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Cast of 'Hamilton' Takes Broadway Hit To The White House

WASHINGTON DC (AP) – President Barack Obama admits he was a little surprised when he first heard founding father Alexander Hamilton described as embodying hip-hop.

But he says "Hamilton" has become a favorite in the Obama household.

Obama and first lady Michelle Obama welcomed members of the show's cast to perform at the White House on Monday.

Michelle Obama Hosts Cast Of Broadway's "Hamilton" At The White House
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: U.S. President Barack Obama delivers remarks before a performance by members of the Broadway cast of 'Hamilton,' in the East Room of the White House March 14, 2016 in Washington, DC. Members of the cast participated in a student workshop, student question-and-answer session and a performance of selections from the award winning musical. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Michelle Obama Hosts Cast Of Broadway's "Hamilton" At The White House
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: Members of the Broadway cast of HAMILTON, including (L-R) Christopher Jackson, creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr., conduct a question-and-answer session with students in the East Room of the White House March 14, 2016 in Washington, DC. Members of the cast participated in a student workshop, student question-and-answer session and a performance of selections from the award winning musical. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Michelle Obama Hosts Cast Of Broadway's "Hamilton" At The White House
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: Members of the Broadway cast of 'Hamilton,' including (L-R) Okieriete Onaodowan, creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr., perform music from the production in the East Room of the White House March 14, 2016 in Washington, DC. Members of the cast participated in a student workshop, student question-and-answer session and a performance of selections from the award winning musical. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Michelle Obama Hosts Cast Of Broadway's "Hamilton" At The White House
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: Members of the Broadway cast of 'Hamilton,' including (L-R) Okieriete Onaodowan, creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, Christopher Jackson, and Phillipa Soo perform music from the production in the East Room of the White House March 14, 2016 in Washington, DC. Members of the cast participated in a student workshop, student question-and-answer session and a performance of selections from the award winning musical. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Michelle Obama Hosts Cast Of Broadway's "Hamilton" At The White House
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: Members of the Broadway cast of 'Hamilton,' including creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda (L) and Christopher Jackson, visit before performing for President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and other guests in the East Room of the White House March 14, 2016 in Washington, DC. Members of the cast participated in a student workshop, student question-and-answer session and a performance of selections from the award winning musical. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Michelle Obama Hosts Cast Of Broadway's "Hamilton" At The White House
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: 'Hamilton' Musical Director and Orchestrator Alex Lacamoire (C) joins other members of the Broadway production to perform for President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and other guests in the East Room of the White House March 14, 2016 in Washington, DC. Members of the cast participated in a student workshop, student question-and-answer session and a performance of selections from the award winning musical. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Michelle Obama Hosts Cast Of Broadway's "Hamilton" At The White House
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama welcomes the Broadway cast of HAMILTON, including Christopher Jackson (background), to the White House March 14, 2016 in Washington, DC. Members of the cast participated in a student workshop, student question and answer session and a performance of musical selections from the musical. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

MORE PHOTOS: Cast of 'Hamilton' at The White House

The story of Hamilton is told by a young African-American and Latino cast and has a varied score that ranges from pop ballads to sexy R&B to rap battles

Obama says the story is about an immigrant who escapes poverty and rises to the top through hard work and determination. He says the show brings unlikely folks together and is jokingly encouraging the creators to create a show about Congress.

The show is currently on tour and is playing at SHN Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco.
 

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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