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Lin-Manuel Miranda at Opening Night of ‘Hamilton’ in Los Angeles: 'My Heart Is So Full’

Hamilton fever officially reached Los Angeles on Wednesday night (Aug. 16), as the blockbuster musical had its opening night at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.

The star-filled crowd – which included celebrities like Jessica Alba, Elizabeth Banks, Halle Berry, Josh Gad, Josh Groban, Megan Hilty, Paris Jackson and Eva Longoria – gave thunderous applause to nearly every number in the show. During intermission, the show’s creator (and original Alexander Hamilton) Lin-Manuel Miranda mingled in the audience, happily hugging well-wishers and snapping selfies with fans and signing autographs for children.

At the end of the evening, after the cast had taken its bows, Hamilton actor Rory O’Malley (who plays King George III), introduced the tour’s understudies and swing performers, who were ushered out to take a bow. Then, after individually welcoming many of the show’s creative team to the stage – including director Thomas Kail, music supervisor Alex Lacamoire, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler and the author of the book Alexander Hamilton, Ron Chernow – O’Malley paused.

He hadn’t brought out Miranda — and the eager crowd knew it.

“Uhh… I think that’s it. Thank you so much,” O’Malley joked, as the audience laughed.

“And of course, the man himself, the genius, Mr. Lin-Manuel Miranda.”

Arriving to the stage with a solid 30 seconds of applause, a visibly emotional Miranda told the crowd: “I’m a mess! Thank you for welcoming this incredible company with such open arms, Los Angeles. Thank you to my incredible cabinet [his creative team], uhm, and… uh… [Laughs.] I have nothing smart to say. My heart is so full. Thank you so much for being with us tonight, and thank you for welcoming this incredible, incredible company. Have a wonderful night. Thank you.”