Musical Theatre Coach Reacts (Jonathan Groff "You'll Be Back": Hamilton -An American Musical)

Musical Theatre Coach Marc Daniel Patrick reacts to Jonathon Groff’s performance of “You’ll Be Back”, from the Broadway hit show HAMILTON.
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In this video Marc discusses this Tony nominated performance, an epic master class of how to act through a song.
Original Video:
Streaming on Disney+

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

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[@jameskipp66]

The part where he stamps his foot petulantly and the color shifts to blue. One of the reported symptoms King Geo III had during his "madness," was "blue urine," which is seen in Porphyria, one of the several differential diagnoses put forth as being contributory for his break He also has something on his face to reflect the blue hue. So he leaned into the crazies

[@maedaydreamer8386]

He was nominated for a Tony just for that short appearance. I mean. That's talent.

[@llyg4848]

Did he win

[@eskimo0]

@@llyg4848 no daveed won

[@thairinkhudr4259]

@@eskimo0 A win for one of us is a win for ALL of us! - Renee Elise Goldsberry

[@maedaydreamer8386]

@@llyg4848 pretty difficult to win that time coz the other nominees were mostly from Hamilton as well. 😂 and Daveed was an upstager so he deserved the win.

[@BlackCanary87]

Ron Holgate had less stage time for his winning performance as Richard Henry Lee in 1776, but everyone kinda knows that he won because voters wanted to give it to 1776 even though William Daniels had refused the nomination. Daniels played John Adams, who is inarguably the lead, but the rules at the time said that people could only be nominated for Lead Actor/Actress if their name was above the title. Howard da Silva, who played Ben Franklin, was the biggest star in the cast and pretty much the only well known cast member at all, so he was the only one with his name above the title, meaning Daniels was only eligible for Supporting Actor. Daniels would absolutely have run away with the Tony, but he was like, "Screw you, it's absolutely the lead role," and refused the nomination. The rules were changed for the next year because of this. 1776 is one of the rare musicals that has an absolutely fantastic film adaptation, starring the original leads and the best performers of the entire Broadway run. It's basically a dream cast concert, but for once it's the actual movie!

[@thomlp]

Regarding your comments about an actor fixating on a certain point in the audience: The last time I saw "Hamilton" in Chicago (12/19), I was in the sixth row, dead center. Andrew Call, as King George, chose me to be his focus. At first, it made me very uncomfortable. I relaxed and enjoyed it, sending him every ounce of positive energy I could muster! At the stage door, he worked his way down the line, signing autographs and taking selfies. When he saw me, he yelled, "There's my MAN!" A great memory!

[@danip3270]

Thom Parker Nice!

[@echeloncubbins2803]

Aww, that's awesome!

[@thomlp]

@@echeloncubbins2803 It was a once in a lifetime moment. He made his "There's my MAN!" comment and hugged me. Then he took a selfie with me and signed my Playbill and hugged me again! The people around us were like...WTF?

[@danip3270]

Thom Parker I think your comment is important, because it shows that these trained performers aren’t staring into space. They’re very aware of the stage and the audience. Jonathan Groff has mentioned how he tweaked his performances according to the audience and their reactions.

[@nightorchid5031]

:0

[@ryansautner]

Hey Marc! I’m the kid in the beginning of the video! Thanks for the feedback, and happy to be featured on your channel!!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Nailed it with this TikTok my friend. If you have any clips of you performing, I would love to check them out.

[@jadeyoung4544]

It was amazing!

[@Javier_Jimenez71]

Brilliant!!! 🥃

[@aravpyati6344]

I can’t seem to find the tik tok of it, so can I please have. Alink

[@cbizzy7773]

You made me snort

[@pickle8636]

Now that Hamilton is on Disney+ nobody can stop me from classifying Groffsauce as a Disney princess

[@MrMrmexicali]

Not a Disney Princess. He would be the Disney Queen.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Hahaha. 🙌

[@tillydee933]

Disney Prince and Disney Queen. Yes.

[@orionjaguar]

Maleficent got nothing on Groffy

[@lledge6830]

Yes!

[@hollisashby2962]

I LOVE the way Groff is so controlled -- as the King wants to be so controlling -- yet when his eyes cross slightly it signals the rage that is building inside; the only physical manifestation of that rage being this uncontrollable mannerism. Hilarious!

[@bunnyslippers191]

Oh, yeah, that eyes crossing is the "tell" that something particularly unhinged is about to hit and hit hard. He does that right before the *really* scary over the top abuser lines.

[@mkspangenberg]

Imagine the talent to do that. RESPECT!

[@One.Zero.One101]

No disrespect, but I think the Australian cast was better particularly King George and Angelica. Sorry guys just my honest opinion. If you have a chance to see them, please please do.

[@alexanderandres3584]

An ad played right after “NO DON’T CHANGE THE SUBJECT” and I’m dying rn

[@goditsbrutalouthere4640]

thats funny

[@rootsies]

WHEEEEZE

[@caramellatte1828]

The ad changed the subject

[@c0llapsingst4rs]

HAHAHAHA

[@kavyakumeria558]

*wheeze*

[@georgakey6953]

so basically this performance is perfect? ultimately making groff himself perfect? yes I think so

[@debbystardust]

I’m so convinced by the performance that I believe the original thirteen colonies should be returned to the United Kingdom!

[@siddmic]

Debby Really There’s a particular poetic irony with that reaction coming from satire that I can’t help but appreciate.

[@scoutmiller8200]

Of course he is it’s Jonathan Groff!

[@pay_ber]

Debby Really lmfaooo why was this my reaction lol

[@lilyd1317]

yes 🥱😌

[@dayairene]

I was amazed that he only blinked like 4 times during the entire song. Talk about INTENSE!!!

[@applescotchpie3003]

Well now I can't unsee it 😂

[@jeffdeboer1679]

I noticed that too. It's simultaneously unnerving and impressive. I'm guessing Groff doesn't wear contacts.

[@scoutmiller8200]

Right? I can’t imagine how much his eyes must have been stinging. It makes it so much better!

[@makeilaha6155]

The movie was created from two live performances so it's possible that everything just happened to be cut oddly

[@laughsinsad7912]

권민슬Makeila Ha actually, in every performance he’s been in the most he’s blinked is 5 times. King George was supposedly a bit of a psycho, and they’re known to blink significantly less

[@chimp5127]

Person: So who’s your favorite Disney princess? Me: You see.. it’s complicated

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Hahah.

[@yorusoisj]

Bruuuuuuhh 🤣😂

[@erinolsen8062]

reminder he is also kristoff in frozen so hes totally a disney princess.

[@temin2776]

He's the King! Not princess!

[@robinsparkies]

He’s a Prince actually. King’s are of birthright only

[@tracyroweauthor]

The most interesting thing about this performance is the fact that he is holding the audience while mostly just standing there in a costume that pretty much obscures the rest of his body movement. He uses his voice, his eyes, facial expressions and a few well-timed body movements to completely create a character and keep the audience riveted. That is INCREDIBLY hard to do, especially in a show that has so much frenetic movement.

[@lorettabes4553]

I know right! He really fills the entire stage, all alone!

[@jadawalker7232]

it's the most beautiful minimalist performance I've ever seen. He gets more done by changing where he's looking than most people could do by dancing across the entire stage.

[@tracyroweauthor]

@@jadawalker7232 it really is.

[@marjigferg6060]

Yesss!!!

[@vacommish]

It is easily one of the top 3 performances in the entire show and the one song I find myself singing frequently.

[@Schneewittchen3663]

Spitting is clearly a staple for Jonathan. It was even thrown in Frozen. Kristoff spit on the front of the sleigh and it backfired on Anna, lol.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Haha. Omg, good point.

[@scoutmiller8200]

Haha I never noticed that in the million times I’ve watched Frozen!

[@ThePinkDragon]

@@scoutmiller8200 me eaither

[@alisterfolson]

It reminds me of that Friends episode where Joey deals with another spitting actor

[@munkustrap2]

Tayah Kuzenko...that may be part of it but he's known to spit while on stage, not just this part.

[@fairlyadorablepancreas3746]

My favorite moment is when he starts bouncing to Aaron Burr/Leslie's rap during the Reynolds pamphlet/never gonna be president now 🤣🤣

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Haha. He's definitely a scene stealer every time he hits the stage.

[@rebecca8525]

Oh, yeah, mine too!

[@AstridLexical]

SAME!!!!

[@kllrnooooova]

@@MarcDanielPatrick duh 😂 also, you have 69 likes 😂 noice 🤟

[@Maria-ob7ii]

And the Adams administration

[@emilymaheu4992]

Fun Fact: “You’ll be Back” was inspired by Hugh Laurie (Dr. House). When Hugh and Lin were filming the asylum episode, Lin told him about how he wanted to write a breakup song from King George to the colonies for his musical. House laughed and said “you’ll be back.” Lin had a lightbulb moment and the rest, as they say, is history.

[@craiglopresto3322]

Mind blown! Life is complete!

[@TheHopperUK]

@@DarianaNight Haha yeah Hugh Laurie plays the Prince Regent, who was later George IV and was known to be hugely fat. They kept in all the jokes about his figure despite Hugh Laurie being thin as a rail and it adds a really neat surreality to the lines imo :)

[@vickibear9868]

Then he wrote the song on his honey moon

[@secretforreddit]

Oh my god, Hugh Laurie as George III in Hamilton would be DIVINE

[@rosiemandujano5500]

Genius!!!!! I watched the entire seasons of House...

[@MsGavrielGirl]

12:53 Did anyone else notice how Jonathon also begins "conducting" the orchestra and giving them cues? It adds so many layers to the character of a mad king trying desperately to hold tenuous control.

[@internallycrying-5526]

yeah! I started laughing when he cut them off lol

[@jeannetteampersand728]

That "everybody" was like he's commanding his subjects to join him even thought they don't want to. I LOVED this performance so much!

[@peggyknecht5551]

I loved that when he says it "everybody' comes sort of shuffling into their spots. It's as if they are thinking "The king has commanded us to sing with him." They even look a little bit frightened.

[@thegreatitudecoach]

Yes… and they comply in a big way. However - it’s then that he should break into a can can.

[@andreajuneniehaus]

Agree!

[@EricAriel5]

Groff is known for spitting in all his broadway performances,lol.

[@jordansbear]

Dosoaoao Oaowkwjw I think it’s a bit of both

[@jewels1296]

Jordan Berezin I agree. I read he would take a big drink of water right beforehand to imply the whole mad King George thing.

[@nickyfinn7909]

You’re correct. I’ve seen him in four different shows and he’s done it in every one.

[@mandysubia5059]

He is. I was Baptised by Groffsauce when he was in Little Shop of Horrors lol. He’s aware. Said it used to make him self conscious but he’s over it.

[@smr-cl4rc]

When I saw Hamilton in Chicago the king also spit a lot. So I think it has something to do with the character

[@eyedub]

He doesnt really ever blink during his performance either, helping to really nail home the intensity of the madness/intimidation

[@cameronclarke6472]

I’m glad I wasn’t the only one to notice

[@goopyfish3275]

He blinks only 4 times 👁👄👁

[@kellianne17]

Every look he gives has a purpose. Totally brilliant.

[@ashleyn.9166]

The first time I saw this I turned to my husband and asked, "umm? Had he blinked? I'm kinda creeped out."

[@leodouskyron5671]

When Goff does this British Invasion song, he plays the best royal ex-boy friend stalker ever - Washington maybe needs a restraining order.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

HAHA. That's brilliant. Can I hire you as a writer for upcoming videos. :P

[@ThePinkDragon]

Hamilton can file it :}

[@lillim.5060]

@@dylanno858 We know, that's why this comment was so funny xD

[@teancoffee208]

Royal ex girlfriend*. Theres something undeniably feminine about his character

[@kathrynblodgett1969]

@@teancoffee208 I think that is also an historical choice.

[@commandosolo1266]

How are so many people missing this? When Tony Hopkins performed "Dr. Lector," He refrained from blinking, as if he were a serpent, sending his character into the "uncanny valley." Mr. Groff here blinked only seven times by my count in his performance. Two of them were long to give himself a rest, and the others were carefully timed. He looked in another direction when the blink occurred. Fabulous control, and he's using his own discomfort to lend intensity to his performance.

[@danielolson437]

I'm surprised the video author didn't mention it. It's creepy intimidating.

[@mleeebb]

Can we talk about how Jonathan Groff BARELY BLINKS in this song?? HOW?!

[@gaboh296]

Lin-Manuel needs to make George III as his next play. Giving us 2+ hours of Groff as the king and his pov of the war would be amazing.

[@natalieion5846]

YES! YESSS QUEEN!

[@phillyredsox9195]

He would be dehydrated by the end of the first show. Lol.

[@melherschorn]

YASSSSS!!!!!

[@caridadchang7895]

Actually John Adams would then *have* to appear physically since King George met him for real

[@southendonseaarts]

Leave it Alan Bennett did The madness of George III it’s a very funny play so that’s been done.

[@kellyalves756]

Groff just keeps this psychotic crazy axe murder look in his eyes that just kills me from the start.

[@markomega8719]

He does remind me a bit of Patrick Bateman from American Psycho

[@emmleedee]

Johnathan Groff did an interview where he said that he’s just a naturally sweaty person and he tends to spits when he performs. Although it’s definitely perfect for his portrayal of King George.

[@goditsbrutalouthere4640]

yeah. the king is suppost to be like "mad" lol and crazy

[@rositaleonfuentes5211]

@@goditsbrutalouthere4640 i mean, there is a supposed story about king George III where he would talk non stop for hous until he started foaming (this was when he was older in peak mad time)

[@jenavievehottenstein1636]

Johnathan Groff actually came to my high school to see our spring musical last week. After the show he came on stage and talked to the cast and crew. It was truly amazing to know such a talented artist watched our meager performance, then talked and took photos with all of us. He truly is a great and amazing guy.

[@tenzinadelinesmith8075]

OMG THAT WOULD BE SO COOOOOL

[@markomega8719]

I wish King Groff would come to my school as well

[@yvettejones5323]

Jonathan Groff's performance as King George stole the whole damn show. By far, my favorite.

[@EdoDoe613]

The current “everybody” is delivered as a royal command. As when he stomps his foot later on the word “blue”.

[@Elios0000]

also there is subtle German accent in the Everybody part which is great

[@Yumichan62]

@@Elios0000 I dont really think in the movie there is an accent. I just think he says it in a very monotone voice so maybe thats why. At least I am german and dont really think it sounds like an accent to me.

[@omgIoIwtf]

legitimately 0 german anything in this play

[@Pluveus]

​@@Yumichan62 Yeah, I think that would be a super deep cut even for a history nerd. George III wasn't even the first of House Hanover, so calling out that it was a German lineage would be a little too obtuse considering the current House Windsor(beginning as Saxe-Coburg and Gotha with Edward VII) is way more German than Hanover.

[@ginajo11]

When does he say “blue”?

[@sherrysink3177]

What I love about this song are the contrasts -- he's quietly saying the most intense, obsessively sinister and nasty things ("I will kill your friends and family to remind you of my 'love'...") and then counters it with these super cheerful "da da da da daaaaaa" sections, making it even more creepy. It makes me laugh, listening to it, but also creeps me out, which is a testament to Lin's songwriting choices and Jonathan's incredible performance. So good! :)

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Very well said.

[@SscoootzZ]

Right, right! And I thought it reminded me of a nutcracker, the way the "dat da da" refrain comes across with primarily only his mouth moving with the meandering madness just falling right out.

[@woodsprite5]

Also-the way Goff changes accents, tones, timbres from one bar to the next for extra subcultural emphasis, and always mindful of the rhythm...yikes! Masterful. I’m surprised you didn’t delve into this specifically. I was enthralled!!

[@jasonmyneni8605]

In a lot of the non recorded shows, when he says everybody, the audience starts to join in and it’s awesome

[@McBehrer]

They do in the recorded version too, but the audience isn't mic'd so you can't hear it very well

[@maryheine3554]

I sang along. So did everyone else in the audience. You mean, you weren’t supposed to? Oops. I couldn’t help myself.

[@jasonmyneni8605]

Mary Heine you were supposed to do it in every performance except the recorded one. The audience was instructed to stay as quiet as possible

[@carolanne67]

Jason Myneni I was in the audience just before COVID. We were all mouthing the words until the king said “everybody” and then we all burst into song. It was so fun!

[@samuelprescott7426]

I got looked at funny by my fellows in the front row when I did, so I stopped :(

[@richardproctor8430]

I love that he comes off as the crazy stalker ex.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Bahaha. Right?

[@thatchanguy]

Groff one-ups Overly Attached Girlfriend with spit and polish. :)

[@MrsOdie2]

Another thing I love being able to see in this filmed version of the play is how amazing Groffsauce's breathing is. He barely moves, yet you can see by watching his chest and his nose how technical his breath control is. And with the writing, you can't beat the voice going down on the word "rise," and up on the word "fall" which foreshadows "The World Turned Upside Down."

[@DodonaWind]

I don't know if you've ever watched "Saving Mr. Banks," but apparently they did the same thing in Mary Poppins when singing high on the word "down" in "A Spoonful of Sugar." I loved how they did the same thing here. :D

[@hilary01789]

The “everybody” part at the end also makes it seems like he’s even more controlling forcing the others to sing with him. Hilarious. Love his performance

[@shannankorn6285]

Right. And the way he says it here is so freaking royal...like put out that I even have to remind you to do it. So great.

[@MrsOdie2]

It's very menacing.

[@renekumar8290]

I can imagine everyone internally sighing inside

[@edwardkay288]

When I first heard his "everybody" command, it reminded me 100% of Englishman David Bowie's performance as the Goblin King, where he commands his goblins to "laugh" with equal disdain.

[@marleyfrost215]

@@edwardkay288 omg yes! That's exactly what it reminded me of and I couldn't place it. Thank you!

[@Sarah-dd7qi]

Getting a Reece’s ad asking “are you drooling?” right after Jonathan Groff practically spits out a river....

[@lisareed5669]

No way in hell that's an accident. Marketing.

[@paulnagle7017]

The fact that he doesn't move more than 1 foot once he begins is astounding

[@kellyalves756]

And then when he starts dipping his shoulders. That move brought the house down when I saw it.

[@Wheeler1717]

You can thank Bob Fosse for that.

[@kellyalves756]

Wheeler 777 I thank Bob Fosse for a lot of things. I’ll be happy to add one. 😁

[@LizFromDecencyUnited]

Groff being a 'spitter' is a bonus for this role of King George, it just adds to the 'madness' aspect, totally awesome! Great emoting, amazing range! LOVED this performance!

[@simpletoncreations3928]

I think the fact that it’s kind of a slower ballad is a shock after the fast hip hop style the rest of the musical has presented, I think this shows how radical America really was and what a fast paced and modern shift they had from the slow classic British style that George represents

[@DodonaWind]

It also showed how disconnected King George was from the American colonists. Same with the messenger delivering the King's message to the colonies. It shows the disparity between the antiquated mentality of England and the new, revolutionary mindset of the colonies.

[@Nitra813]

Great point 👍🏽

[@curleyfamily5]

Jonathan Groff stole the whole damn show

[@natalieion5846]

Ikr the song he sang is basically my favorite part of the show

[@jeremysmith9694]

Yep I was kinda on the fence with the play until his part. He definitely put it over the edge for me. So good.

[@mandymcmurray2066]

100% agree! I was actually bored by the rest of it. This was absolutely fabulous.

[@TinkerbellG65]

#groffsauce ❤️❤️

[@zoeh.7921]

@@TinkerbellG65 #groffsauce

[@c0llapsingst4rs]

Remember kids, this man is also out there singing about his pet Reindeer.

[@walkinglost]

Well, they are better than people.

[@meganwhite1509]

Which makes it even better

[@c0llapsingst4rs]

Nick Lasley best reply ever. you win

[@rebecca8525]

@@walkinglost But people smell better than reindeer.

[@whatshouldinamemyself809]

Rebecca i haven’t taken a shower since the beginning of quarantine. you sure? lol

[@emilyconway9269]

i just noticed that at 12:53 he actually looks down into the orchestra pit and uses his hand to sharply cut them off!! wow the details are crazy

[@SeliahK]

Oh, SNAP! He really DID, too! Perfect! Wow.

[@JKrowlingrockx]

Watching this the first time I was immediately like "whoa, this is insanely good." I never realized how little he blinks in this entire performance. It's so intense. So pairing that with the intense delivery of "No don't change the subject!" spit and all...My first thought was "This is talent. And he's all in. He IS King George, insanity and all." It actually adds to his performance and his character. Plus it makes it a fun little game for me to watch for the next time he spits. :)

[@maggiboyd4844]

The best part of his performance is even through the comedic actions, he has the most amazing voice.

[@kaitlynlindsay4143]

Yes!!!! His voice is perfect.

[@BewareTheJabberwock]

Quick note: the King George songs are based on 60’s era “British Invasion” music, and the “da da das” line and music is almost a perfect copy of the Beatles song “Getting Better” - in the line “ it’s getting better all the time.” BRILLIANT attention to detail in matching a British Monarch with a British music style. Thanks for making* this video! 😎👑

[@briankatz3955]

Exactly. Plus, the British is "the older way" or "more traditional" music while the colonies are using Hip Hop/Rap to represent the revolution. It is using music to show how different the colonies are from Britain.

[@garathome]

Yes. The guitar riff is also reminiscent of "Getting Better".

[@netcowboy]

I am a music major coming to this discussion late but check out The Monkee’s Daydream Believer

[@andrewhawkins6754]

The 'everybody' is from all you need is love as well.

[@jadejaguar69]

The chord structure is the same from imagine and hey Jude as well. And the harmonic resonance lends itself to yellow submarine

[@rogersmj]

I can't stop watching Groff's performance. It's so fantastic and so hilarious. The close-ups are great, because you can really see all the subtle things he does with his face and eyes that really sell it. Just brilliant.

[@divyak9980]

The micro-expressions make his performance brilliant!

[@oregonchick76]

Not only is it a glorious bit of comedic relief, Groff's little tics are actually quite threatening in the context of the story. It's a reminder that yes, this is a bit of fun for the audience, but in truth, the signers of the Declaration and everyone who fought the British were traitors who could very well be executed, their property seized, their families turned out into the wilderness, and worse if the Americans lost the Revolutionary War. Smiling through a threat, staring down the audience, barking an order -- that's the freaking King and (Da da da dat da dat da da da da ya da / Da da dat dat da ya da!) he'll happily hum to himself as he sends you to your death for supporting this insurrection.

[@seanaepley3180]

I am deeply appreciate that the guy who actually performing during that time "allowed" Groff to come back for this performance. I'll likely never see Hamilton live, and may never see Groff live in anything so this was a treat. The other actors I've seen are lovely too, but Groff just sells it at a whole other level.

[@BossladySupreme313]

The shimmy he does with his shoulders😂😂😂😂😂

[@MrsOdie2]

@@seanaepley3180 That would be the wonderful Rory O'Malley, who I saw perform as King George III live onstage in Los Angeles and he is BRILLIANT. He also originated "Elder McKinley" in Book of Mormon, and his tap dance number "Turn it Off" is one of the best performances in all of musical theater.

[@phirerising]

Tbh the "spitting" made him seem even more unsettling and not right, and it kind of enhances the performance

[@PeterHollens]

Love it.

[@RideTheTeacups]

He is clearly completely mad and drunk with power, and Groff delivered in SPADES. I watched this on Disney+ with only my wife, and I stood up & cheered in my own living room. That man is SO. GOOD. The way he clearly emotes, but there is never a transition between the various emotions. It’s just a switch that gets flipped: immediately mad/insane, immediately furious, immediately calm, immediately “loving”. The way his eyes SNAP is unbelievable. Great breakdown. I loved every moment.

[@jessicajones641]

My husband was not surprised he spit. I was a bit grossed out but my husband was in theater through college and he was like “yeah, broadway singers spit” like it’s no big deal lol. My son is in theater now and he LOVED Groff in this. My husband was breaking down the performance and explaining how Groff does things and why it works.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

So lucky your son as a mentor so close to home. Do you have any clips of your son performing? Would love to see him in action. Thank you for all the comments.

[@psquared015]

@@MarcDanielPatrick New to this channel but I appreciate how often you ask for performance clips from your commenters. Really demonstrates your dedication to your profession as well as your connection with and appreciation for your audience. If nothing else it's great optics, hope you keep it up and I wish you continued success

[@MrsOdie2]

Absolutely. And if you think musical theater actors spit, go see Shakespeare live. Wear a raincoat.

[@kstreet]

I wasn't surprised either, ha. He may be spitty in other performances too, but he's also suddenly yelling and projecting his voice/air outward aggressively at that moment, so it's kind of unavoidable that some saliva would fly out with it. Like a sneeze. And he can't wipe his mouth, because that would break character. I love it for this character, in this context, and wouldn't change a thing about his performance.

[@FifthAveAtFive]

Absolutely this! I did choir from elementary school through college and all my directors would say they wanted to feel our constants, that if we didn’t have at least a little spit we were not doing enough. 😆 It was definitely fun to explain when I watched Hamilton with someone not familiar with choir or musical theater techniques. I still spit up a little anytime I cantor for my church or sing for fun to keep some semblance of singing ability up.

[@LukePighetti]

I think his call to "everybody" is like him issuing a royal decree to all of his English subjects to (superficially) support him.

[@rebecca8525]

Ooh, good catch!

[@isamumizuta9226]

The sung “everybody” is more of an encouragement to join in but the spoken “everybody” is more of a command. I like that change.

[@coryemberson9415]

It was just menacing.

[@marsupialsofmars3886]

"That face looks like he doesnt know what he just sang" KILLED me it's so on point

[@ng23242]

The fact that Jonathan only blinks MAYBE twice while singing extremely powerfully is fucking amazing

[@kaelak1226]

The way I read Groff's performance in this wasn't so much that he was mad in the sense of being unaware of his actions but rather hyper-aware and that's what makes it so powerful and hammers home just how insane he is. He's aware of the power of his words and aware that it's insane what he's saying but he just doesn't care. He is past that - he's not just mad like crazy he's mad like FURIOUS. And that's what drives him to insanity - letting go of whether that anger is appropriate. He embraces it fully, lets it overtake him. Edit: the above was focused on my personal take of Groff's performance & I was clearly missing some really important context; thank you to everyone who's added onto this comment with helpful insight/more accurate historical context!

[@speeeee35]

Yeah he isn’t supposed to be mad as in insane, they make a point to say “I’ll go mad” because he wasn’t mad yet at this point. He had cyphillis (sp?) I think... or something that made him LITERALLY lose his mind later in life... so at this point in history he wasn’t insane yet but just starting to lose his mind slightly... plus he was a king lol so.... But it’s definitely not intending for him to look mad at that point, but referring to how he does go mad eventually. Cause that’s just historical fact. He went babblingly insane.

[@jbo4547]

@@speeeee35 the whole character has him getting more and more angry at the colonists, no?

[@kellyalves756]

Dizz Dizz Poriphyria. They think. If he’d had syphilis he would have been much, much sicker and they were pretty familiar with the symptoms in those days. George III’s doctors couldn’t figure out what was going on, nor why he recovered so quickly. And

[@eustaciavy]

Yes. Thank you. You said this better than I did.

[@daviddet]

I feel like that point at the end of the song where he almost seems oblivious is genuine, but then in the bit you only really see in the filmed version, as he's walking off stage, he turns around and points his scepter at the audience as if to say, "I know exactly what I just said/sang."

[@joeyscerbo7776]

“Jonathan Groff is a spitter.” ~Marc Daniel Patrick, musical theatre coach, 2020

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Haha.

[@johnathanessig7219]

I was looking for this comment

[@johnathanessig7219]

Thank you for doing it so I don’t have to

[@quinnellen]

Gosh, when I was a wee lass, I heard that spitters were quitters.

[@MikaMoments]

I think the reason why he’s singing this “60s ballad” as you say, is because the king wouldn’t be rapping or have a hip hop song, he’s too posh for that. So I think that’s partially why they went this way instead of like every other song. Definitely agree that he’s a comic relief.

[@rebecca8525]

And because he's British, like the Beatles.

[@nicolettethebaguette1576]

Thats a good theory but i think it might also be because it's showing how detached from the colonies King George is, because they all Have rap and Hip hop and he doesn't know what's going on over there and Lin uses this to mock him in Farmers Refuted with the line "I pray the king shows you his mercy- is he in Jersey?" And "why should a tiny island across the sea regulate the price of tea?" Pretty much saying that the king won't be able to to anything to them because he's so far away

[@iraisgalvez5679]

And also because like Rebecca said, the king's songs are an ode to the "British Invasion"... Yes I went there, so did LMM and Alex Lacamoire, all on purpose

[@noctuaryfahy1509]

Man, I’d have loved to see him rap😂😂

[@MrsOdie2]

It's also a clever nod to the fact that America became crazy for British music in the sixties, thus turning the world BACK "upside down." The show always winks to the fact that we are all time travelers, performers and audience alike.

[@explorer47422]

Can we just appreciate also that costuming - how much of a stage presence it gives him while barely walking a few steps. Reminding you that despite his deteriorating mind and funny portrayal, he was still an extremely powerful man. If his attention wasn't fleeting, he really could have quashed that revolution.

[@mollymollie6048]

I don’t know how he managed not to blink for the entire song, I’ve watched this show so many times, I’ve never seen him blink! I love the crazy eyes, the walk, everything, he’s absolutely magnificent. Totally deserved the Tony nomination, even tho he’s only on stage for about 4 minutes. Love it!

[@aritrichaki]

Am I the only one who was staring at the colour difference in Marc’s forehead the entire time?

[@bethwhiite]

now i cant unsee it

[@PukingPanda]

He must always wear a hat hahah

[@bethanymann104]

Well now I am

[@marke5338]

Well I didn't notice it, but now it is the only thing I am looking at

[@NPCBuilder]

Makeup

[@Wigfield84]

All the more incredible, he'd been away from this part for a while, not sure how long. He came back to be in the filmed version so they could have the complete OG cast.

[@moli3192]

the filmed version was done in 2016 lol

[@Sarah79560]

Correct, but he had left the show a few months before they filmed this in 2016...but the actor who took over the roll stepped aside so Jonathan could sing for this.

[@strawberrymilk5955]

Even then they missed two esemble gals

[@LilyWohlMezzo-Soprano]

I saw in an interview the other day that it was about a month

[@hrnegron]

The incredibly talented and generous actor/singer Rory O’Malley had taken over the role and gracefully stepped back so Jonathan could return for the film.

[@lyannastark628]

He's accosting us, almost as if we are his sweet, submissive subjects? I'll take it.

[@professionalhuman9447]

Me too

[@RuthlessTides]

I'll be a sweet submissive subject

[@spacecowboy2711]

A loyal, royal subject if you will

[@amelia1507]

@@spacecowboy2711 forever, and ever, and ever and ever and eveeer

[@nancyregas183]

Love Jonathan Groff and his brilliant performance. To carry that song, sing it three times [and look forward to it each time wanting more] with different words, different nuances, different emotions is a testament to his talent. It was a privilege to watch it so up close. Thank you for acknowledging each layer. Fascinating.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Well said.

[@sammizedk]

the uncontrollable joy behind your eyes while watching this is one of the many reasons why this is one of the most successful musicals of all time

[@sazfretz1945]

King George is my favourite in the entire show, which I've now seen nearly 5 times on Disney+! My favourite is part is when he sings "I’m so blue...." then stamps his foot and the lighting goes to blue. lol

[@Janny_Gurrrl]

RIGHT?!? His timing is impeccable. When I have (make) someone watch it for the their first time with me, I make sure they don’t take their eyes off the screen during ANY of King George’s songs. 🤣🤣

[@libbyayre5436]

I’ve seen it 6 times

[@davidbasaldua274]

The "everybody" being said that way makes it sound to me like an order which makes it perfect

[@felisa957]

Agreed, the “everybody” is said in a bored but commanding tone and the ensemble’s energetic response just drives the point home of how much power he has over his subjects. Hats off to Lin for the great writing and Jonathan for this masterclass in song delivery 👑👏🏽👏🏽

[@davidbasaldua274]

@@felisa957 I love LMM but I think I read this mostly Johnathan Groff. If you listen to the spotify recording, he says it in a more enthusiastic way. He then at some point changed it.

[@felisa957]

@David no doubt, Jonathan Groff absolutely made this his own & elevated it to something better than it already was 👌🏽✨

[@ninanonna2007]

Yes Jonathan is a spitter. We saw him in little shops of horrors. We needed an umbrella. But, love him like crazy

[@Sypherz]

This was definitely my favorite part of Hamilton. Jonathan is perfection. He completely understands the character, the song, and all the backstory and underlying meanings. And more importantly, he has the skill to project that all to the audience.

[@blondbear2]

I was lucky enough to Jonathon in the original run, three times. Each time there was a small change in his delivery of this song. The matinee I saw. He held the last forever, for like 45 second. Followed the most devilish grin. Jonathon made this song his. Have seen two touring companies and The King is very stiff and as fun.

[@UncleMilo]

The heavy headpiece was from back when he was playing the role on stage. At this time, the headpiece is lighter... but he did the walk as an homage to what he had to do back in the day. :)

[@CylonsAteMyHomework]

It's not really an "homage" when it becomes blocking.

[@jeancaldwell5391]

CylonsAteMyHomework It may be an homage because Jonathan had been replaced by Rory O’Malley by the time they filmed this, and Rory graciously stepped aside so Jonathan, the original King for the Broadway run, could recreate his role.

[@nataliadelmoral]

The movie was filmed back in 2016-17.

[@myrsinisemeli9959]

What do they do now?

[@staceypendergrast2400]

Natalia Gutierrez It was recorded over 3 days in June 2016. Two performances with audience and another to an empty theater to get the close-ups. My mother-in-law saw it in March 2015 at The Public and Groff had not taken over the role yet at that point.

[@matthewedric]

"Making that audience member uncomfortable..." I remember watching a bootleg version of the musical cause I love far away from any of these performances. Then King George suddenly looks INTO the camera.

[@charlottea867]

MaximumThrust LOVE THIS HAHAHAA I would love to see this

[@leighs8144]

On the spitting part- I think people are used to seeing movie musicals where they're lip syncing to a recorded track, or else in a theater where they're too far away to see the spittle. Groffsause does spit a lot in all his performances though.

[@lesliewolfe7643]

As many times as I've watched Hamilton, I never noticed how after that last long "daaaaaaaaa" he makes that cutting motion to the pit, as if he's actually directing the freaking orchestra on top of everything else 😂 There is always some new little detail to pick up on. I swear every second of Hamilton is an exquisitely crafted masterpiece....and Jonathan Groff is a treasure.

[@paulabarrows7023]

Jonathan Groff is an impeccable performer. I love him in EVERYTHING I've seen him in. The Anything Goes performance at MultiCast was fabulous!!

[@InsomniacTroop]

To be honest the spit sells how crazy the guy went.

[@lyannastark628]

I know you probably don't want to do another Groff video, but I would love to see your reaction to "I know him." That was so funny.

[@MB-yg8qk]

The “da da da da da” is an ode to the Beatles British Invasion paralleling it to king George (a master piece *chefs kiss*)

[@ellepaxton650]

The first time I listened to Hamilton, You’ll Be Back stuck out so much to me. I think it was because it was so different from the other music in the show! I love how unique and catchy it is! Still one of my favorite songs in the soundtrack! This song and this performance are pure GEMS!!!

[@divekatdreaming]

I feel like I have seen so many people walk around a stage and belt out a song.... but this is the first time I have seen someone convey so much about a character by standing still. ...and then when he does move, it means so much. I think that the ability to express so much without moving is true skill.

[@contemplatively]

I think the "everybody" line might be a rip on king George, delivered like a bored, arrogant king would address his peasants/servants.

[@kellyalves756]

contemplatively I thought it was a nod to the Beatles. Ringo shouts “ All together now, everybody! “ at the end of “ All You Need Is Love.”

[@151TheMew]

In the soundtrack he doesnt say it in that way

[@dx.feelgood5825]

@@kellyalves756 that's not Ringo, that's Paul lol. You can tell it's him because he's putting on a conductor voice but it's still a bit deep

[@marsmontufar6319]

Kelly Alves lmao it’s not Ringo, it’s Paul

[@kellyalves756]

Marcela Montufar Ahh! I bet they did whatever it was they did to Strawberry Fields.

[@nickdesoto9059]

I watched Hamilton for the first time a couple days ago on Disney +. I mainly watched it coz I knew Johnathan Groff was in it, but I'd never seen him on stage before. Not only did I enjoy the entirety of the musical, but Groff's performance alone sold it to me. Definitely my favourite performance in the musical. On another note, whilst I don’t personally sing very often, I spit ALL THE TIME when I talk. I obviously don’t do it on purpose but once I start talking the spit goes a-flying, so I can only imagine what I’d be like singing on-stage 😂

[@averysavory7409]

i agree with everything you just said- i love the attitude he gives too oml

[@meitalpo]

check out “Spring Awakening” with him :)

[@evansantos3996]

On the part of choreography, the fact that the king barely moves draws you in, and helps you notice all his subtle movements.

[@ursulafanelli1883]

STOLE THE SHOW ! Should have gotten the Emmy.

[@WilderRua]

My brother is Jon Rua, (Charles Lee) I've seen the show live about five times. the very first time I saw it I was sitting right when he hits that gaze, it was on me and I truly felt strange and uneasy like he could really see me.... it was fantastic. and his spit shimmered in the audience due to the light.... fantastic performance and stole the show with his three appearances.

[@danip3270]

Wilder Rua That’s so amazing. I adore Jonathan’s voice, and he comes across so kind and generous. You’re very lucky to have an association with theater.

[@regina_filange2.0]

Nice! My fam and I noticed your brother a lot on the Disney+ release, we actually said "woah that Lee can move!"

[@JackieKCooper]

Really enjoyed this. Can't wait to see what you tackle next.

[@lindseysquire8417]

He portrays the mad king perfectly. I adore Groffsauce.

[@j2c09]

I’m thinking the “Everybody,” at 12:08 was said that way because , well, after all, he is the king; he’s commanding everybody to join him in his song.

[@AAARRRGGGHHHHHH]

That’s how I see it, too. I agree with Marc that this fits better into the megalomaniacal tone of the song than the original upbeat call to join in.

[@birubu]

Am I the only one who keeps hearing him say “You’ll be Beck”?

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

He kind of is, with the voice / accent he's putting on.

[@fezekadelight2035]

And also da da aaw data dai

[@JunkyardAcademy]

@@MarcDanielPatrick I'm a Cosplayer, (The wife and I visit kids in hospitals when we can as Star Lord and Gamora from The Guardians of the Galaxy). I spent two years and roughly $6,500 on my screen accurate Star Lord, but *THIS* character...? King George III ?? Oh heck yeah....I'm building it and the sole reason for it is *this song* (btw, I'm the lead singer in an all originals rock band and this song's in my range) - I think I got this...I mean, I'm already bat-shit-crazy for being stupid enough to be a band leader, so why not? (Now all I need is about 5 pounds of LEAD to put into the crown...) In preparation, I've written up a lyric cheat sheet where I spell things like 'You'll be 'behck', soon you'll see' and 'And when 'POOSH' comes to shove' and, of course, at the end, this; 'Da da da DA-Daaaaaaaaaaah...(5 count)'.

[@xavierrobinson9126]

It’s the RP (received pronunciation) way of saying the word - very much the royal accent. Watch clips of Claire Foy as QEII on The Crown and you’ll hear the same.

[@MrsOdie2]

@@xavierrobinson9126 I was going to say this. It's very much a QEII accent.

[@sagbag]

Honestly, watching this video makes me miss being in theater. Just hearing about the choices the actor makes for the biggest impact and hearing the audience's reaction. God I miss it.

[@Bestofthelot]

He rightfully changes how he sings "Everbody". He sings it with the power of a king's authority in his voice. He is telling everyone to join singing the song or they will regret it. He is the "king" and he will be obeyed. So funny. I loved his moments on stage.

[@briansieve]

Im surprised you didn't mention the subtle shoulder action. That's genius, almost like a bobble head. I love it. And that kind of careless singing and da da das make me think of Buffalo Bill in Silence of the lambs, and even a little murderous smile like Hannibal Lecter.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Some dark comparisons, but im on board for it.

[@FloraWest]

I think the music change and his breaking the 4th wall is also just another way the director and Lin are setting up the contrast to the Americans. They are hip hop and movement, he is "older" music and, literally and figuratively, unwilling to move. True of his costuming as well--heavy, ornate, luxe when compared with the pared down Americans. Everyone really thought through everything on this show so deeply. I love it.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Very good points. Couldn't agree more.

[@rebecca8525]

He wore a different costume in "I Know Him."

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

I think he just about stole the show (except of course, there are so many other GREAT performances!). He just looked like he was having a blast chewing up the scenery to me. And that voice - absolutely love it. Also enjoyed watching him in the series - Mind Hunter - hope that show comes back.

[@Cora-wh1rr]

Years later and Im still blown away by his performance here. He had to deliver so much with so little. Like you said here, theres no one to react to. Vast majority of the layers he pulls off is entirely in his eyes. Absolute unhinged madness.

[@JackieKCooper]

How did that kid store that water in his mouth!

[@triciazuttermeister4824]

I think there was a cut in the video

[@highdatalore2139]

How did groff store that water in his mouth?!

[@ParodyDr]

It’s called an edit

[@highdatalore2139]

@@ParodyDr no, i don't believe you

[@CLPark-ht6zp]

He does it live it’s not an edit. It’s just a camera angle change

[@pink_alligator]

Even with my ADHD I can't divert my attention from him 🤣 he suits playing royalty, commanding the entire stage and audience all by himself like it's the easiest thing in the world

[@jamiedellafave8695]

i wish i could find the video but one of my favorite ones mocking the spit moment by far was a kid acting as groff’s sign language interpreter. he signed the whole thing whilst dipping his hands in a bowl of water 💦 😂❤️

[@hollyheidt6841]

I swear I don’t think he blinked that entire song

[@willowbear7109]

I read somewhere (i haven't checked) that Jonathan Groff blinked only four times in that performance, and that's pretty amazing

[@marieladomingo6068]

When I first heard this, a sixties tune kept playing in my head but couldn't place it for several days. Good thing I remembered part of the lyrics. It was "Daydream Believer" by The Monkees. People kept saying it is a Beatles-inspired song but I think it is actually this song. Also, I love the fact that Jonathan Groff barely blinked during the performance. He was playing a psychopath after all.

[@mikem4213]

I always think of the Dave Clark Five

[@lisacady1743]

Your explanation of the performance gives me a deeper appreciation for the song, actor, and experience.

[@kimsim8750]

Jonathan Groff is the standard. I have loved him since his Glee days. His voice and acting are phenomenal. I need to know when he is on stage because he is awesome.

[@TDW8964]

Love Groff in everything he does, even in HBO's Looking, his acting is seemingly understated but masterful that you dont see his work/effort...he's this centuries 'King Herod's Song'....lol...A crazy king comes out of no where with a comptely different music style, performs under 10mins steals the show then exits...the end of the character. 😅😅

[@maedaydreamer8386]

Aaaaaawww my people. Someone who watched Looking. He was so good in Looking. He was so annoying and frustrating that he sold his character to me. Just like his character in Mind Hunter.

[@Janny_Gurrrl]

I picked up so many JCSuperstar moments throughout the entire musical also. Groff definitely echoed Herod as well as Pilate (when he screams “don’t let me stop your great self-destruction”, etc. at Jesus.) Okay - now I have to go press “play” for the 12th time. 🤣

[@rebecca8525]

I had thought of the similarities between King George in "Hamilton" and King Herod in "Jesus Christ Superstar," too. Lin-Manuel also said that he chose to make Aaron Burr the narrator because Judas was the narrator in JCS.

[@Laurensings21]

What just amazes me is that Jonathan Groff has never had formal vocal training! Such talent

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Some are just born with it, huh?

[@MrsOdie2]

@@MarcDanielPatrick Maybe not "formal" in the sense that Leslie Odom, Jr. did at Carnegie Melon or when he worked for Billy Porter, but all professional Broadway companies have vocal coaches who work with the cast in rehearsals.