Hamilton OBC Review

Richard Rodgers Theatre - 2015, Original Broadway Cast

All too often in theatre reviews, words like ‘groundbreaking’ and ‘cutting-edge’ are thrown around with reckless abandon, however, Lin Manuel Miranda’s 2015 juggernaut Hamilton is absolutely worthy of such grand turns of phrase.

Featuring a fantastically diverse cast, the record breaking musical follows the life and times of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, set to a soundtrack of urban rap music. While this may not seem like the obvious musical choice, the result is a refreshingly innovative piece of musical theatre that will leave its mark on the industry for years to come.

Hamilton stars writer and composer Lin Manuel Miranda in the title role, he appears on stage as he sings the words ‘Alexander Hamilton’ to thunderous applause and cheering from the audience. While his vocal performance leaves something to be desired at times, it is easily forgiven and looked past the rest of the achingly talented cast traverse the fierce complexity of Miranda’s lyrics, storytelling and composing.

The immensely talented ensemble cast are responsible for keeping the energy high throughout the 2hr 30min show, there are only a few brief moments in which they are not performing intensely energetic dance moves. The show was choreographed by Andy Blankenbeuhler, who previously worked with Lin Manuel Miranda on his critically acclaimed formative work In The Heights. The staging takes into consideration all aspects of the size of the Richard Rogers stage, with platforms creating different levels for the story to pan out across, and Blankenbeuhler’s choreography cleverly uses all of the space creating a towering and spectacular viewing experience.

Complimenting Miranda’s lyrical composition is Alex Lacamoire’s musical direction. The combination of the two creates a spellbinding emotional rollercoaster, which, to bring out the review cliches once again, will make you laugh and make you cry.

The large ensemble cast features in the heights alumni, Christopher Jackson as George Washington and Anthony Ramos as John Laurens/Phillip Hamilton, as well as Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton, Renee Elise Goldberry as Angelica Schuyler, Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Leslie Odom Jr as Aaron Burr, and Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, and their collective talent almost transcends the rest of the show.

Now playing internationally and celebrating its 5th consecutive year on broadway, Hamilton is every bit worth the hype that surrounds it. From the diverse cast to the spectacular staging and set design, Lin Manuel Miranda's masterpiece is not going to be far from the stage any time in the near future. Outstanding in almost all aspects.