This review is short, for what more can one say about this modern classic American musical? A “young” classic American musical.
Hamilton is only ten years old (2015, Off-Broadway premiere at NYC’s Public Theatre), but its phenomenal success has only grown more solid, secure, and true with each passing year. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning show is so entertaining and physically exciting that it immediately harks back to those ground-breaking shows from the past: Oklahoma; South Pacific; Guys and Dolls; Gypsy; Hello, Dolly; Sweeney Todd; Follies; even The Producers and The Drowsy Chaperone.
There are so many great shows, whether recent or ancient, and Miranda’s has taken its place among the stars.
Hamilton is unique, probably never to be surpassed, that the ultra-talented composer/lyricist/book writer may suffer the David O. Selznick syndrome. Cinema mogul Selznick produced Gone With the Wind (1939), but he could never duplicate its box-office gold mine or audience allure. He spent his life and fortune, and numerous films, trying to. Wind was his Everest. He would never climb so high again.
This may be Miranda’s fate, but I guess it doesn’t really matter, since he’s already made a pharaoh’s treasure from his diverse and phenomenal take on America’s founding fathers.
If you’ve never seen this musical, it is a must-see. In a clever radio marketing promo, Hamilton rightly claims, “This is the story of America then, told by America now.” That is true. Hip-hop, rhythm and blues, and basic Broadway belt are fused into its music and genes. It reads Now. In 30 years, will it sound so novel and fresh? Probably. Its structure is so innovative, its casting so racially diverse, its arcane history lessons so readily digestible, its staging so eye-catching that it utterly mesmerizes.
Andy Blankenbuehler’s voguing choreography, non-stop and breathless, catches the moment, as a youthful and buoyant vision of America; and director Thomas Kail’s mise en scene is a perpetual mobile, augmented by Howell Binkley’s laser lighting. All three of them won Tony awards, among eight others. Hamilton also won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama (2016) and a Grammy for its cast album. The show deserves all its accolades.
Although Miranda’s rap lyrics rhyme fast and furious, the maw of the Hobby Center eats them alive. We lose half of the show, although many in the audience know the words by heart. This musical is a cult favorite. But for those who don’t know the show, it may be hard to follow the intricate political maneuverings and personal interactions. The gist is clear, but the subtleties get lost. If you’re gonna rap, it better be crisp.
This national American tour is an exact duplicate of the Broadway version with its brickwork wall, wood walkway, and dangling hawsers. It looks great. Perhaps the best part is that the cast seems to want to be here. Under a grueling schedule, the tour, so far, runs through July of next year. That’s a lot of performances, and ofttimes the cast begins to run on fumes. There is none of that here. Everyone is present and accounted for.
Especially memorable are Tyler Fauntleroy as Alexander Hamilton, Lauren Mariasoosay as wife Eliza, Jimmie “JJ” Jeter as Aaron Burr, A.D. Weaver as George Washington, and Justin Matthew Sargent in his show-stopping portrayal of King George III. (I don’t know why, but this coiffed and pampered character always gets an ovation upon his entrance to sing his comedy ditty, “You’ll Be Back.”)
Hamilton might be a one-off, but it is a glorious one. The mixed cast – our founding fathers are played by people of color – boasts a story so intriguing, music so infectious, a production so lively. This is one of the great shows, no doubt about it. Why else is it constantly sold out wherever it plays? Go and experience the magic of new Broadway. You may whistle American history on your way out.
Hamilton continues through March 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays. The Houston run is nearly sold-out, but some tickets are still available here for $79 to $299 (not including resale tickets). You can also try your luck at the Hamilton digital lottery, which is offering 40 $10 seats for every performance. More information on the lottery can be found here.
