Eventhough Broadway is still closed because of the Covid 19- pandemic, Here is a review of the great broadway show Hamilton.

Alexander Hamilton was the founding father of the United States of America who didn’t have his story told. Lin-Manuel Miranda tells the tale in a raw way with light and dark humor. Utilizing rap, the exact definition of telling a personal struggle, causes the musical to be more engaging and relatable.

History was never a favored subject in my years of going to school but Hamilton changed all of that. The story of Hamilton was full of twists such as getting married, affairs, winning wars, being a father, losing his son, being George Washington’s right hand man, and dying in a duel.

The story of Hamilton follows Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton was orphaned as a child because a hurricane took his parents’ lives. Hamilton reaches for a quill and ink instead of a gun knowing that he survived for a reason, and has to make the most of his life for his parents. The play shows Hamilton’s life and the lives of the people he encountered.

The musical numbers consist of insane belting, meaningful lyrics, show stopping music and carefully crafted choreography.

The singers, especially Andrew Chappelle – Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Euan Morton – King George, Denee Benton – Eliza Hamilton, and Mandy Gonzalez-Angelica Schuyler caught my attention. The uniqueness of their voices and the freedom to sing it in a way they’re comfortable in made the overall plot more believable. Euan Morton had a nasally voice that suited the snobby King well. Andrew Chappelle sang and rapped with a french accent and a Southern-American one to fit his characters

My personal favorite songs from the musical are, “Alexander Hamilton,” “Schuyler Sisters,” “You’ll Be Back,” “Right Hand Man,” “Helpless,” “Satisfied,” “Ten Duel Commandments,” “Yorktown,” “What’d I Miss,” “The Room Where It Happens,” and “One Last Time” because every musical component was incredible.

“Schuyler Sisters” showcased the independent and powerful sisters who are the daughters of the wealthy Philip Schuyler. The women constantly try to explain to the men that they need someone who uses their brain instead of brawn because they need someone who thinks as logically as themselves. The choreography syncs up with the lyrics/words from Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal” then Angelica sings that, “When I meet Thomas Jefferson imma compel em’ to include woman in the sequel work!” The sisters fight for the equality of the sexes with hard facts and amazing vocals.

“Helpless” sung by Eliza Hamilton and “Satisfied” sung by Angelica Schuyler show the thoughts of both sisters when they first meet Hamilton. Eliza falls for him and so did Angelica. Angelica knew that Eliza would never find someone like him so she introduced them to each other. Eliza and Hamilton dance into a fast forward during the song and end up at Angelica giving vows at their wedding. The transition to “Satisfied” is where the ensemble repeat their ballroom dance backwards while simultaneously moving props to their previous spots. Angelica sings in despair of how she’s failing at her duty to get married first because she is the oldest. Eliza sings contently knowing that she will soon become Hamilton’s wife. The contrast of the two songs made me want to listen even more.

“You’ll be back” is sung by King George. This song all with “What Comes Next” and “I Know Him” are King George reacting to America becoming independent in three stages. The songs are humorous and ironic because he questions why the Americans want freedom from England. The King sings, “I will send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love” while singing stone-faced and dancing with stiff shoulder moves and heel clicks.

“Ten Duel Commandments” tell the ten most important things to know about a duel. The songs starts off with counting to ten with a crescendo and ominous harmony in minor. The ensemble lines themselves up to show the distance between the two adversaries, first George Eacker and Philip Hamilton, then Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. During Alexander’s duel the dancers act out the bullet that comes to kill him. Hamilton sings reprises of every song deciding that killing his mentor wasn’t necessary and aiming his gun the sky before being fatally shot like his son.

The musical was thought provoking and entertaining. If I had the chance to I would definitely watch it again. Not only did the dancing and singing blow me away, but how the cast can be ethnic while telling the tale of a country who, at the time, was predominately white. The inclusiveness supports the overall theme of writing your own story despite the exclusiveness around you.