Hamilton is a fantastic must-see musical full of explosive energy, great music, and powerful performances. While the story is a lesson in American history, its style is completely engaging. The show is unforgettable, and will leave you reflecting on its many themes long after the lights come up. This is an amazing production and one of the best shows I have seen.
Hamilton is about Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States, and who was the first U.S. secretary of the treasury. He was also an illegitimate orphaned immigrant who came to New York just as the colonies were debating a revolution against the British. He joined the cause, serving under the command of George Washington, and then later became a lawyer. He joined Washington’s first cabinet. He was a prolific writer, and brilliant at economics. He married Eliza Schuyler, who came from a powerful family. Over the years, Hamilton served the newly founded U.S. government, guiding it to greater political and financial independence.
Hamilton is a man determined to make his mark on the world (“My Shot”) and not to take anything for granted, to seize the moment in the changing times. His friend and nemesis Aaron Burr hesitates to take a side in the revolution out of fear of being on the wrong side; this leads to missed opportunities and envy for Hamilton’s rise. Eliza is kind, loving, but with a backbone and determination. Hamilton’s contemporaries are not just a who’s who of American history. They are portrayed like people with charms and flaws. George Washington is a bear of a man, full of wise authority. Thomas Jefferson is flamboyant, full of snappy wit, and dressed in purple: like the rock star Prince (who once had a band called the Revolution). Humour is provided by King George III, who doesn’t understand why his subjects won’t respect his absolute rule (“You’ll Be Back”). The monarch’s pomposity is an object of ridicule, but also a snapshot of how the revolution is perceived across the pond.
Hamilton tells this historical story with a multi-cultural cast, and modern music such as jazz, R & B, rap, and Hip-Hop; music that was created in the United States. This is history through the lens of the people who are the manifestations of the past. The first act is full of excitement, dash, and shock. There is real drama with the revolutionary war, duels with pistols and other personal conflicts. Cabinet debates are staged like rap battles. The action is gripping. The second act is more intimate, tender, and beautiful. It slows down to reflect on the meaning of someone’s legacy, and how can legacies endure. This act focuses on Eliza who carries the story-telling (“Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story”). The ending will take your breath away.
The entire cast is incredible. They are very talented. The singing is magnificent; the performances are moving. The choreography tells a story within the action with the right amount of flash. The set is gorgeous. It doesn’t change aside from a staircase or two. The costumes are fresh and sharp.
What is a legacy? Who tells the story? Is the manner of the story telling important too? The past doesn’t change but its memory can either fade or remain alive. The story can only endure if humanity is the centre. But a great show certainly helps to make it memorable.
Photo credit: Joan Marcus
Hamilton presented by evenko and Broadway Across Canada. Show runs until September 7, at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts, 175 Ste.-Catherine Street West, Montreal. For tickets call the box office at 514-842-2112 (or 1-866-842-2112) or go to www.placedesarts.com
