What happens when something unquestionably good and inspirational meets something unquestionably good and inspirational? Some adorable photos, apparently! At least that’s what unfolded when the gold-medal-winning U.S. women’s gymnastics team (a.k.a. the “Final Five”) were invited to see a performance of the Tony-winning musical Hamilton. The photos taken afterward are basically everything good about 2016 squeezed into a tiny backstage space.
Broadway World has a whole lot more photos of the backstage meet-and-greet. Apparently Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, and Madison Kocian listened to the Hamilton cast recording to psych themselves up for their competitions. And the love fest was very much mutual. According to USA Today, cast members like Okieriete Onaodowan and Aaron Burr replacement Brandon Victor Dixon—who had just stepped into the role that night—were super excited to meet the Final Five. Dixon explained:
Gymnastics is my favorite Olympic sport, hands-down. Since the days of Kim Zmeskal, I’ve been about the U.S. gymnastics team. So, I love these ladies. I’m so proud of them. I worship them. I think they’re amazing and I got so hyped when I heard they were in the audience tonight.
Meanwhile, Tony winner Renée Elise Goldsberry, who plays Angelica Schuyler, posted this lovely photo and message on her Instagram:
It’s hard to tell who’s more excited about the whole thing, although we might go with the Hamilton cast if only because the Final Five are on such a celebrity-filled, whirlwind tour right now that they might not have time to process much of anything.
[via Broadway World]