Upstaged Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hamilton is a masterpiece of musical theatre. It’s won ALL the awards – 11 Tony Awards including Best Musical, 7 Olivier Awards, the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. Now, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s politically charged and much-celebrated musical storms into Manchester with an outstanding new cast.
Revolutionary, flawless and blazingly brilliant, this production of Hamilton smashes all my expectations to smithereens. It’s just so lyrically smart, intelligently designed and powerfully performed, that I’d watch it all over again. And again.
Hamilton tells the story of US founding father (and first Treasury Secretary) Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the American Revolutionary War – helping to shape the country’s financial, political and legal systems – and build the America we know today.
It’s a huge subject to tackle – the birth of America and the first constitution told through the eyes of the first Treasury Secretary – but don’t let that put you off. The narrative – of over 20,000 sung-through words – swings through soulful harmonies, hip-hop beats and rap battles to present an important moment in America’s history, performed by modern-day voices.
In Thomas Kail’s production, co-directed with choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, the poetry on stage is perfectly complemented by David Korins’ smooth stage design, consisting of an ingenious revolving stage, and an industrial setting of exposed brickwork and wood.
Dynamic and assured, Shaq Taylor breathes the ambition and legacy, and the triumphs and tragedies of Alexander Hamilton. Sam Oladeinde (who, incidentally, is also a qualified solicitor), gives a smooth and nuanced performance as Aaron Burr. Charles Simmons brings a formidable, soulful George Washington and KM Drew Boateng perfectly embodies Hamilton’s close friend Hercules Mulligan and later, James Madison. With impeccable timing and charisma, Billy Nevers takes on the role of Lafayette before returning with boundless swagger as Thomas Jefferson.
In stunning robe à l’anglaise, courtesy of Paul Tazewell’s sharp costume design, the Schuyler sisters’ entrance brings fresh ’90s RnB vibes. With elegance and emotion, Maya Britto as Eliza builds momentum as Hamilton’s adoring wife and Aisha Jawando packs a punch as Angelica, beat-perfect in the perfectly fast-paced and heartbreaking rendition of ‘Satisfied’. Gabriela Benedetti completes the top-notch harmonious trio as Peggy Schuyler, appearing later as Maria Reynolds. With impeccable timing and playful petulance, Daniel Boys’ King George brings a whole alternative comedic level to the performance.
Sensational. Irresistible. Unmissable. Propelling the audience through history, from the first beat to the last, if there’s one ticket you splurge on this year – let Hamilton be it.
-Kristy Stott
Hamilton runs at the Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday 24 February 2024.