Podcast Summary: Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out – Episode 148 Featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda

Release Date: October 21, 2024

In this captivating episode of Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out, comedian and storyteller Mike Birbiglia sits down with the multifaceted creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. Together, they delve deep into Lin's creative processes, his groundbreaking works, personal anecdotes, and the insights that have shaped his illustrious career.

1. Introduction to Lin-Manuel Miranda

Mike Birbiglia warmly welcomes Lin-Manuel Miranda, expressing his long-held admiration and excitement for having him on the show. Birbiglia highlights Lin's impressive body of work, including iconic pieces like Hamilton, In the Heights, and recent ventures such as the concept album Warriors, a homage to the 1979 film The Warriors.

Mike Birbiglia [00:35]: "That is the voice of the great Lin-Manuel Miranda. Can you believe it? This is an all-timer."

2. The Genesis of Lin-Manuel's Creativity

Lin shares his early inspirations, notably how witnessing Rent spurred him to write numerous 15-minute musicals resembling it. This phase was crucial in honing his unique voice by experimenting and ultimately forging his distinctive style.

Lin-Manuel Miranda [00:09]: "After I saw Rent, I wrote a bunch of 15-minute musicals that sounded like Rent... if you chase enough different stuff, you'll end up sounding like yourself."

3. Creating the Warriors Concept Album

A significant portion of their conversation revolves around Lin's collaboration with Issa Davis on the Warriors album. They discuss the challenges of adapting an action-packed film into a hip-hop and rock-infused musical narrative.

Lin-Manuel Miranda [09:18]: "Issa and I really approached each action sequence differently to paint it in your head... it was a fun and exciting challenge."

Lin emphasizes the importance of blending diverse musical genres to encapsulate the gritty essence of 1970s New York City, the setting of The Warriors.

Lin-Manuel Miranda [25:35]: "It's hip hop, it's metal, it's rock and roll. It's all these things... jumping off of that and the 79 synths into all this other different genres."

4. The Creative Process Behind Musicals

Lin delves into the complexities of writing musicals, highlighting that a single idea isn't sufficient. Instead, it requires a multitude of ideas and perspectives to authentically portray diverse stories and characters.

Lin-Manuel Miranda [15:50]: "One idea is not enough. You're constantly kind of, what is the best line of attack on this moment? What feels true."

5. Navigating Fame and Public Reception

The discussion shifts to Lin's experience with the unprecedented success of Hamilton, especially during the pandemic when the show’s streaming expanded its audience globally. Lin candidly shares the emotional toll of constant public scrutiny and the overwhelming feedback from fans and critics alike.

Lin-Manuel Miranda [31:07]: "There was nowhere to go with it... It was all the discourse about Hamilton, positive and negative at the same time."

6. Diversity and Casting in Modern Broadway

Lin reflects on the transformative impact Hamilton has had on Broadway, particularly in challenging traditional casting norms. He speaks passionately about initiatives like the Rise Network, aimed at increasing behind-the-scenes diversity in theater.

Lin-Manuel Miranda [34:20]: "We have a cast as diverse as the cast we have, and it did well. So it was sort of, like, destroyed the notion that Hamilton has to be a white guy, et cetera."

7. Personal Growth and Authenticity

The conversation touches upon Lin's personal journey, including his experiences with code-switching during his school years and how theater provided him with a sense of purpose and community. He discusses the balance between maintaining authenticity and adapting to different environments.

Lin-Manuel Miranda [46:25]: "I think that to your earlier question of, like, how do we find our voice? I think in the Heights... I was just being the easiest to pronounce version of myself."

8. Overcoming Challenges in Live Performances

Lin recounts memorable moments from live performances, such as stepping in for an understudy without prior rehearsal, showcasing his ability to stay present and adapt under pressure.

Lin-Manuel Miranda [49:09]: "She was incredible... we were walking you through every dance sequence. I mean, she was in the ensemble and she covered."

9. Advice for Emerging Creators

When asked about advice for those struggling to unleash their creativity, Lin emphasizes the importance of perseverance and embracing trial and error. He encourages creators to explore various influences and remain true to their unique voices.

Lin-Manuel Miranda [30:46]: "You will sound like the heroes you're chasing at first, and then you will figure out what is the thing that only you can write, but you have to get there through trial and error."

10. Conclusion and Future Endeavors

As the episode winds down, both Mike and Lin reflect on their collaborative history and envision future projects. Lin also promotes his ongoing work with the Rise Network and expresses gratitude towards his fans for their unwavering support.

Lin-Manuel Miranda [55:28]: "If you work in theater, you should put your profile on there. And it's just a way of trying to create the same diversity behind the scenes that we've tried to create with Hamilton and shows on stage."

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Diverse Influences: Lin-Manuel Miranda's journey underscores the importance of drawing inspiration from varied sources to develop a unique creative voice.

• Persistence in Creation: The path to creating impactful work involves continuous experimentation and resilience through trial and error.

• Championing Diversity: Lin's commitment to diversity both on stage and behind the scenes highlights the evolving landscape of modern theater.

• Balancing Authenticity and Adaptability: Maintaining one's authenticity while adapting to different environments is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Lin-Manuel Miranda [00:09]: "After I saw Rent, I wrote a bunch of 15-minute musicals that sounded like Rent...if you chase enough different stuff, you'll end up sounding like yourself."

• Lin-Manuel Miranda [15:50]: "One idea is not enough. You're constantly kind of, what is the best line of attack on this moment? What feels true."

• Lin-Manuel Miranda [30:46]: "You will sound like the heroes you're chasing at first, and then you will figure out what is the thing that only you can write, but you have to get there through trial and error."

• Lin-Manuel Miranda [55:28]: "If you work in theater, you should put your profile on there. And it's just a way of trying to create the same diversity behind the scenes that we've tried to create with Hamilton and shows on stage."

This episode serves as an insightful exploration into Lin-Manuel Miranda's artistic ethos, his relentless pursuit of innovation, and his unwavering dedication to fostering a more inclusive theatrical community. For fans and aspiring creators alike, this conversation offers valuable lessons on creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling.