From Belleville to Broadway, West grad makes St. Louis homecoming with cast of ‘Hamilton’

Pinch-me moments haven’t stopped for Nathanael Hirst since he was first cast as part of the musical “Hamilton” tour.

The Belleville native is among the 32-person ensemble that arrives at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis on Aug. 28. Known as the show about America then portrayed by America now, he is cast as George Eacker, a lawyer who gave a patriotic Fourth of July speech but is most known for shooting Philip Hamilton in a duel. He also fills the role of “Man 3.”

“It’s crazy. I have wanted to be part of this ever since 2016 and I finally got it in 2024,” he said. “I feel incredibly blessed to be here. It is an amazing piece of art. It’s still so fresh, so relevant. I am so excited to tell this story,” he said in an interview.

This is the second stop on The Angelica Tour, which is booked through July 2025. He opened in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Aug. 16 and the next stop is home. His parents, Michael and Lori, drove to Arkansas for opening night, but a larger family contingent will reunite with him in St. Louis.

During a recent phone interview, Hirst talked about the hard work and dedication it requires to become a professional performing artist. He expressed gratitude for the support of his family, friends and “all who believed in me.”

“It has been quite a journey to get here. I hope that every night I step on this stage with this cast I show how much it means to me to tell this story,” he said.

The landmark production won the Pulitzer Prize for drama, 11 Tony Awards, Grammy and Olivier Awards, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. This is the productin’s third stop in St. Louis, after 2018 and 2022 tours.

Based on Ron Chernow’s biography on founding father Alexander Hamilton, this epic saga focuses on ambition, passion and the dawn of a new nation. It has been heralded as a revolutionary moment in theater, having had a profound impact on culture, politics and education since it opened at The Public Theatre in 2015.

“It has been exciting to see the preparation involved, to learn the dance moves. The amount of detail that is in the show is incredible,” Hirst said, noting the work of Stephanie Klemons, associate and supervising choreographer.

“She has seen me grow up and into this role. Just moving an inch will change perspective. It’s been really really cool,” he said. “I have grown so much. Just so happy to be a part of everything.”

Hirst’s admiration for choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler grew even more after he worked with the ensemble for two days.

“He gave us 10 minutes of notes. He was very specific. It has been amazing to see his mind work,” he said.

Blankenbuehler won Tony Awards for “Hamilton,” “In the Heights” and “Bandstand,” and was nominated for “Bring It On” The Musical” and “9 to 5.”

Blankenbuehler wasn’t the only part of the creative team who stopped by rehearsals in New York City. So did creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Tommy Kail and music supervisor Alex Lacamoire, whose orchestrations are used.

Hirst said Miranda, who wrote the book, music and lyrics, as well as originated the title role, introduced himself and talked to each performer.

“He was so nice, down to earth. It was so cool. He was so normal,” he said. “I’ve never seen an original creative team be this involved in a show like they are years later. They want us to succeed.”

To experience Miranda’s game-changing genius has been a real thrill for Hirst. Describing himself as “Hamilton obsessed” from the moment he heard about the show eight years ago, he actually saw it on Broadway. His dad won a #Ham4Ham Lottery in 2018 (Two $10 tickets had to be claimed in person).

Hirst said they drove to New York City for the next-day matinee.

“We were seated in the front row. One of the pamphlets landed in my lap. I took that as a sign,” he said.

To experience his dream-come-true has been unforgettable. He said the fact that he’s part of “Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)” and the “Hurricane” dance number, has been surreal.

“It’s so emotional for me. I wanted it for so long, it doesn’t feel real,” Hirst said. “For everyone, they are living their dreams. We have an insanely talented cast — veterans and new people. It has been indescribable. We’re all still finding things about the show. It’s a moment in time.”

From Belleville to Broadway

It’s not his first time performing at the Fox Theatre. Hirst was in the national tour of “Aladdin” that was here in December. He spent 11 months on the road in the Disney musical, from May 2023 to April 2024.

But for his many friends and close-knit family, it’s a full-circle moment, he said.

“So many people are coming. I am excited to share this with them,” he said.

Music has always been a part of his family, and he can play several instruments. So being involved in performing was natural.

A self-taught dancer who did not attend an arts college, Hirst’s drive to succeed stood out as a student at Belleville West High School.

Nick Johnson, who directed Hirst in high school musicals, said he remembered when he first thought Nathanael, known as Nathan, was going to make it.

“It was during our production of Disney’s ‘Peter Pan Jr.’ Nathan played the title role. In between matinees for the local grade schools, instead of socializing with the cast and crew, Nathan dropped a small spinning device that his mom bought him on the stage and started pirouetting. Over and over and over. This would go on for 20 or 30 minutes. And he wasn’t showing off. He was perfecting his form,” Johnson said.

During Hirst’s junior year, he portrayed Cliff in the school’s production of the musical “Cabaret.”

“Ironically, it’s the only non-dancing role in the whole show. As Cliff, he showed that he was an impressive dramatic actor as well,” Johnson said.

“Last spring, he dropped by my classroom to tell me that he was cast in ‘Hamilton.’ You have no idea how hard that was for me to keep that secret for two months until his contract began,” he said.

Hirst said the support he has received from his Belleville teachers and classmates to keep his dream alive has meant a great deal to him.

While in high school, he received a final callback for the touring company of “Newsies,” but had to fly to New York City for that audition. People donated to purchase his plane ticket.

“People who didn’t know me chipped in to get me to New York. I am indebted to these people, and grateful that they believed in me. I owe it to Belleville and St. Louis to make good on what they believed I could do,” he said.

Johnson said he never wavered in his belief Hirst would succeed.

“He did not make that cast, but I feel like the universe said ‘I see you, Nathan. Keep practicing and learning. I have something even better in store for you. Just wait,’” Johnson said.

While in St. Louis

The musical runs through Sept. 8 at the Fox. Showtimes are Tuesday through Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m., Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. There will be a matinee performance on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 1 p.m.

“I think this show has something to offer everyone. This show is about humanity and how individuals can fight for ideas they believe in. It’s inspiring to learn about the people who built this country,” Hirst said. “It shows how people can change things. It resonates in so many ways.

“I think it teaches us that our voice matters. It empowers people to want to say something, do something.”

While here in “Aladdin,” Hirst established a relationship with the Fox staff, and they have asked him to lead a Master Class for high school students, sponsored by the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation.

“I’m just excited to give back,” he said.

It is set for Friday, Aug. 30, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Grand Center Arts Academy. Nathan said he’s going to teach moves to the number “My Shot.” Space is limited, cost is $25 (and scholarships available). People can sign up at https://loom.ly/b4R0MdE.