Review by Anthony Chase
It’s not news to anyone that Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton,” now back at Shea’s for a return two-week stay, is by far the most popular Broadway musical of recent years. Among its many virtues, the show boasts a series of highlight moments that are both emotionally powerful and memorable. Among there are the famed opening number, which begins with Aaron Burr’s introduction to the life of Alexander Hamilton, the ten-dollar founding father, and ignites with the stirring entrance of the man himself. This always inspires applause.
The touring production now at Shea’s, dubbed “The Angelica Tour,” maintains the quality of the original Broadway cast while populating the world of Hamilton with different actors who bring subtlety different nuance and physicality to certain familiar moments. Some muddy sound amplification rendered lyrics indistinct, but minimally diminished from the overall experience.
In his portrayal of Alexander Hamilton, Tyler Fauntleroy’s creates a man who is both undeterrable and vulnerable, while capturing the complexity of Hamilton's ambition and struggles. His singing is strong and he certainly claims some of the evening’s most rousing moments as his own. Consider the revolutionary aspirations expressed in “My Shot,” a phrase that has entered the popular vernacular.
Other performers also rise to the occasion, however, and at Shea’s, some of this cast’s vivid interpretations surprised in delightful ways.
As Aaron Burr, Jimmie “JJ” Jeter confidently delivers the opening number, playing history’s worst vice president with a blend of cunning charm and introspection, while effectively conveying Burr's conflicted nature. He also delivers a memorable moment as he sings another current catchphrase from Hamilton, “The Room Where it Happened.” I did not expect him to surpass these standout numbers, however, with his emotive performance of "The World Was Wide Enough,” but he does. Here, Burr expresses regret as he recognizes that he and Hamilton could have coexisted. Jeter’s interpretation is haunting.
At Shea’s “Eliza’s Confrontation” spoke to me with renewed power as performed by Lauren Mariasoosay. Here, Hamilton’s wife responds to news of her husband’s infidelity by burning their letters. Mariasoosay’s stoic performance reveals the emotional depth of her character while emphasizing the heartbreak and anger that seethes beneath the surface. She is excellent.
Another powerful moment pairs Mariasoosay and Fauntleroy, as they traverse their shared loss of their son, Philip, in "It's Quiet Uptown." A minimalist orchestration underscores the somber mood, while highlighting themes of forgiveness and healing. The moment is navigated beautifully by these two performers.
Justin Matthew Sargent is especially appealing as loathsome but hilarious King George III. This portrayal is characterized by Sargent’s delightfully charismatic presence, as he brings a flash of comedic flamboyance and regal fatuousness to the role. Sargent fully exploits the contrast between his catchy, comical tunes and the more serious themes of the musical to score among the evening's most pleasing highlights.
In the final moments of the show, Mariasoosay impresses again with “Eliza's Legacy, in which the character reclaims her narrative, explaining how she spent the 50 years left to her by dedicating herself to preserving Hamilton's legacy while also forging her own path.
For this production, the moment that unexpectedly moved me most profoundly was delivered by A.D. Weaver, who played George Washington. His performance of the gospel-inspired "One Last Time," in which Washington reflects on stepping down from the presidency, marks a critical turn in the story. Perhaps it's because we are just days away from a highly consequential presidential election and living in a polarized climate, but Washington’s hope of establishing a precedent for the peaceful transfer of power—his firm belief that this is the cornerstone of American democracy—packed a particular wallop. It was also poignant to hear this man, who owned slaves and later called that his greatest regret, plead for future generations to forgive him his many mistakes and to remember his contributions to American progress.Weaver's portrayal projects a commanding presence, embodying both the gravitas of leadership and the personal vulnerabilities of our nation's first president. This contrasts with Marcus Choi's similarly excellent portrayal last time "Hamilton" was in town, which brought an aloof poise and refined athletic stage presence to Washington. Weaver's emotions and vulnerabilities were much more apparent. Both performances enrich the narrative, showcasing the complexities of leadership during a tumultuous time in American history.
The rest of this strong cast also impresses.
Jared Howelton, portraying the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, two historical figures with distinct personalities, captures the frenetic exuberance of the first, and self-possessed political savvy of the latter.
Colby Lewis as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, brings a dynamic energy to Mulligan, projecting his loyalty and bravery, while also portraying Madison with a more reserved yet strategic demeanor.
Nathan Haydel performances as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton are distinguished by youthful idealism in Laurens and poignant tragedy in Philip, highlighting the emotional stakes of their stories.
Lily Soto adeptly contrasts Peggy's Schyler’s innocence with Maria Reynold's scheming manipulativeness, proving her range in portraying two very different women within the same narrative.
Auston Henderson provides a strong supporting presence, effectively differentiating between the authoritative figure of Philip Schuyler and the morally bankrupt James Reynolds.
Alex Larson also highlights his ability to embody contrasting characters; humorously juxtaposing Samuel Seabury’s pompousness Charles Lee’s reckless bravado, adding depth to the ensemble.
This production reaffirms "Hamilton's" status as one of the transformative musicals of our time. This show continues to captivate audiences with its innovative blend of history, hip-hop, and heart. Whether you're seeing it for the first time or revisiting the show, this tour offers a moving and thought-provoking experience.