Vice President-elect Mike Pence received a chilly reception when he attended a performance of the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton" on Friday, and perhaps—the diverse cast hopes—a lesson in true "American values."
Upon arriving at the Richard Rodgers Theater, Pence—a staunch Christian conservative, fierce opponent of LGBTQ and women's rights, and key member of the incoming Donald Trump administration—was loudly jeered by the audience of the show, which portrays a pivotal time in American history through hip hop and a highly-diverse cast.
Videos posted to social media show some audience members cheering him, before the boos took over.
Here's Pence getting booed as he gets to his seats at Hamilton pic.twitter.com/IRQG68x1sB
— David K (@dkipke12) November 19, 2016
"Pence walked down the aisle towards his seat and waved briefly as people in the theater clearly began to realize who he was. Then the boos began," the Guardian reported. "The show was occasionally disrupted by more loud booing at Pence."
As Pence was about the duck out at the end of the show, Brandon Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr, called him back saying, "I see you walking out, but I hope you will hear us, just a few moments."
After welcoming Pence and thanking him for joining the audience, Dixon delivered a statement on behalf of the production.
Tonight, VP-Elect Mike Pence attended #HamiltonBway. After the show, @BrandonVDixon delivered the following statement on behalf of the show. pic.twitter.com/Jsg9Q1pMZs
— Hamilton (@HamiltonMusical) November 19, 2016
"We are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights," he said. "We truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values, and work on behalf of ALL of us."
To wide applause, Dixon, an African American actor, encouraged the audience to share his message "far and wide."
"We thank you for sharing this wonderful American story, told by a diverse group of men and women of different colors, creeds, and orientations," Dixon continued, as many noted the irony that Pence, who as Indiana governor led the campaign against LGBTQ rights, attended a production that celebrates such equality.
Reminder that the current star of Hamilton is the incomparable Javier Muñoz, an openly gay, openly HIV-positive actor. Pay attention, Pence.
— Marc Snetiker (@MarcSnetiker) November 19, 2016
Early Saturday, President-elect Donald Trump took to Twitter to accuse the "Hamilton" cast of "harassing" Pence, to which Dixon responded:
@realDonaldTrump conversation is not harassment sir. And I appreciate @mike_pence for stopping to listen.
— Brandon Victor Dixon (@BrandonVDixon) November 19, 2016
As the performance itself declares, "History has its eyes on you."
