Review: HAMILTON, Birmingham Racecourse

To call Hamilton a phenomenon is almost an understatement. Since its 2015 premiere, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical about America’s founding father Alexander Hamilton has broken box office records, won 11 Tony Awards, seven Olivier Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and has been credited with changing the face of musical theater. forever. Now he’s finally on his first UK tour, giving audiences across the country the chance to see if the hype is real.

The biographical musical was inspired by Ron Chernow’s book Alexander Hamilton, and covers Hamilton’s immigration to America from the West Indies, his role in the Revolutionary War as George Washington’s right-hand man, and his creation of the financial systems that still exist in America today. We also learn about his love affairs, losses and obsession with creating a legacy. While knowledge of American history will certainly help audiences understand the intricacies of the show, the subject is presented in such an accessible way that even those unfamiliar with the subject will be able to follow Hamilton’s rise and fall.

Miranda’s score is absolutely stunning, blending rap, hip-hop, R&B and pop with traditional musical theatre, and there isn’t a weak song among the 46 tracks. The lyrics are clever, catchy and often funny, providing huge amounts of historical information while shedding light on the characters. Like a live musical, the pace is non-stop, giving sparse ballads like “Burn” and “It’s Quiet Uptown” even more resonance. Thomas Kail’s original direction is thrilling and ensures that the audience never loses focus.

The production was not reduced in any way for the tour. David Korins’ stunning industrial set, with balconies, escalators and a revolving central platform, provides the full Broadway experience, and Howell Binkley’s powerful lighting design heightens every important moment. Nevin Steinberg’s sound design translates perfectly to the Hippodrome, with the powerful music balanced well with the vocals. The excellent ensemble cast impeccably executes Andy Blankenbuehler’s fluid and expressive choreography, making full use of the different levels of the set.

HamiltonHis leading roles are demanding and most of the touring cast perform admirably under pressure. Shaq Taylor leads the cast, embodying Hamilton’s journey from a cocky young man obsessed with proving himself to a more considered but still passionate statesman, and his voice and diction are impeccable. Sam Oladeinde’s reserved and cocky Burr makes a solid counterpoint to Taylor’s Hamilton, though Oladeinde doesn’t reach the same levels of resentment and anger that previous Burrs have, and makes some distracting vocal choices in “The Room Where It Happens “.

Charles Simmons is serious and smooth-voiced as Washington, and DeAngelo Jones is charismatic and playful as both John Laurens and Philip Hamilton. Billy Nevers gives us an exuberant and snarky Thomas Jefferson who at times threatens to steal the show, and Daniel Boys holds the audience in the palm of his hand every time he steps out in the iconic role of King George.

Not all of the cast fit their roles perfectly. Aisha Jawando’s Angelica is oddly witless, showing little chemistry with Shaq or Maya Britto’s sweet Eliza, and her lack of enunciation means many of her lines are indecipherable, so songs that should be some of better ones from the show, like “Satisfied” and “The Schuyler Sisters” crash. KM Drew Boateng’s first act turn as Hercules Mulligan also suffers from diction issues, although his second act performance as James Madison is more successful.

It’s a testament to Miranda’s near-perfect performance that, even with some performance issues, Hamilton it’s still an amazing and emotional experience. Its impact is not diminished even after multiple viewings, and its themes of love, pain, ambition, freedom, forgiveness and family always resonate. Don’t miss your chance to see this show in a city near you.

Hamilton at Birmingham Racecourse until August 31, then on tour

Photo credit: Danny Kaan

Comments

To post a comment, you must Sign up and log in.