Nick Christopher from the hit Broadway musical Hamilton has described the “horrific and surreal” backlash the cast have suffered since incurring the wrath of Donald Trump.

The Bermudian actor has endured racist abuse on Twitter following the incident on Friday, in which a post-show message was read out to Vice President-elect and audience member Mike Pence, while other performers have received death threats.

President-elect Trump has fronted the furious charge against the historical musical, which has won 11 Tony Awards, a Grammy and a Pulitzer, posting multiple Twitter tirades and demanding an apology.

“I’m still processing it, to be honest. It doesn’t seem real,” said Mr Christopher, who officially began playing George Washington last Tuesday after covering the role in the summer.

“Social media has blown it up. It’s sad and it’s scary, I don’t understand how a message of love could be so disturbing to people.”

The saga began on Friday afternoon when lead producer Jeffrey Seller discovered that Mr Pence was due to attend that night’s show at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

Since being named as Mr Trump’s running mate, the conservative politician has drawn criticism for repeatedly opposing legislation intended to protect the LGBT community in the United States.

Mr Seller penned a statement to Mr Pence along with the musical’s creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and director Thomas Kail, with input from the actors.

During the curtain call, actor Brandon Victor Dixon read the message aloud: “We, sir — we — are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights.

“We truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us.”

The incident quickly became a global news story, as well as a lightning rod for debate, with many media outlets mentioning that the audience had booed Mr Pence.

However, Mr Christopher, who was stood onstage behind Mr Dixon, said that the crowd’s reaction was actually mixed — with half of the room cheering the Vice President-elect as the other half voiced their displeasure.

He added that when the statement began, Mr Pence’s supporters then began booing the cast.

“But once we actually got through the message, everybody was clapping. It was a beautiful communal moment and there was a great feeling in the room,” he said.

“People try to take things out of context, and they’re going to feel whatever they want to feel. It has nothing to do with the actual moment itself.”

Mr Pence has since played down the incident and praised the “incredible production”.

“I nudged my children and reminded them that’s what freedom sounds like,” he told Fox News. But at the end I did hear what was said from the stage. I can tell you I wasn’t offended by what was said — I’ll leave it to others as to whether it was the appropriate venue to say it.”

Mr Trump, however, has struck a far less conciliatory note. He tweeted on Saturday morning: “Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing. This should not happen!

“The Theater must always be a safe and special place. The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize!”

On Sunday, he added: “The cast and producers of Hamilton, which I hear is highly overrated, should immediately apologize to Mike Pence for their terrible behavior.”

With tensions inflamed, security has been beefed up at the Broadway show, while a Saturday night performance in Chicago was interrupted when an audience member started shouting profanities at the stage.

“What we’re going through with the backlash is kind of horrific,” Mr Christopher said.

“For the past few years in America, we thought we had a clean floor.

“Now we’re lifting up the rug and seeing what was swept underneath.”

However, the Queens resident added that he was consoled by the increase in dialogue among the American populace since Mr Trump won the election on November 8.

“I’m very happy that people are talking to each other,” he said. “There’s anger on both sides, but the only way to move through it is by getting things out in the open and continuing a healthy conversation.”