Fans were treated to a humorous twist on a well-known role when Lin-Manuel Miranda reprised his acclaimed Hamilton persona on a recent episode of "Saturday Night Live," recently aired to comedic delight.
According to the New York Post, Lin-Manuel Miranda took to the stage for a spoof skit, turning President Trump's imagined second inauguration into a lively and satirical act.
The celebrated playwright and composer stepped into the iconic shoes of Alexander Hamilton during the show's cold open, creating a buzz with audiences and political commentators alike. Miranda's performance alongside a vivid portrait of Trump played by James Austin Johnson provided a mix of laughter and political jabs, setting the tone for the evening.
"Saturday Night Live" has long been known for its lampooning of political figures, and this skit was no exception. James Austin Johnson, known for his impersonations, portrayed Trump during the skit with ease and humor. The segment took the ceremony of a second inauguration and, with exaggerated flair, brought it indoors to underscore the absurdity of the encounter.
Trump’s character, as portrayed by Johnson, filled the room with irony and satire through references to his administration and family. Among these nods included a whimsical comparison of his son Barron to Gandalf of “The Lord of the Rings” fame, painting a vivid picture of imagined mishaps in the White House halls.
Miranda's Hamilton countered with principled tones, delivering a message on leadership. The character passionately addressed the ideals upon which America was founded, cleverly stating, "Because in America, all men are created equal."
In a playful exchange with Miranda's Hamilton, Johnson's Trump cheekily noted his "king era," challenging democratic ideals with wit. The narrative humorously developed ideas around how Trump fancied his time in office as kingdom-like, leaving audiences amused by the parallels to monarchal settings.
Amidst the laughter, the skit didn't shy away from gesturing at key cultural issues. For instance, it introduced a strong critique of workplaces through Trump's character's viewpoint, now devoid of diversity initiatives, harking back to more monochrome times. The mockery extended into the event details, satirically noting the event was "inside due to cold and fear," echoing historical pomp with a tongue-in-cheek approach.
Adding to the evening's spectacle, Timothée Chalamet contributed as both the host and musical guest for the night. His presence supported the comedic skit, rounding out the show with an additional artistic flair that was keenly welcomed by both live and television audiences.
Chalamet’s involvement underscored the entertaining yet sharply critical tone of the episode. His musical interludes intertwined with the show's satirical points, keeping the energy high throughout the broadcast. The playful critique continued as Johnson’s Trump called out Miranda, teasing the writer about his uncanny ability to rap. "Oh, look at Lin," he jested, noting his undeniable status close to achieving an EGOT—Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards.
While Miranda's role was central, Johnson’s Trump had the audience in stitches with quips like noting Melania’s surprising presence at the fictional event, offering subtle satire on political and familial connections.
The clever jibes extended to Miranda, with the Trump character delighting in the actor's inability to break into rap. The restrained creativity poked fun at Miranda’s musical talents, captivating SNL's audience with its unique kind of humor. Johnson’s portrayal did not mince words as references to well-known TV culture and sharp jabs at diversity echoed the style of traditional “Saturday Night Live” humor aligned with socio-political critique.
Miranda’s appearance on "Saturday Night Live" represents a continued blending of Broadway theatricality with timely and poignant political satire, expanding the musical’s reach beyond its original stage.
The skit adeptly tied together humor, parody, and commentary to present a cohesive, critically reflective piece that maintained the entertainment hallmark of "Saturday Night Live." Miranda's ongoing collaboration with platforms like SNL highlights his versatility and enduring impact on both entertainment and public discourse, capturing pivotal cultural moments with a comedic edge.