There's nothing that gives me comfort like the green velvet seats at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati--not to mention, there's basically not a bad seat in the house. With that said, I am still reeling from seeing the Broadway tour of 'HAMILTON' in all of its glory with my family.
The show is one I had seen on my TV, but never live. I even got to intern for the agency that managed their social media, so this has been a long time coming. And boy, did it impress. There is something palpable about seeing a show live, in-person for yourself. I noticed things I never had and understood more of the plot, which made it more enjoyable.
Overall, this production was held together by its sharp technical cues and outstanding score, along with several memorable performances. It's so clear Thomas Kail had a very calculated directing style, which results in cool stage views, such as during 'Hurricane' when the set spins around him-helped, of course, by the usefulness of the spin-table built into the ground. In fact, some times it looked like they were floating magically. That, paired with Miranda's infectious and rap-infused score make for a truly unique theatre experience, even for Disney Plus subscribers like me (well, my dad, but you get the point).
With such a diverse array of supporting characters, it is a challenge to name just who stood out, but one is not hard--hint hint, he is a STANDBY. It was Alexander Hamilton (played by Bryson Bruce) who brought humor and a unique likeability that gave a fresh look at the character. This just goes to say that understudies and standbys are not a reason to be disappointed when you see a show--it is a fully unique set of cast members performing a new iteration of the show, it is exciting!
Also tremendous were Eliza Hamilton (played by Zoe Jensen) whose sky-high vocals and grounded demeanor kept us wondering why Hamilton doesn't care about her more. I also really loved Marquis LaFayette/Thomas Jefferson (played by David Park), who really rivaled the equally-good King (played by Peter Matthew Smith) with humorous moments. Jefferson had some dance breaks I doubt the historical accuracy of, but it was surely entertaining.
What really tied this show together was the precision of the technical team. I learned from a man I sat next to that the sound and lights are all interconnected, meaning (because the show is mainly music, not straight scenes) every word and note could strike a different lighting cue--lush blues illuminated the tall brick facades, patriotic squares surround ensemble members with a bold, bright circle in the middle. It was just gorgeous, to say for a lack of deeper words. I also have always loved the costumes by Paul Tazewell, specifically for the ensemble--simple, almost mannequin-like, but versatile to go through this journey with costume add-ons--genius!
I try to stay on the positive side for reviewing shows, often because they are local and smaller-scale, but for Hamilton I did have one gripe--the shoes kept making squeaking sounds when they slid on the floor. If you're familiar with Andy Blankenbuehler's Tony-winning choreography, you know this is often. I don't know if the turntable set was changed to a more lacquer-style to aid in projections, but there were some times (albeit few) where the squeaking became a little distracting. But when you se the dancer making the noises, it really makes them melt away because you are so taken by the lifts and spins and calculated motions of the ensemble's insane dancing.
All in all, no theatre review will be the reason you see Hamilton--you already know it's good, and I have to agree. The way an unknown history unfolds with modern, color-blind casting and a rap/pop score was and is a momentous occasion for the theatre. One of my favorite moments in any show is at the finale of 'HAMILTON' when Eliza sings about her husband, and at the final moment, looks up and gasps loudly. SPOILER ALERT: Alexander has died, so my interpretation is she is seeing him as she passes, and gasps when she sees us, the audience, hearing her husband's story get told--her life's mission. And isn't that the best thing about theatre? Convening strangers to learn and immerse themselves in a story--in this case, most of it just happened to be true.
'HAMILTON' runs until October 2, 2022 at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, and tickets can be purchased here. I'll see you at the theater--next time, it's PIPPIN!
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