"An innovation unlike any other, the greatest musical written in recent years, created by one of the greatest modern minds." Hamilton was impactful on so many levels, this was the second time this year I have seen this show. This second time with a different cast and always a new take on the same material as everyone will take away something different. Whether it's the technical genius of the putting together of this show, the emotion of each character or how so much history could be covered in so little time, or something else. It's a must see!
Hamilton was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda who has also worked on many Disney shows and hits, such as Moana and Encanto on top of making appearances in many other pieces of media. However Hamilton is his most loved creation. Due to it's many popular songs including "my shot" that are certain to get stuck in your head. It has had a massive influence on the world of modern musical theatre. From the moment that this musical initially released (and went viral,) it was adored by everyone from avid theatre goers to the many others that this phenominal show reached around the world.
The show opens with the impactful title number of "Alexander Hamilton". Which not only introduces our focus character but also ties together so many different and typically unused genres (in musical theatre) of music. As well as a fantastic selection of sounds and motifs that you quickly come to associate with certain characters and their emotions. This number also introduces characters intial emotions and opinions on Alexander, as well as doing a brilliant job of introducing and connecting the audience with his backstory and motives. I was lucky enough to see it with two separate casts, this always brings in a fresh insight into the prewritten media.
The wonderful use of lighting and staging really helps to assist in the story telling specifically in the many battles. With very few cast members with the specific choreography and staging done by Andy Blankenbuehler allows it to feel as if you could be watching a battle between many rather than the few dancers that you are actually watching. That fantasticaly skilled use of lighting and staging make use of every cast member and are what makes this show so intensive to perform and consequently breathtaking to watch.
I reccomend to anyone who's going to see this show that you listen to the songs before hand to familiarise yourself with the lyrics and plot line as it covers lots of history in beautifully crafted detail in a short space if time. It doesn't feel crammed but can be daunting and take away from the performance if it is unfamilliar to you. However this inability to remove any song without comprimise is part of the beauty of the show a sit has such a deep connection to the characters and the way they tell their story. For example, the song "the room where it happens" a song predominantly sung by the character of Aaron Burr. This song is all about not knowing what happened so few musical writers would have thought to write about what they don't know and still manage to enrich the story and the quality of one of the characters. Specifically the integrity of characters as they go through their journeys alongside Hamilton and begin to form opinions.
This show ties together many aspects of music such as rap that entices both a musical loving audience and it's inovation attracts a new and fresh audience. It keeps to the traditional format of it's length, song lengths, dance while chaging the music all together in many places while still retaining it's musical theatre like quality with a few ballads. That incredible mix really brings this show to life, having the lighting emphasize the colous of the american flag, feelings of isolation and to highlight emotional moments. Like for example having parts of it look like shattered glass to resemble shattered dreams are like a beautiful unspoken metephor. Or having them freeze showing the thoughts in characters heads that connect what could be a detached historical tale otherwise. As well as in comical moments to highlight King George's increasing madness and frustration.
This show makes use of brakes between silence and sound that give the audiece a moment to process as the characters would have desired in the reality of their situation. The length and pace of the soundtrack is another one of the beautiful parts of this show as it gives every character a voice that shapes every person equally while also working to enrich the primary character of Hamilton. It helps to allow every character to develop equally creating a narrative that tells the story of Alexander giving characters their own opinions on him ultimatley creating the spectators point of view. It's wonderful watching the characters use their form of democracy to construct the society they want and why they desire it to be like that. As well as the idea that politics are ultimatley influenced by the people in power. As well as how different the world could be if those who deserved it were given the credit.
I think this musical is marvellous in that it leaves no part of Hamiltons tale untold but without ignoring the characters surrounding him and the impact they had upon him, in his drive and all the fantastic things that went along to build the America that was dreamed up by these influential individuals. I would highly recommend this show to no end due to the sheer quality of it, wether you are interested in musical theatre as a whole or a specific part of it, Hamilton has it all. It has carefully crafted choreography, lighting and stage design. Along with lyrics that could be likened to poetry, with never a weak actor or actress. That leaves you with its incredible songs and scenes imprinted upon your brain. Not to mention the versatile base costumes that are a feat of engineering allowing actor to add a coat or skirt and change the character entirely. The lack of set enriches the show as chairs, tables and so much more are always being cleverly snuck on and off stage producing a seamless and immersive expirience unlike anything else. Ultimaltley a musical comes down to its soundtrack and this one is not short of both aspirations and sheer emotion. Like in "Dear Theodosia" you feel the separation between characters as well as both Alexanders and Burr's deep struggle, that despite being very different, soemthing stands in both their ways. However it doesn't stop them helping their loved ones, albeit indirectly.
As a show every character feels integral to the story as they were in the reality of the history. It also writes strong female characters unlike many musicals especially historical ones. That feel true as they work around the constraints of their society to achieve a voice and opinion that is heard that would otherwise be lacking in the foundation of their country as they still want rights and a comfortable way of living. Again telling storys that typically remain unsung.
Finally we come to the conclusion of the show, as you are torn between the reality and humanity of Hamiltons actions in opposition to the good he has done. Obviously it highlights the audiences emotion as they have almost go on the journey with him so to see him be erased over one mistake rather than acknowledged for all of the work he did. This fantastic overall message of the show that leave the audience willing every character on in their individual journey along with the previously ignored story now being told and having it be so widly adored only drives home the willingness of Alexander to do anything to build the place that he dreamed of. Showing that even after being ignored for so long regognition that is deserved is always eventually recieved.
In a summary of three words- go see it. One of the greatest shows ever due to it's innovation, emotion and story telling. Allowing everyone to take away something different and so meaningful. I could ramble about this forever so go give it a listen and anticipate another article at some point in the future.
-from the original production that was filmed, currently at the time of writing available to watch on Disney+