After 10 long years, I finally got to see “Hamilton” live and in person — and yes, it really is that good.
Onstage at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre Dec. 2-14, “Hamilton” is a hip hop musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, based on the book, “Alexander Hamilton,” by Ron Chernow. The musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers, and his roles in the American Revolution, early American politics and the creation of the foundation of the country’s central banking system.
The 12-time Tony Award-winning musical has been running on Broadway since Aug. 6, 2015, with several national tours, an international tour, a West End debut and a Disney+ special. I remember when the show debuted, I was still in high school and quickly became obsessed. I finally got to see the show in person last night, braving the cold with my best friend for a few hours to go back in time.
A big highlight of last night’s production was just how many Hoosiers were onstage in leading roles. A.D Weaver (George Washington) hails from Gary, Indiana, while Marja Harmon (Angelica Schuyler) is from Columbus, and Michael Natt, a standby who went on for the role of Alexander Hamilton Dec. 3, is from Terre Haute.
Hamilton is the star of the show and had the audience in the palm of his hand the moment he stepped onstage. Natt’s Hamilton doesn’t necessarily lean into the idea of the manic genius whose “writing like he’s running out of time.” Instead, it’s a more controlled chaos; a well-played understanding of his pen’s power and political influence. It’s charming and a tad bit petty, and he’s rough around the edges but still so incredibly alluring. It’s a refreshing take on the character so beloved for the last decade.
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Also, it’s rare I get to see a show with an understudy or standby in the lead, so this was a lovely little treat.
However, I was more excited to see Jimmy Jeter in the role of Aaron Burr. Narrator and self-proclaimed “villain” in the story, Burr is Hamilton’s lifelong friend and political rival, and Jeter played up this character’s jealousy and quiet rage in such a petty and palpable way that I’d argue this show becomes about him and his losses.
Burr’s starring numbers include “Wait for It” in Act I and “The Room Where It Happened” in Act II. It’s in these two numbers where the carefully constructed facade of politician nonpartisanship is brought down just enough to reveal deeply simmering envy and desire for the type of motivation and effortless charisma and decision-making Hamilton has. However, we also see the crippling fear of failure being the single motivator for a lack of action.
Or at least till the end of the show, where that Hamilton-esque impulsive choice-making costs him his friend’s life. (It’s not a spoiler if he’s been dead since 1804).
What may or may not be appreciated enough is the actors who give us not one, but two (or more) characters throughout the show, including John Laurens/Phillip Hamilton (Nathan Haydel), Hercules Mulligan/James, Madison (Kai Thomani Tshikosi) and the Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson (Christian Magby). They make for an incredibly magnetic trio of characters in Act I and an even more passionate group in Act II.
“Hamilton’s” ensemble is hands-down the best I’ve ever seen in a show. It’s not even close. The level of dedication to their characters is one thing, but the amount of costume changes they’re doing on top of all the dynamic choreography, vocals, and set and props work is endlessly impressive.
In a similar fashion to “Les Misérables,” featuring back-to-back songs with virtually no spoken dialogue, “Hamilton” is the same, except it’s rap and hip hop. The story flows seamlessly from scene to scene, as the music ebbs and flows, carried by a strong beat, swift melody and the most fire verses ever spit by a Founding Father.
There is quite a bit of irony embedded in “Hamilton’s” many facets as a production, including the fact that “Les Misérables” — the musical about the French Revolution and the guy who stole a loaf of bread — was just here at Clowes Memorial Hall a few weeks ago, and now here’s the show about the American Revolution and the guy who laid the foundation for America’s banks. And on the precipice of an election year for Indiana.
I don’t have the word count to delve into what that should mean for audiences, considering live theatre is both an escape from reality and a safe space to call out and call in our community, highlighting issues that remain relevant today. Though, “Cabinet Battle #1” and “Cabinet Battle #2” take care of that swiftly.
Ten years later, “Hamilton” is still one of the most sought-after tickets for a Broadway show, and for good reason. The characters and their costume design are dynamic and vibrant, the staging and scenic design are clever, and the choreography is mesmerizing. There are so many sensory elements at play on the stage that if you blink, you’ll miss it.
Not to mention, the music and lyrics will live in your head for days. (“Washington on your Side” is currently stuck in my head).
“Hamilton” is more than a musical biography; it’s a retelling of America’s vital historical moments through the voices of brilliant, diverse cast and all-star orchestra. It’s a bridge between the old and the new, a reminder to keep pushing forward and continue fighting for our rights. As touched on in “Dear Theodosia” and “One Last Time,” it’s our duty to set an example for our children, to make our nation a better place for those who would inherit it from us.
I’d even argue that the show gets better with every performance. It’s been ten years and we’re still seeing the story breathe, adapt and grow — reinterpreted by the actors who step into the roles fresh and find new ways to bring them to life.
So, in the words of The Notorious B.I.G. and Thomas Jefferson, “And if you don’t know, now you know.”
“Hamilton” is onstage at Old National Centre Dec. 2-14. To view a show schedule or purchase tickets, visit indianapolis.broadway.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
