Review: Hamilton

by Daniel Hill

Hamilton was something that I had previously stated was not, in my opinion, fit for the West End. At this point I knew it was about an American founding father and included a lot of rap. These two facts combined made me steer clear away from the cast recording as I felt that it was not a traditional style of musical. 

This was all changed when someone told me that they had exactly the same view but were urged to listen to the cast recording which soon changed their mind. I follow suit and began to appreciate this work of art written by Lin Manuel Miranda. I was lucky enough to secure tickets to see the Original London Cast at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Hamilton is written in a very clever way and I am completely confused as to how someone could give the production that I saw a three-star review.

Based on the true story of America gaining independence from Britain in the eighteenth century, the play is told with Alexander Hamilton’s life as the centrepiece. We learn about this man’s importance in helping America fight for freedom and how he rose through the ranks to become George Washington’s right-hand man. Unlike other true stories on stage, there were very few moment in which I felt empathy for the characters; however, when I did, I have to say they were very powerful moments. This included during the song “Dear Theodosia” in which two chairs are placed downstage which Hamilton and Burr sit in. I felt this was one of the moments that truly captivated the audience. A similar captivation took place during the song “Burn” in which Eliza had the audience in silence.

Giles Terera as Aaron Burr

The music is extraordinary, as if Lin Manuel-Miranda has used an equation to fit everything together in this musical. The use of foreshadowing in the music and repetition of riffs throughout is spellbinding. There are no real weak songs when it is seen on stage and he somehow makes rap work in this theatre environment yet still does not ignore music that has come before him as he seems to include every genre of music that you can think of. It is particularly amazing that he can put a cabinet battle into the form of a rap battle - not once but twice! I just have to hope that Lin Manuel Miranda doesn’t stop here; it may be hard to follow with another musical but it will be worth it even if it is half as good as this one is!

I have to give mention to Giles Terera who stars as Aaron Burr in the London production. He takes firm hold of the production as he stands out as the star and seems to make his role the lead role.  Almost taking the role of the narrator, he always seems to be lurking in the shadows of Alexander Hamilton’s fortune. His final song is one of the most powerful moments in the show as he becomes “the villain of your history.” Ash Hunter, who is the alternate Hamilton, was superb in the role that was originated by the composer. The actors playing the three Schuyler sisters also put their stamps on their majestic roles, not least through Rachelle Ann Go’s rendition of “Burn.” Two names come to mind when I think about the comedy that is added to the piece. Michael Jibson in the role of King George III gives the show a feel-good moment each time he enters the stage for one song out of his trilogy. Meanwhile, Jason Pennycooke brings a cheeky edge to the roles of both Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson.

 

I have failed to mention so many cast members who made this show so special. It truly is an ensemble piece with almost every member stepping into center stage at one moment for their chance to shine. With a piece like this it is amazing that not one member of the cast is slightly weaker than the rest, but they all seem to give 100% which I assume they do every time they perform the show. The slickness of the cast as a whole was perfect and perhaps questions why we don’t have as many ensemble pieces like this throughout the West End that tell the story in a combined manner.

 

As Stephen Sondheim said when speaking about Lin Manuel Miranda and this creation, ‘Hamilton is a breakthrough.” I completely stand by him in this respect as this musical was a product of a genius. And as the final song says “Every other founding father’s story gets told, Every other founding father gets to grow old. But when you’re gone, who remembers your name? Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?” Now it is Alexander Hamilton’s chance for his story to get told due to a stroke of genius from Lin Manuel Miranda. It is the last moment of the show that will stay with me though, as a sense of realisation runs through Eliza’s mind.