The Jonesborough Repertory Theatre hosted a benefit concert at ETSU’s D.P. Culp Student Center featuring Euan Morton who plays King George in the Broadway show “Hamilton,” an actor who gave one ETSU family an unforgettable night.
Jennifer Adler, assistant director of the Roan Scholars Leadership program and adjunct professor of History and Religious Studies, saw a social media ad for the Aug. 8 benefit concert and immediately knew her family would be interested.
“As soon as I saw it, I texted it to everybody we knew,” said Adler.
After streaming “Hamilton” earlier in July, the family decided it would be fun to perform the Broadway hit. On Halloween night of 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Adlers found a way to bring a bit of theatrical joy to their neighborhood.
“That was a few months before Halloween, so that gave us a few months to think about what we wanted to do to prepare for our performance,” said Warren Adler, Jennifer Adler’s husband.
Warren Alder already had an uncanny resemblance to Lin-Manuel Miranda, and their son, Pierce Adler, wanted the role of his favorite character, King George, so the family hired a costume designer, built a stage and began practice. The family then performed “Hamilton.”
After their own personal experience with “Hamilton,” the Adlers were excited to attend the benefit concert, especially to see Pierce’s favorite character. Both Warren and Pierce wore their “Hamilton” costumes to the concert. Pierce piqued Morton’s interest and was called to the stage.
Pierce, who is in 4th grade at University School, was nervous to perform in front of an audience but had a blast singing “You’ll Be Back” with King George himself.
Warren, dressed as Hamilton, received many glares from Morton during his performance as King George.
Pierce was called to stage at the end of the performance to draw raffle tickets for a conversation night with Morton and two “Hamilton” tickets. Sadly, the Adlers missed the winning number by ten.
After the concert, which included classic Scottish tunes and Morton’s favorites from his acting career, Morton held a question-and-answer session.
“As wonderful as it was to hear him sing,” said Warren, “it was also very neat to get to hear him talk about his own experience of developing as an artist.”
The Adlers enjoyed a night of art and fun with Morton, a talented actor who made the audience feel special and connected.
“Arts is a means to understanding and it’s a means to experiencing something outside of ourselves,” said Jennifer Adler. “We could all benefit from a bit more understanding.”
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