My first visit to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton was on Broadway during the first month of the run. The hype was enormous. The show was even better than its blaze of publicity. I remember leaving the theater commenting that I would pay to see it again just for the lighting. Hamilton is the rare theatrical experience where every creative element is spectacular, from the direction to the choreography to the performances. The storytelling through the book and lyrics is perhaps even at a higher standard. Characters are written with music and words which match their personality and stature. Hamliton is a riveting, dense history lesson told in a wildly entertaining fashion.
After experiencing the original company and enjoying the fantastic cast album, how does Hamilton hold up? I decided to take in a performance from the Chicago company. Here I define “decided” as “lucky enough to score a great orchestra seat.” The show remains brilliant. A second viewing (and greater familiarity with the score) allows the opportunity to really take in different elements. At one point in the second Act, I just looked at the audience. Staring at the stage. Focused. There is a lot going on and much story to be told. Hamilton demands your attention.
Another highlight for me was the chance to see different performers tackle this now iconic show. As an example, in the performance I caught George Washington was played by Colby Lewis, a standby for the role. A tall man, physically he loomed large over the cast around him. Mr. Lewis’ presence and vocal abilities made George seem a bigger character than when I first saw the show (where Christopher Jackson was a Tony nominee). “One Last Time,” the moment our first president decides to retire and not run for reelection, was an emotionally intense highlight. Powerful themes about democracy, immigrants, politics, war, family and sacrifice are scattered throughout this musical.
Hamilton is this generation’s West Side Story. Similarly, the cast album has permeated our culture far beyond the Broadway diehards. Another tale of immigrants and an analysis of their American experience and our country’s founding. Given our painful current political maelstrom, Hamilton is essential viewing. As the cast sings early on, “history is happening…” Do not miss this historic piece of theatrical bliss anywhere you can.
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