This is the real story of something that occurred to me in 2008.

John Weidman ‘68: I hear we have a talented musician in the crowd? 

Lin-Manuel Miranda and 8-year-old-me stand up at the same time.

Lin-Manuel Miranda: Oh! 

8-Year-Old Me:(chuckling) I’m so sorry. (gestures towards piano) Please.

Lin-Manuel Miranda: (laughing) No, little guy, why don’t you…

8-Year-Old Me: I insist.

Lin-Manuel Miranda: (looking at my parents) Oh, okay-

8-Year-Old Me: I’ll just go after you. You can go first, Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Lin-Manuel Miranda: Okay. 

Lin-Manuel sits down at piano.

Lin-Manuel Miranda: Just to preface this, I’ve been doing a lot of research into–

8-Year-Old Me: Alexander Hamilton. Yeah, me too. Just play the song and I’ll go next.