanted the part. She got it, and the rest is Broadway history.
Renée’s versatility as a singer and actress has served her well since then: she starred in the musical comedy series “Girls5Eva” and can now be seen in Oscar-winner Kathryn Bigelow’s new film “A House of Dynamite” on Netflix. In it, she plays the first lady as the president, played by Idris Elba, is facing a nuclear crisis.
💬 In this episode, we explore:
Renée’s memories of “Hamilton” from its workshop days to its recent 10th anniversary celebration
How Renée managed the demands of a mega-hit Broadway musical while raising young children
Behind the scenes of her new documentary "Satisfied,' and how fellow actresses Kelli O’Hara and Audra McDonald supported her
Why her new album “Who I Really Am” is her most personal work yet
How Renée knew her husband Alexis Johnson was the right one for her
The role faith has played in both Renée’s personal and professional life
The good advice her “Girls5Eva” co-star Paula Pell gave her about managing anxiety
The coveted birthday present Renée gives to her friends and family
And the exciting text John Mulaney sent Renée and her fellow castmates of “Documentary Now! Original Cast Album: Co-Op”
🔗 Visit Renée Elise Goldsberry’s website
🔗 For Information on the SATISFIED Documentary
🔗 For information on Netflix’s A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE
🎧 Listen To Renee’s New Album, Who I Really Am
📸 Follow Renée Elise Goldsberry on Instagram
📸 Follow Renée Elise Goldsberry on TikTok
📸 Follow the show on Instagram: @hsdipodcast
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