A Welcome Return

Hamilton

From its stellar 2015 Off-Broadway opening, to its epic, jaw-dropping Broadway opening later that same year, this exhilarating, inspirational, sung and rapped musical is still going strong today, eight years later. In a welcome return to Chicago, this mega hit, which earned unprecedented popularity (especially among younger audiences) and unheard of critical acclaim, is back in the Windy City through the end of 2023—perhaps even longer if this return visit proves to be popular. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s magnificent musical was the obvious shoo-in for the title of Best Musical of 2016. The production won every one of Broadway’s highest accolades, including 11 Tony Awards and even the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The show that’s been called the greatest musical of this generation has opened once again in Chicago, this time at the glorious Nederlander Theatre. And fear not: this is not a substandard, nonunion bus-and-truck touring version, but another long-running, Equity Production of the original show. And it’s every bit as good, if not better in some ways, than the New York original. From the very first note and lyric, the stage bursts with a fresh, vibrant energy. This entire cast is a spirited, uber talented and earnest company of performers. Every single 

actor/singer/dancer in this new National Tour is a star.

For anyone who’s been living under a rock for the past eight years, the show is a cutting edge, contemporary musical adaptation of Ron Chernow’s 2004 biography of Alexander Hamilton. But how did a musical about one America’s lesser-known Founding Fathers become such a huge hit? The most anyone remembers about Alexander Hamilton is that he was part of our country’s early government and he was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr. Well, playwright, composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda was on vacation from his first hit Broadway musical, “In the Heights,” for which he also wrote and starred. By chance he picked up Chernow’s book in the airport. Instantly Miranda became inspired by the story of an orphan who immigrated to the Colonies in the 1700’s and worked his way up the ladder to success, all during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. Chernow’s book sparked an idea for a song, and then an entire musical, similar to the hip hop style of his earlier Broadway hit. Little did Miranda realize at the time what an international blockbuster this new show would become.

 Miranda’s book, music and lyrics comprise his highly creative, uniquely contemporary historical drama-with-songs-and-movement. The original production made superstars out of its once unknown original cast, and even the excellent Broadway replacement companies continue to draw standing room only audiences. The demand to see this musical has made it the most anticipated and talked-about show since “The Book of Mormon.” And, primarily because it employs a musical score that features rap, hip hop, jazz, as well as traditional pop ballads, it’s achieved the impossible: “Hamilton” has generated a theatergoing mania among today’s most reluctant audience age group—teens and tweens.  

This mostly sung-through musical, with actually very little spoken dialogue, is artistically directed by accoladed Broadway director Thomas Kail. He cleverly stages his actors and provides the necessary guidance and focus to make this show a surefire hit. That same precision and soulful direction is in the New York production. Broadway’s superb, Tony Award-winning Andy Blankenbuehler once again choreographs this touring production. An absolute highlight of this show, the dance and movement features all the sharp athletic precision and beauty of the original. This features as diverse a cast as the many musical styles that Miranda employs. 

The production boasts a full-stage, floor-to-ceiling, rough-hewn, multilevel set by David Korins and an array of stunning costumes by Paul Tazewell. Both are a nod to the story’s Federalist Period without becoming slaves to detail. Charles G. LaPointe provides all the exquisite hair and wigs. The warm lighting designed by Howell Binkley beautifully mimics the lantern and candlelight illumination of the era. Thankfully, Nevin Steinberg has achieved a flawless sound design that balances the orchestration and makes certain that every word in Miranda’s lightning-paced rap numbers will be heard and understood. Musical supervision and orchestrations are thanks to an incredibly gifted Alex Lacamoire, and Emmanuel Schvartzman conducts the show’s brilliant, rich-sounding pit orchestra.

The 4th National Tour production stars a very talented Pierre Jean Gonzalez in the role of Alexander Hamilton. Like Lin-Manuel Miranda, this international actor also played the starring role of Usnavi in “In the Heights,” as well as other leading and supporting parts in many regional productions. As with his cast-mates, this actor’s sincere likability, combined with a talent for enunciating all those fast-paced lyrics, especially given the tempo and speed of most of the rap songs, propels him to star status. Gonzalez’s rendition of the title song and “My Shot” are especially terrific. New York-based actor Deon’te Goodman is outstanding as Hamilton’s frenemy, Aaron Burr. He’s also appeared in “In the Heights” and has understudied the roles of Burr, Washington and Madison/Mulligan on Broadway. Here he rocks the stage as Aaron Burr. Among his best songs are “The Room Where It Happens,” “Your Obedient Servant” and “The World Was Wide Enough.”

The stylish and aristocratic Schuyler sisters are portrayed by lovely Lencia Kebede as Angelica, stunning Jen Sese as Peggy (and who also plays Maria Reynolds), and the beautiful Nikisha Williams as Eliza, who eventually becomes the future Mrs. Alexander Hamilton. Ms. Williams’ duets “Satisfied” and “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” are beautiful, but nothing comes close to her heartfelt, 11th hour solo, “Burn.” 

Handsome Neil Haskell is hilariously pompous and resplendent as King George. Also seen in the original Broadway cast, Mr. Haskell is perfectly delightful in his cameo solos, which include “You’ll Be Back,” “What Comes Next?” and “I Know Him.” Marvelous Marcus Choi is a powerful, charismatic George Washington, Jared Howelton is very funny, flamboyant and verbose as both Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, and Tyler Fauntleroy is earnest and touching as both John Laurens and Hamilton’s young son, Philip. And Eddie Ortega is smooth and sophisticated as James Madison, as well as the aggressive Hercules Mulligan.

This entertaining, enlightening and energetic musical is constantly poetry in motion. The visual and auditory support provided by an ensemble of gifted, athletic dancer/singers, all at the top of their form, makes “Hamilton” one the finest National Tours to visit the Windy City. Thomas Kail’s new production is clear-cut, crisp and classy. Most of all it’s entertaining and bridges all generations with its brilliance. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s book, score and lyrics shine bright. There’s not a sour note nor a misguided step in this exciting, exhilarating musical. Each performance on the stage is a star-making turn. “Hamilton” brings to life a chapter of US history and speaks to contemporary audiences like no other theatrical production. This heartfelt story of a man, an immigrant, who comes to America, with hopes, dreams and lofty ambitions, is the story of all of us. It’s a must-see experience for theatergoers of all ages.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas         

Presented September 15- December 30 (and may be extended beyond that date) by Broadway in Chicago at the Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago.

Tickets are available at all Broadway in Chicago box offices, the BIC Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.