Theater, politics and history
FROM left: Phillipa Soo, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leanne Cope (of “An American in Paris”) and the author
NEW YORK—I consider myself one of the incredibly fortunate ones to get to see what is probably the hottest show currently running on Broadway: “Hamilton,” created by Lin-Manuel Miranda based on the biography, “Alexander Hamilton,” by Ron Chernow. To say the name Hamilton would mean far more to Americans than to anyone else, so to simplify things, he’s the guy on the $10 bill.
He’s one of America’s founding fathers, the very first secretary of the treasury, founded the New York Post, established the first Bank of North America and the US Mint, and wrote 51 of the 85 essays that make up the Federalist Papers that defended the US Constitution.
And now, there’s a Broadway musical that bears his name based on his short but storied life, beginning with his arrival as an immigrant from the Caribbean to his death at the hand of Vice President Aaron Burr.
The show, whose music is rooted in hip-hop and pop, is sung-through (think “Miss Saigon” and “Les Misérables”), with majority of the dialogue either rapped or sung.
The staging is simple with pieces of furniture, streetlights and props brought in and out to help set time and place. Much of the burden is placed on the actors and their natural, inherent swagger. Thomas Kail’s (“In the Heights”) staging is simple and clear, and choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (“In the Heights,” the upcoming “Cats” revival) isn’t just about dance, but pushing the story forward.
Lin-Manuel’s lyrics and melodies are radio-friendly, but if you listen closely, all his musical theater influences clearly had a role in how he constructed this piece.
The storytelling is easy to follow (and we never have to ask whose story this is); facts and figures folded in seamlessly, not once ever feeling like a boring history lesson; and there are moments of emotional devastation (I sat in the dark weeping unabashedly my makeup off).
All the actors in this show are fantastic. Of course Lin-Manuel as Alexander Hamilton is a master of the rhyme (watch him on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon and you’ll see what I mean), but he also has the ability to break your heart. Aaron Burr, Leslie Odom Jr. is a bona fide musical theater star.
The Schuyler Sisters played by Renee Elise Goldsberry (Angelica), Phillipa Soo (Eliza) and Jasmine Cephas-Jones (Peggy… she also plays Maria Reynolds) are sassy, smart and beautiful, as well as amazing singers and actors.
Andrew Chappelle was pinch-hitting for Daveed Diggs as the Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, and I was told it was his debut in those roles. Allow me to say that for his first go in those roles, he did splendidly.
Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison possesses rap-star swagger without once sacrificing clarity. Anthony Ramos as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton is passionate one moment, and can make you cry the next.
But the award for best scene-stealer of the night belongs to Jonathan Groff as King George. With each entrance and iteration of the song he sings, he sends the audience into uproarious laughter. Strong of voice and fresh of face, and with that British accent, one can’t help but cry from laughing so hard, despite the short time we get to see him.
In “Hamilton,” there are stories of heroism and of scandal, of great deeds and falls from grace. History is brought to life right before your eyes via an accessible and immediate art form.
And one takeaway I had is this: Politics in the 1700s wasn’t all that different from politics today.
Consider these: deals made behind closed doors, threats to reveal the tawdriest of secrets, jockeying for positions of influence, the destruction of personal lives, and finding that perfect “first lady” in a wife, as well as vying for that oft-desired sponsorship that could make or break a career. Might this sound a bit too close for comfort?
A final note
Politics is everywhere, what with many presidential aspirants making the headlines and staking claims. Some are using hate speech and vitriol; others are sticking to the issues facing the nation. This election year is going to be a very interesting one—and I will personally be watching and waiting.
If you’ve registered to vote (I did my duty in New York, registering as an overseas Filipino voter), then you must exercise your right to vote. Learn about each candidate and carefully weigh his or her stand on issues important to you. Vote according to your conscience and your values.
Good luck to us all!
