'Hamilton' (Theatrical Review)
This multi-award winning, hip-hop musical 'Hamilton', originally written and directed by the genius that is Lin-Manuel Miranda, has re-defined musical theatre as we know it and I felt a great delight in experiencing this phenomenon; new to the Victoria Palace Theatre in London's West End, on 3rd January 2018.
'Hamilton' is an unconventional musical, using hip-hop, rap and a culturally diverse cast to tell the tale of four Founding Fathers of America, focusing primarily on the life-story of Alexander Hamilton. Introducing his upbringing, challenges he faces throughout life and his ultimate demise in the first song, when Aaron Burr sings "I'm the damn fool that shot him", this production has the audience hooked from the opening riff.
For the main character of 'Alexander Hamilton', Miranda and Mackintosh cast 25 year old RADA graduate Jamael Westman. It would appear Jamael has not only come straight from drama school to a lead role in a prolific West End musical, but has immense shoes to fill as Lin-Manual Miranda himself portrayed this titular character in the original Broadway production. Let's just say, he does an incredible job and is "not throwing away (his) shot"! Along with his incredibly talented fellow cast members; Rachelle Ann Go as his trusting and loyal wife 'Eliza Schuyler', Rachel John as her strong and spirited sister 'Anjelica Schuyler', Giles Terera as his hesitant but undeterred colleague 'Aaron Burr', Obioma Ugoala as a powerful and determined 'George Washington' and the esteemed Michael Jibson, as a more light-hearted and humorous hiatus from the seriousness of the American revolution, portraying 'King George III', Westman really succeeds in bringing this historical narrative to life.
Lin-Manuel Miranda spent many years creating and developing his original production which made its Off-Broadway debut in February 2015. The lyrics are fast and clever, with a live orchestra, the stunning harmonies are inspired and the actors are so talented in their vocal skills that the singing and rapping not only seems to come naturally to them but is articulate and the meaning is always clear. Every individual on the stage that night had their entire attention focused on the production; the song, the dance, the story they were telling, they were all aware of one another, working cohesively as a unified cast to bring us, the audience, an unforgettable and highly engaging retelling of this prominent period in history.
The set is also by no means as simple as it seems upon first entering the auditorium; ladders move, the stage floor rotates in opposing directions, the props have been integrated into the structure. It is as clever and intricate as the rest of the production. The detail in the costumes is intriguing yet works perfectly within the style of the show; there is an 18th century feel with the leading roles in big dresses and uniforms, while the ensemble lean toward a more contemporary look mixing their slim corsets and swishing tail coats with the requirement for the dancers to move, in jodhpurs and knee-high boots.
Particular effects, such as; when 'Eliza' actually sets 'Hamilton's letters on fire in 'Burn', when 'King George III' breaks the fourth wall in his first song, the use of physical theatre in the opening number and the duels, and all the little nuances you don't necessarily notice immediately, are just right for keeping the audience enthralled throughout the performance.
It is unsurprising that 'Hamilton' was given 16 Tony nominations and won 11 of them
when it opened on Broadway, the effort that has been put into developing this flawless creation is hugely deserving of such recognition. It did surprise me, however, to discover how much and how easily I learnt about American history whilst enjoying the performance, and it astounds me still how the audiences are not only attentive throughout but so supportive, you can feel it in the air; they are on Hamilton's side, the actors' side, Miranda's side, everyone expressing their appreciation and excitement. It's inspiring!
Tickets for this astonishing, popular production are currently sold out until at least July 2018, but you can put your name into their £10 ticket lottery if you download the free 'Hamilton App', which I'd highly recommend taking your chances on; you will definitely be "Satisfied" with this show.
***** Five Stars
