NJ rocker Steven Van Zandt says ‘Hamilton’ cast should apologize to VP-elect Pence

New Jersey musician and E Street Band member Steven Van Zandt says that the cast of the Broadway play "Hamilton" should apologize to Vice President-elect Mike Pence after calling him out after a performance

News 12 Staff

Nov 21, 2016, 6:44 PM

Updated 2,719 days ago

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NJ rocker Steven Van Zandt says ‘Hamilton’ cast should apologize to VP-elect Pence
New Jersey musician and E Street Band member Steven Van Zandt says that the cast of the Broadway play "Hamilton" should apologize to Vice President-elect Mike Pence after calling him out after a performance Friday evening.
Van Zandt tweeted, "Hamilton made a mistake. Audiences shouldn't have to worry about being blindsided like that. Theater should be sanctuary for Art to speak."
Van Zandt said on Twitter that he disagrees with many of the policies that Pence and President-elect Donald Trump support, but he says that the play was not the time or the place to do it.
"Nobody on this planet disagrees more with everything Pence represents. But I don't tolerate bullying in any form. Even the respectful kind," Van Zandt posted.
"Hamilton" cast member Brandon Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr, read a message directly addressed to Pence after Friday night's shows
"We are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that the new administration will not protect us," Dixon said. "We truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us."
The message brought about mixed reaction from the nation with many supporting and opposing what the cast said. The hashtag #BoycottHamilton was trending over the weekend.
The vice president-elect says that he was not offended by the cast nor was he offended by the boos directed toward him by some members of the audience.
"I nudged my kids and reminded them that's what freedom sounds like... I did hear what was said from the stage... and I'll leave to others whether that was the appropriate venue to say it," Pence said.
Pence said he wants to reassure people that Trump is preparing to be the president of all Americans.


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