During the song “The Schuyler Sisters,” which introduces the titular characters during Hamilton, the three sisters’ voices crescendo as they call New York City “the greatest city in the world!” Given that the show’s creator Lin-Manuel Miranda peppered the entire show with references to his hometown, it’s no surprise to learn there are many nods to the city’s icons and history. But did you realize Derek Jeter himself gets a reference in this play that takes place in the 18th and 19th centuries?
Per MLB.com, a recent episode of “The Hamilcast” podcast featured show choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, who spoke candidly about his love for the New York Yankees. In fact, his love of the Bronx Bombers found it’s way into the choreography, which you can now see on Disney+, as the filmed version of the Broadway show went live over the weekend.
The number is “It’s Quiet Uptown,” which occurs in the second act.
“There’s … a Derek Jeter Easter egg in that number,” Blankenbuehler begins at about the 51:23 mark of the episode. “Because I love the Yankees and I love to watch baseball with my son. My son would always imitate, when Derek Jeter would take the plate, he would put his arm out in front of him … like he was pointing to the outfield. He would put this long arm out in front of him, like over the pitcher’s head.
“So when the men are singing to Hamilton, they all stand around him and they all put their hand out, like Derek Jeter. There’s something about the power that Derek Jeter had — of being an icon, of being a superhero, of being a gentleman — that, when the men look at Hamilton, [they’re] in a way remembering when he had power. So they’re doing that move, like putting their arms across the horizon … willing him to have the power he used to have. I like that moment.”
If you’re headed to Disney+ to see the moment in action, you’ll want to head to the two-hour, 11-minute mark. Alexander Hamilton (Miranda), is standing center stage surrounded by the other men in the cast in a circle, whose arms are outstretched as they sing “They say he walks the length of the city.” It’s a real “blink and you’ll miss it” moment but if you know what you’re looking for, you’ll see it.
And so, as Yankee fans always like to remind you, history had its eyes on Derek Jeter, too.
[MLB.com]
