‘Hamilton’ returns to South Florida as Miami conductor celebrates homecoming at Broward Center

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — One of Broadway’s most celebrated musicals is returning to South Florida, and for the Miami conductor leading its orchestra, the engagement is more than just another stop on a national tour. “Hamilton,” the award-winning musical known for blending hip-hop, rap and traditional musical theater, is coming to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts for a limited engagement. Local 10 entertainment reporter Jason Carter sat down with conductor Emmanuel “Manny” Schvartzman, a Miami native who has spent nine years touring with the production, to discuss the show’s lasting success, its demanding musical score and what it means to perform close to home. A full-circle moment for Miami conductor For Schvartzman, bringing “Hamilton” to Fort Lauderdale is especially meaningful because he previously worked at the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater. “It’s amazing. I’ve been on tour for nine years and it’s like a homecoming,” Schvartzman said. “And I worked at the Amaturo Theater next door to the Arena Theater, where we’re playing now. So it’s like a double homecoming, so it feels great.” The conductor plays a critical role in bringing the musical’s distinctive sound to life each night. Unlike traditional Broadway productions that feature extended breaks between musical numbers, Schvartzman said “Hamilton” requires constant coordination between the orchestra and performers. “It’s a three hour non-stop music, fully driven show,” he explained. “There’s never a scene that’s not accompanied by some form of music.” Schvartzman said every lyric and rap verse is tied to the musical score, requiring the orchestra to remain focused throughout the performance. “Every word that’s rapped is connected to a beat of music,” he said. “We’re always driving the ship.” Despite the demanding pace, Schvartzman said he enjoys the variety of musical styles that have helped make the production a Broadway phenomenon. The secret behind ‘Hamilton’s’ success Since its debut, “Hamilton” has captivated audiences with its innovative approach to musical theater. Schvartzman believes the show’s success comes from the extraordinary attention to detail behind every performance. “You know, when all the ingredients are right, it just tastes good,” he said. He credited the show’s creative team with carefully crafting a production that continues to resonate with audiences. “When we try to perfect a performance, we’re looking at the stitching of like a shirt that people just kind of wear and they go, ‘I like this shirt,’ but we’re like really making sure that everything looks exactly right,” Schvartzman explained. Inspiring the next generation of performers Beyond his work with “Hamilton,” Schvartzman is passionate about helping young people discover opportunities in the performing arts. An active member of Musicians United for Social Equity, he also speaks with students about the role music and arts education have played in his life. Schvartzman reflected on his own experience arriving in Miami as an immigrant and trying to find his place in American musical theater. “I’m an immigrant kid who came to Miami and also, you know, just try to fit in into the American musical theatre that I thought was distant for me,” he said. He recalled the encouragement he received from people who helped him believe a career in the performing arts was possible. “There were bridges that connected me and said, ‘Hey, it’s cool, you can be here and like, you can do the thing,’” Schvartzman said. His advice to aspiring musicians and performers is to pursue their interests while surrounding themselves with people who encourage their growth. “Whatever it is you want to do, you kind of have to immerse yourself and surround yourself with people that drive you in the right direction,” he said. Now, after nearly a decade on the road with one of Broadway’s biggest productions, Schvartzman is returning to South Florida to conduct the musical in a venue where he once worked. “Hamilton” will be presented at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale for a limited engagement. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.