Andrew Rannells to cover for Jonathan Groff in Hamilton

It has been confirmed that Tony nominee Andrew Rannells will cover the role of King George III in Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit musical Hamilton from 27 October to 29 November 2015, as current cast member Jonathan Groff goes on hiatus to film HBO's "Looking" movie. Groff will return to the role from 1 December 2015.

Andrew Rannells was last seen on Broadway in the title role of 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch,' assuming the role from Neil Patrick Harris. He was nominated for a Tony in 2011 for originating the role of Elder Price in 'The Book of Mormon.' His other Broadway credits include 'Jersey Boys' and Hairspray.' He is also known for his TV roles on "Girls" and "The New Normal," and can currently be seen in the movie "The Intern."

Hamilton originally began performances off-Broadway at the Public Theater on 20 January 2015 with an official opening on 17 February, and played an extended limited engagement through to 3 May 2015. The musical then transferred to Broadway's Richard Rodgers Theatre this summer, where it officially opened on 6 August 2015 to excellent reviews, following previews from 13 July. It is currently booking through to 3 September 2016.

Inspired by Ron Chernowthe's biography of Alexander Hamilton, which traces the life of Hamilton, an illegitimate, largely self-taught orphan from the Caribbean who rose to become George Washington's aide-de-camp and the first Treasury Secretary of the United States. The musical features a cast of historical figures that includes George Washington, Aaron Burr, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson.

The principal cast of Hamilton currently includes Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton), Christopher Jackson (George Washington), Jonathan Groff (King George III), Leslie Odom Jr. (Aaron Burr), Phillipa Soo (Eliza Hamilton), Anthony Ramos (John Laurens/Phillip Hamilton), Daveed Diggs (Marquis De Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson) and Renée Elise Goldsberry (Angelica Schuyler).

Hamilton is directed by Thomas Kail, with music direction and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, scenic design by David Korins, costumes by Paul Tazewell, lighting by Howell Binkley, and sound design by Nevin Steinberg.

- by Tom Millward