'Hamilton’ cast members share their journey with Cue 608 youth artists

In the softly lit Promenade Lounge on Wednesday, Jan. 14, surrounded by local students from Cue 608 Youth Arts Collective, “Hamilton” cast members Chibueze Ihuoma and Amanda Simone Lee talked about their journeys in musical theater.  

Ihuoma, a New Jersey native, said he grew up in a Nigerian household with high expectations to earn a professional degree. “You have to be a doctor,” he was told by his parents. He shared how he resisted those expectations by pursuing the arts instead, explaining that, like a doctor, his work helps people, too. 

The Cue 608 participants, a group of young multidisciplinary artists including poets, performers, visual artists and musicians, asked Ihuoma and Lee how they got into musical theater, what their first auditions were like, where they attended college, and what their favorite roles and songs have been while on tour. 

Dawry Ruiz, Cue 608 co-executive director, shared, “Everyone was so excited and thankful for the opportunity to meet the cast and see the show. Everyone had an amazing experience. I’m glad that Overture invited us. It meant a lot to my students who aren’t necessarily regulars in those spaces.” 

Both Ihuoma and Lee spoke about their youth theater experiences and how those moments influenced their educational and career paths. They also encouraged the students to share their art with others, noting that performing for audiences is how each of them discovered the deeper impact of their work. 

Lee, a Florida native, began performing in a church choir and did her first production at age 11—and was hooked. Classically trained in opera, she attended a performing arts high school, which influenced her path to Florida State University, where she earned a BFA. She went on to book a musical theater role on a cruise ship before eventually joining “Hamilton.” She encouraged students to keep growing and pushing themselves artistically. 

Similarly, Ihuoma shared that while attending college in New York, he performed in a hip-hop group that caught the attention of the “Hamilton” casting team, leading to an audition. He was encouraged to gain more experience and return later, and he did just that. This visit marked Ihuoma’s second time at Overture Center. He previously performed as Orpheus when “Hadestown” came to Madison. He is currently an understudy for multiple roles in the “Hamilton” Angelica touring company. 

Both Ihuoma and Lee encouraged students to tap into what they know and to stay grounded in what inspires them. They also shared their love for outreach and connecting with young people, finding those experiences meaningful and energizing. 

“Art has the power to change people’s lives, and you have the power to affect people,” Ihuoma said. “I want to offer my spirit and my voice to heal people, make them feel seen. When that happens, it means I did my job.” 

Lee wholeheartedly agreed. “We know we’re in the digital age, but you can reach so many people in live theater—not on a phone,” she said. “It’s so special, this moment. We don’t get it back. We get to look you in the eyes.” 

Ihuoma and Lee encouraged the students to “be yourself,” “lead with kindness” and “lean on each other.” Clearly, performing on stage is anything but just a job for both—it’s an inspiration and a calling.