One word. Wow.
Let’s ‘rewind’.
Hamilton is a hip-hop musical written by Lin Manuel-Miranda, and features 46 songs. With no dialogue in the show, the songs portray the narrative and characters in such an effective way that you also get a history lesson included in the package. Each character has their own leitmotif, which is repeated throughout the show/in multiple songs, and layered on top of others too.
The show follows one of America’s Founding Fathers: Alexander Hamilton (and the first Secretary of Treasury) and his journey from arriving in America to his death (killed by ‘Aaron Burr, Sir’). Along the way, we meet his friends, foes, associates and lovers, and get told the story from the perspective of Aaron Burr and Eliza Hamilton.
My favourite songs have to be: ‘The Room Where it Happens’, ‘Non-Stop’, ‘One Last Time’, ‘The Schuyler Sisters’ and ‘My Shot’.
Last year, I got tickets to see Hamilton on the West End, something which I longed to watch live after watching it many (at least 50) times on tv during the year. However, the show in May (for my birthday) was postponed, and I felt devastated to have to wait a few more months to watch it.
Time passed, and I was watching the clock tick slowly. A few more weeks. Days. Hours.
But the day had finally arrived. I went to watch the show for the first time in October, and it was phenomenal.
Of course, I knew what to expect, but it was better than that. The experience was surreal, hearing the songs echo in the beautiful Victoria Palace theatre, and the choreography all put together. A masterpiece constructed by Lin Manuel-Miranda, and adjusted by the amazing West End cast. Watching it live, however, was different to the film. I could watch little bits which I had never seen before - like the amazing characters/dancers on the ‘balcony’, the way the characters interacted with each other/the audience and how the bullet was portrayed. Most importantly, how each actor put their own spin on their character.
As a historian, I also really enjoyed how the story was told through music, and links to the current affairs of America too.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 ½ hours, and of course listened to the soundtrack on my way home.
So a few weeks later, when my Mum asked what I wanted for Christmas, it was no surprise that I asked to see Hamilton again (I mean, I was ‘not throwing away my shot’).
We booked the tickets, and sadly my friends had to hear about how excited I was - they thought they had escaped once I saw it the first time.
When we arrived at the theatre on 29th December, to say I was excited was an understatement. I couldn’t wait to be back in ‘the room where it happens’, and this time, sitting even closer to the action.
The show was amazing; I know people joke and say the second time watching something is better, but it really was.
It was one of the show’s first performances back after having to close for a brief time, and it was Karl Queensborough’s first show back after having to isolate. This show also featured many standbys, where it was their chance to shine and put their own twist on the character.
Karl Queensborough was an amazing Hamilton. Both times I have seen it, he has performed and portrayed Hamilton and his capabilities superbly. His ability to rap, sing and connect with the character was truly moving, and you could see how much it meant to him to be back.
Lydia Fraser was a phenomenal Angelica, on as a cover for Ava Brennan. Her voice was amazing, and portrayal of the character was great; as soon as she sang ‘Angelica’ in the Schuyler Sisters, I knew she was going to be good. Her face at curtain call was filled with joy, and you could see how much it meant to her to be able to portray Angelica.
And of course, Sharon Rose was an incredible Eliza: the whole cast was superb.
At the curtain call, you could see how much it meant to the cast to be able to perform. They have trained most of their life, and sacrificed so much, just to perform their dream role. It meant so much to them, and so much to the audience to be a part of their journey.
As a fellow musician and pianist, I absolutely loved the music, especially the exit song - how it, just like the musical, entwined so many different songs, leitmotifs and themes into one song.
The arts and theatres have been knocked by the Covid pandemic, opening and shutting continuously. This is why we need to support theatres, musicals and stars, and really recognise/appreciate the raw talent that they have.
I cannot emphasise and stress how much you need to watch Hamilton, it is absolutely amazing. Whether you are a historian, musician, love musicals or want to watch something new, I promise you will love it.
So, what are you waiting for?! Go and give Hamilton a watch.
By Grace Wells
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