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Broadway Cast Of 'Hamilton' Performs At White House

WASHINGTON (CBSNewYork/AP) -- President Barack Obama admitted Monday that he was a little surprised when he first heard founding father Alexander Hamilton described as embodying hip-hop.

But he said ``Hamilton'' has become a favorite in the Obama household.

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

Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, 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 said the story is about an immigrant who escapes poverty and rises to the top through hard work and determination. He said the show brings unlikely folks together and is jokingly encouraging the creators to create a show about Congress.

Back in New York on Broadway, "Hamilton" continues its run at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 W. 46th St.

(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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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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