Theater Review: Hamilton Is Meant to Be Seen Live

(SPOT.ph) Even during its Off-Broadway run in 2015, Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton already had sold-out shows and bagged several awards. It wasn't long before it transferred to Broadway, started a U.S. tour, premiered on West End, and had an Australian tour (2021). During all those years, Filipino Hamilfans could only enjoy the masterpiece through the hardbound book, the cast recording on Spotify, and the live stage recording on Disney+—until recently. Hamilton finally had its Asian premiere last September 17 at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City.

Synopsis of Hamilton

Hamilton is a groundbreaking musical that tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America's Founding Fathers, through a musical score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway. It is based on the 2004 biography Alexander Hamilton, written by Ron Chernow. The production chronicles Hamilton's rise from a young, impoverished immigrant to a critical figure in the American Revolution and the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury. It explores themes of ambition, love, politics, and the complex legacy of the Founding Fathers, all while featuring a diverse cast and an unforgettable soundtrack that has captivated audiences worldwide.

For the Asian premiere, Alexander Hamilton is played by Australian actor Jason Arrow. Other cast members include Rachelle Ann Go as Eliza Hamilton, Akina Edmonds as Angelica Schuyler, DeAundre' Woods as Aaron Burr, Darnell Abraham as George Washington, David Park as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Shaka Bagadu Cook as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Jacob Guzman as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, Elandrah Eramiha as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds, and Brent Hill as King George.

Theater Review of Hamilton in Manila

While Hamilton instantly earned worldwide success when it premiered in the 2010s, I must confess that I did not immediately get into it. I was gifted the 200-page Hamilton: The Revolution (2016) in 2018, but the hardbound book just ended up in my to-read pile; my untrained ear was not ready to keep up with the fast pace of the rap songs on Spotify; and my mobile-only subscription on Disney+ wasn't really the best way to watch Hamilton, so it also ended up on my to-watch list.

That unwarranted confession aside and after watching it at The Theatre at Solaire, I can categorically say that Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton is meant to be seen live.

Production

For starters, Hamilton's signature turntable (a.k.a. the revolving stage) is an unparalleled genius made possible by scenic designer David Korins. You can see glimpses of it on your laptop or mobile phone when streaming the show, but the magical effect of the rotating circle of wood on the floor is possible only when experienced live. Its overall appearance is also best seen if you're not too close to the stage.

Logistically, the turntable adds depth to the choreography. For example, in the "Satisfied" scene, the turntable emphasizes backtracking of a sequence of movements to show Eliza's alternate POV. Then, in "The World Was Wide Enough," the revolving stage complements the slow motion of the duel.

But aside from adding texture to the movement, the turntable is also rife with symbolisms that blend well with the narrative. It follows the direction of the hurricane experienced by Hamilton's family in the Caribbean, which not only prompted him to migrate to New York but also changed his outlook on life.

The turntable also reflects Hamilton's cyclical relationship with political rival Aaron Burr, his first friend upon arrival to the States. It can also be attributed to the cycle of Hamilton's humble beginnings as a "bastard, orphan, son of a whore" and, later on, the right-hand man of President Washington. The philosophy of cyclicity is all over the musical, not too far from the Filipino saying "bilog ang mundo."

Performance

The performance of a touring cast is usually a hit or miss, but Hamilton's set for the Manila run is a big hit. Jason Arrow's portrayal of Alexander Hamilton is spot on as he shows the rise and fall of a man blinded by ambition. In the most vulnerable moments, we can almost see through his soul; and in moments of humblebragging, his stance demands attention.

Worth mentioning is the portrayal of DeAundre' Woods as Aaron Burr, who operates on the same level as Arrow, which is precisely what's demanded of his character. Then, there's David Park, whose bubbly depiction of Thomas Jefferson warrants lots of laughs from the crowd. Darnell Abraham as George Washington gives off a Barack Obama vibe, worthy of his presidential position. Their larger-than-life performance is felt all the way to the back of the theater.

Music and Lyrics

For Broadway purists, Hamilton's rap-filled tracks might be an assault on the ears. But listening to the songs repeatedly, you'd understand why Miranda went that route.

Hip-hop, both a musical genre and a culture, originated as a deviation from the mainstream. Historically, it was formed in the 1970s in New York City among African Americans and children of immigrants. Lyrical content focuses on social issues, especially the civil rights movement. The songs are meant to assault your senses—Hamilton is about a period of revolution and the birth of a nation, after all.

Universality

As a Filipino, why should I care about Hamilton and the history of America? At its core, Hamilton is all about not throwing your shot and rising up, as its songs go. The early years of American democracy were as fragile as they can be, showing us that institutions can be manipulated and exploited when civilians do not engage to protect and preserve them.

So, when are we gonna rise up?

Hamilton runs until November 26 at The Theatre at Solaire, Solaire Resort and Casino, 1 Aseana Avenue, Parañaque City. Hamilton ticket prices range from P2,645 to P8,993.

Also read:
Hamilton Manila Guide: Here's Your View of the Stage Depending on Your Seat
Here's How Much Hamilton Tickets Cost