Broadway star Phillipa Soo shares insights with University of Richmond community
UNIVERSITY NEWS
Hamilton actress and singer urges students to ‘see as much as possible’ and ‘lead with openness.’
Phillipa Soo, the actress and singer who originated the role of Eliza Hamilton in the popular Broadway musical Hamilton, spoke to the campus community last month. Soo, an award-winning actress who has starred in numerous Broadway productions, TV shows, and movies, shared insights on the creative process and her personal journey and experiences to a capacity crowd of primarily students but also UR faculty, staff, and friends.
Ashley White, a visiting theater professor, and Gareth Woo, a UR student leader and theater student, asked Soo a series of questions ranging from thoughts on inclusive casting practices to which Hamilton character she would love to play other than Eliza. The answer was former Vice President Aaron Burr.
When you pursue your calling
Soo shared that acting was her destiny from a young age, remembering a time when her mother took her to see a performance of The Tempest that inspired her to pursue acting as a career. She encouraged students to find their own inspiration.
“See as much as possible. Go to museums, see movies, see plays, experience the world. It will inform your journey,” Soo said. “Prioritize openness before action. Being open and vulnerable and listening is important.”
Prior to the conversation with the community, Soo met with 30 University of Richmond students, all of whom were connected to the performing arts in some way.
Senior Michelle Darfour, who is majoring in mathematical economics and minoring in data science, is a member of the African dance team.
“I’ve always loved Broadway, and even being in the same room as someone like Phillipa Soo is an honor, but getting the chance to meet and speak with her was amazing,” Darfour said. “It was such a unique and special opportunity. You think of celebrities as so far away, and she was right here with us.”
Up close and personal
Tyler Morales a senior double major in politics, philosophy, economics, and law and Latin American, Latino, & Iberian studies, agreed.
“It was humanizing to be able to meet and talk with a star from Hamilton,” said Morales, who is on the LatinX dance team. “We’ve had several major celebrities on campus since I’ve been here, and they’ve all met with students. My friends at other schools don’t have that experience.”
After spending time with UR students, Soo said she felt energized and impressed.
The event, organized by the Center for Student Involvement with support from various campus organizations, including the Gottwald Speakers Fund, was two years in the making.
“Our focus is on building community, and we knew a beloved Broadway star like Phillipa Soo would have broad appeal among our students. We had been pursuing a campus visit from her for a long time,” said Vittoria Doyle, director of student involvement. “From the moment we announced her visit, students were excited, and the pre-event opportunity and event both filled up quickly.”