Review: Broadway Across Canada's HAMILTON at the National Arts Centre

OTTAWA

Hamilton, the show by Lin-Manuel Miranda that took the musical theatre world by storm when it debuted in 2015, is a retelling of the events leading up to and after the American Revolution and the ideological foundations of what is now the United States. The show features a cast of predominately Black and Brown actors and incorporates a never previously seen fusion of hip hop, R&B, jazz, pop, and traditional Broadway showtunes that has paved the way for a new generation of musicals. You may wonder if the hype surrounding Hamilton is warranted; I assure you that it is.

L-R: 1. (l-r) Lauren Mariasoosay, Marja Harmon, Lily Soto. 2. (l-r) Nathan Haydel, Tyler Fauntleroy, Jared Howelton, Elvie Ellis, and Company. 3. (l-r) Tyler Fauntleroy and Jimmie J.J. Jeter. 4. Justin Matthew Sargent. All photos of the HAMILTON National Tour (c) Joan Marcus 2024.

Coming to our nation’s capital a time where Canadian audiences may find themselves at odds supporting a show from and about the United States, it might help to recognize some similarities between Alexander Hamilton’s world and our current geopolitical environment. The American Revolution was sparked by the British Crown taxing its colonies heavily to raise revenue to offset the cost of their defense and assert more control over them, while its own lavish spending went unchecked. Does this sound eerily familiar? Separation from England conjured up ideals of liberty, self-government, political and social equality (including the abolition of slavery). Alexander Hamilton and his contemporaries were willing to die for their cause and, eventually, other nations also took up arms against Britian with the hopes of making the world a better place.

Hamilton's Angelica tour has an outstanding cast and ensemble. Performances are strong and actors include subtleties that make this show stand out from others. Tyler Fauntleroy shines as Alexander Hamilton; not only does he have the perfect look, charm, and vocal ability to take on the title character, he also has superb acting skills. Fauntleroy’s chemistry with both Lauren Mariasoosay’s loyal and gentle Eliza and Lily Soto’s sultry Maria Reynolds is undeniable. Jimmie “JJ” Jeter plays a simultaneously sympathetic and unsympathetic Aaron Burr, his dedication to the character is especially palpable during the powerful, emotionally charged “Wait For It”. A.D. Weaver is a stalwart George Washington, contrasting nicely with Paul Louis Lessard’s King George III, whose comedic timing makes an already hilarious role even more so. Nathan Haydel played Philip Hamilton with an extra dose of youthfulness that I haven’t seen in other productions, allowing them to emphasize Philip’s naïveté and impulsiveness. Marja Harmon has lots of experience playing Angelica, her talent most evident during “Satisfied”, one of the show’s most brilliantly staged numbers that portrays her character’s internal conflict and unlimited love for her sister.

Read my full review here.

See the trailer below:

Promo video courtesy of Broadway Across Canada.