It’s not often that one of your childhood friends is a Grammy, Tony, and Emmy award winner. But that is the case with Jess and music director, arranger, and composer— Alex Lacamoire. Alex is best known for his work on Broadway shows like In The Heights, Dear Evan Hansen, and Hamilton.  Most recently, Alex composed the score for Netflix’s Vivo and serves as Executive Music Producer on the upcoming film Tick, Tick...BOOM! On this episode, Alex and Jess (who have been friends since they were 12) talk about Alex’s musical childhood, the incredible success of Hamilton, and his efforts to extend the same opportunities he’s had to the next generation.  Alex and Jess both attended the same performing arts middle school and high school in Miami. But this is the first time these friends are talking about Alex’s hearing impairment and how it impacted the Dominant Stories he told himself as a kid, and how he’s learned to not only overcome those stories but help change them for the next generation of musicians.  Alex, who co-arranged the score of Hamilton and also is the orchestrator, music director, and conductor for the original broadway show, reflects with Jess on how Hamlton has changed the trajectory of representation in musicals forever.  For all of you Ham Fans out there - you don’t want to miss this one!  And if you want to help pay it forward for the next generation of musical artists - Alex talks about the organization he co-founded, M.U.S.E. (Musicians United for Social Equity) to help increase diversity in the theater industry by providing resources, internships, mentorships, and support to historically marginalized people of color.  You can search through their directory of talent to find a musician for your next show at museonline.org.  You also can follow Alex Lacamoire @LacketyLac on Twitter and @alacamoire on Instagram.  Please rate, review, subscribe and share Dominant Stories with everyone you know.  If you want to learn more about Dominant Stories and how you can challenge and change them, visit jessweiner.com or follow Jess on Instagram @imjessweiner.  You can also email us about your Dominant Stories and how you are changing them - [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 213 259 3033 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com