Review: HAMILTON, UK Tour
Danny Kaan
Hamilton begins its sold-out nine-week run at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh.
With 11 Tony Awards, 7 Olivier Awards, a Pulitzer prize and a Grammy Award under its belt, Hamilton may be considered the most acclaimed show shaping the modern musical theatre world. The sung and rapped-through musical narrates the life of Alexander Hamilton, a founding father, who became George Washington’s right-hand man and ultimately shaped the political history of the early United States through his involvement with the American Revolution. Now embarking on its first UK Tour, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s culturally driven and beloved show takes centre stage with an exceptional cast.
The score combines music styles including soul, R&B, hip-hop and pop, producing overall musical theatre bops which the cast delivers superbly. Thomas Kail’s direction alongside Andy Blankenbuehler’s choreography is simply sublime, with the ensemble delivering the physically demanding choreography with precision and constant momentum. The movement perfectly integrates with David Korins’ set design, including the iconic revolving stage. The understated brickwork and wood, alongside movable barrels and rope, set up the New York harbour with characters constantly watching from the above balcony, cementing that ‘history has its eyes on you’.
Shaq Taylor in the title role leads the cast excellently, with every acting intention delivered with certainty, creating a bubbly, passionate, dynamic performance. Sam Oladeinde, who is funnily enough also a qualified solicitor, gives a refined and compassionate delivery of Aaron Burr. KM Drew Boateng as Hercules Mulligan/ James Madison, DeAngelo Jones as John Lawrence/ Phillip Hamilton, and Billy Nevers as Lafayette/ Thomas Jefferson excel in their respective roles, with the dynamic between them becoming infectiously genuine, charismatic and full of swagger. As the redoubtable George Washington, Charles Simmons gives a soulful rendition whilst Daniel Boys’ witty King George has the audience chuckling along. Lastly, mentioning the gorgeous portrayals of the Schuyler Sisters - Aisha Jawando as Angelica is firm and stoic, contrasting heavily to Eliza’s somewhat gullible yet sincere depiction by Maya Britto. Gabriela Benedetti provides a sassy Peggy, and memorable Maria Reynolds in Act Two.
From the first beat, Hamilton leaves the audience with goosebumps. The characterisation brings a unique new narrative, and the story moves the audience to tears. Get yourselves along to the Festival Theatre as you will definitely want to be in this ‘room where it happens’. It is an absolute sensation.
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