Goshen's Phoenix Performing Arts hosts 'Hamilton' workshop

Feb. 11—GOSHEN — A little bit of Broadway came to Goshen Saturday morning.

In honor of Presidents' Day, which this year is Feb. 19, Phoenix Performing Arts, 213 Main St., hosted a "Hamilton" workshop, from 9 a.m. to noon, in the footsteps of the acclaimed Broadway musical production created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, which first premiered off Broadway in 2015.

The workshop was geared to children ages 5-15.

"It's going real smooth," said instructor Cody Smith, Elkhart. "These kids have been great today. They have brought a lot of energy to my Saturday morning."

The workshop consisted of Hamilton-themed acting games in addition to the singing portion, with parents coming into watch as the event began to wind down.

Ashlea Harrington, who cofounded PPA with her husband Zak, serves as its executive director.

"We've had a really good morning," Ashlea Harrington said near the end of the workshop.

As the name suggests, former U.S. President Alexander Hamilton is the musical's inspiration, which in turn draws from a number of varied musical styles.

"We're glad the kids could join," Harrington added. "There's a quote in 'Hamilton' that says 'I want to be in the room where it happens.' So, we told the kids we're glad they could be in the room where this happens."

To learn more, visit thephoenixarts.org or hamiltonmusical.com/new-york.

Steve Wilson is news editor for The Goshen News. You can reach him at steve.wilson@goshennews.com.