Broadway star and Cleveland School of The Arts graduate Warren Egypt Franklin returned to Cleveland over the past holiday season to work. Performing in the traveling production of the Broadway hit Hamilton, Franklin played the roles of the rapidly rapping Marquis de Lafayette in Act I of the musical and a boastful Thomas Jefferson in Act II of the smash hit show. The show ended a six-week run at Playhouse Square on January 15th.
While in town, the 2015 Cleveland School of the Arts graduate, did more than work and perform the National Anthem at a Cavaliers game. He also found time for a heart-felt visit to his alma mater. Sitting on stage in the school’s Black Box Theater, he shared lessons about acting, life and growing up in Cleveland with nearly 150 inquisitive students. He described his journey from the Glenville neighborhood to CSA, to Baldwin Wallace University and then to his current role as a member of the touring company of “Hamilton.”
To say that Warren’s career is currently a high-flying act is a bit of an understatement. The young man, who deliberately made Cleveland his last scheduled performance in Hamilton, a span covering three years and 700 shows, is clearly going places. A starring role in a new television series is currently in the works.
A proud Scott Miller, the director of CSA’s theater arts program and CMSD educator who once taught Warren, moderated a vigorous question and answer session.
“I would not be who I am without CSA,” Warren told director Miller. “My mom moved us to Bedford (when I was a kid) and I rode the bus at 6 a.m. down to CSA. I felt I had more opportunity here than any other school.”
Warren, 25, snagged his “dream roles” of Lafayette and Jefferson shortly after graduating from Baldwin Wallace nearly four years ago. He promptly left Northeast Ohio for the Big Apple to pursue his Broadway dream.
His preparation for Hamilton’s grueling eight-shows-a-week regime actually began at CSA, he said. It was there that he created his own music and dance major. He was a whirlwind of artistic energy acting in numerous schools plays and All-City Arts productions.
He was not reserved about lecturing the students on the virtue of hard work. He said he has learned that self-confidence, a willingness to learn, and hard work have been the keys to his success.
He gave students a vivid example of his work ethic, which he admitted amounted to being thoroughly “overly prepared.” For his role in Hamilton, he was only interested in playing the parts of Lafayette and Jefferson. Yet, he memorized every speaking and singing role in the musical.
Why?
Because he was determined to be cast in the musical in some capacity, and he wanted to be prepared for any role he was offered.
Franklin said he realized early that he had to take control of his own education to achieve his dream of getting to Broadway. His schedule at CSA included music and drama classes in school, as well as numerous plays after school. “It was absolutely insane,” he said. But he loved it.
“You walk into the building (CSA) and felt, aw… it’s going to be a good day and a good time. I’m going to work hard, have fun with my friends and we’re going to be creative.” The hard work paid off. He said he graduated from CSA with a 4.0 GPA.
“Your work ethic means everything,” he told students. “You can be the most talented person in the world but without working hard, you won’t get far.”
Giuliana English, a junior, asked Franklin during the Q& A if she should have a backup plan just in case she isn’t successful in pursuit of an actor career. Franklin instead advised her to be relentless in pursuit of her stage dreams.
“Acting can be a lifeline during a storm. When the pandemic happened, all we really had was TV and film to entertain us. Do what you want to do,” he counseled.
More than a few students said they were encouraged to follow their dreams after hearing Franklin speak.
“I’m so proud of him,” said Aminah, 18, a musical theater major. “It’s just amazing to see him. I feel I can relate to him. It encourages me to do it more.”
Josue Hernandez, a 9th grader, who made it a point to attend “Hamilton” said, he “loved how Franklin performed his roles.
“I really liked it. I related to everything he said. Now, I think I want to pursue musical theatre.”