Rise Up: Hamilton Cast Fanfiction

Blow Us All Away

After arriving at the theater, Andy and Stephanie started teaching me steps while Tommy and Lin finished up the tech work from yesterday. The dancing really distracted me from what happened last night. Because I'd been dancing since I was 3, I was able to hit all the moves and pick up on chorography super quickly that we got through all of Act 1 in a short amount of time. 

"Ok. Perfect. You're great at this. I see why Jazzy picked you." Stephanie said.

"Yeah, seriously. Anyways, take 5." Andy agreed.

I walked backstage to my new dressing room which I shared with Ariana and Sasha.

"That came in for you just a while ago. Open it!" Ariana said as soon as I walked in. There was a large box with a bow at my dressing table. Just my name on the tag, no one else's.

I took the lid off and the four sides of the box revealed chocolate taped to the sides. There was a smaller box and there were little bunches of flowers on the sides. I opened the final box to reveal a teddy bear inside it. There was a pre-recorded message on the bear's hand.

"I love you! You're going to be great! Because you are the best and never let anyone tell you different!" a voice said. I identified it as Jacob's voice. My heart melted.

"Awww that's so cute!" Sasha said.

I pulled out my phone and texted him.

What in the world are you trying to do? My heart is melted!

You like it, princess?

Well duh. Thank you!

No probs! I'll see you tonight!

There was a knock at the door. "Delivery for Miss Miranda!"

Ari opened the door and took the package from him. "Thanks!"

"Open it!" Sasha said, exicitly.

"Another one?" I said, confused.

"You've got fans already!"

I opened the box to see chocolate, gummy bears, a small self-care kit, and some makeup. Of course there was a note.

Ella,

    I have complete faith in you! I know it was rough morning and the night before was even harder. But the clouds have passed and its your time to shine tonight! Break a leg, and stay away from the M word. Love you! -Vanessa

I smiled at it. She was an amazing mother. My phone lit up with a call from Jazzy. I answered it.

"Come to our dressing room! We have something for you! It's the Hamilton Ladies must-have package!" Pippa said.

"What? That's a thing?" I asked.

"Yeah, we all got one. Renee plans it." Sasha said.

I headed over with Ariana and Sasha by my side.

"Here you go! Open it!" Jazzy said a she shoved a box straight into my face as I walked in.

I opened it to see a ton of makeup, bobby pins, and some perfume.

"All to get you started tonight!" Renee said. "We all got the same one!"

"Thanks you guys!" I said and that's when it struck me. I was way pass 5 minutes.

"I have to go Andy's probably waiting for me!" I said, panicked.

"Bye!" the girls said.

I made it to the stage in record speed. "I'm here! I got a little distracted by some presents."

"There you are! Fanmail already?" Andy said.

"More like encouragement mail but sure."

We reviewed Act 1 and then went on to Act 2. By the time that was finished, I was absolutely drained. 3 hours till showtime.

Stephanie showed me that were actually showers in the back which I did and changed from the workout clothes to something comfy and started to unwind on the sofa in our dressing room. But Stephanie came back and started fitting me for costumes.

"I'm sorry, I know this is hectic, but you're doing everything we did in like more than 2 weeks in less than a day." she apolgized.

"I'm alright. This is nothing. No need for farther actions." I answered as my costumes were tailored and hung up.

I really needed a boost afterward so I informed Lin and walked to a nearby Starbucks. I grabbed a Grande Green Tea Frapp with extra matcha powder and a chocolate cake pop, of course. That's when I spotted a familiar face.

"Ella! Forgotten me already?"

"Emily? How's the business?"

"It's ok, even though I'm lacking in orders. School starts and so does homecoming so hopefully better by then."

"Definitely!"

"How's Elizabeth?"
No. No, no, no no.

"Measles. S-She's in a better place now.."

"Oh I see. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked.

"I miss her still."

"I can only imagine. It was a horrible place and a terrible time. Don't blame yourself for it though."

"But how can I not?"

"Listen to me Ella. The world is a harsh place. It will get worse from here. But don't let that bother you. You are strong, and you will get through this." 

"Thank you for that. I needed it."

"No problem, sis. Also, I'm seeing that Broadway show you always talked about. Hamilton. I made a good amount of money off an order and I got a ticket for tonight. Finally get to see what you were so obsessed about."

"Tonight?"

"Yeah. I tried texting you about it but it didn't get through."

"Oh I got a new phone. Here's my number though so you can text me now." 

I headed back to the theater with my drink after taking a detour because I wasn't sure how Emily would feel about seeing me just causally walk back in. Inside, I was freaking out. I have this thing where I get really nervous to perform in front of people I know. I've performed for large crowds and competitions, I even did a solo half-time show for a NBA game, for goodness sakes. But performing for people I know, I just freeze up. 

It's okay..Only two people you know in the audience tonight. One doesn't even know you're onstage. So it's fine. Calm down. I told myself. 

After an hour of Tiktok scrolling, I started getting ready. I needed time to do hair, costume, makeup, mics, and warm-up. But I seriously overestimated the amount of time I actually needed, or I was just a musical theater and dance soul at heart because I was able to get it all done in half the time I prepared. Now I see why Leslie liked to do everything last minute. 

I met with Andy and we ran over a couple rough spots from this morning to make sure everything went smoothly. But I was still nervous nonetheless. And soon, I was in the wings with all the other cast members. 

"Are you excited?" Ariana asked. 

"Don't worry, you're amazing." Sasha reassured. 

"For once, she's right." Oak said. 

"This is your Broadway debut, your time to shine!" Daveed said. 

"Break a leg!" Renee, Pippa, and Stephanie said in unison.

"Seriously though, go blow them all away!" Anthony said, picking me up and swinging me around. 

Normally, I would never allow myself to be this happy. To rely on so much support. Normally, I would be scared of betrayal and all that support just breaking. But for the first time, I felt content. Like there was solid ground and I wouldn't have to tread lightly. No, this was my red carpet and I would blow them all away.