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A McAllen church sparks controversy over its interpretation of the popular musical Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda, as they edited several scenes to incorporate biblical themes, and the staging was followed by a sermon comparing being homosexual to having an addiction.
Also read: The musical ‘Hamilton’, by Lin-Manuel Miranda, can be seen on Disney+
Much of the criticism of the performance, produced by RGV Productions and The Door McAllen church, centers on the idea that the edited version and sermon are antithetical to what they represent. Hamilton and Miranda, who is known for his support of the LGBT community.
The Dallas Morning News got a video of this version of the musical, which ran for a couple of hours, and the short sermon that followed. The show incorporates various biblical messages and references not included in the original Miranda musical. The blog OnStagewhich in its own words is dedicated to promoting community theater in Fairfield County, Connecticut, first reported on the controversy.
During the 15-minute sermon, one of the church’s pastors spoke about redemption: “Maybe you struggle with alcohol, with drugs, with homosexuality, maybe you struggle with other things in life, your finances, what I mean, God can help you tonight. He wants to forgive you for your sins.”
During Sunday morning’s service, the pastor of The Door McAllen says the Hamilton team gave them license do their production.
This is interesting for two reasons. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/MZne75G8ys
— Ryan Wood (@RyanWoodDFW) August 7, 2022
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From the controversy, doubts also arose about whether the church would have legal permission to adapt the work.
In a statement to The NewsPastor Román Gutiérrez said that the church is not anti-LGBT and that “everyone is always welcome,” adding that he obtained legal permission from the team behind Hamilton to produce the musical at the church. On Monday, however, a spokesman for the Hamilton he denied it.
“Hamilton does not grant amateur or professional licenses for any theatrical production and did not grant one to The Door Church,” the spokesman said, adding that a cease and desist letter was sent to the church on the Saturday after Friday’s performance. The church also planned to put on a show later on Saturday.
After listening to The Door, the team at Hamilton He said he told the church that he could continue with the Saturday show as long as no photos or videos were taken, the performance was not posted online and the church stopped putting on productions of the show.
The spokesman for Hamilton He added that they would be “discussing this matter with the parties behind this unauthorized production in the coming days, once all the facts are duly investigated.”
“We would like to thank our devoted fans for bringing this to our attention,” Hamilton’s statement said.
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