At the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, A new production of Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton broadens the boundaries of an already revolutionary musical.
By John Lavitt
Costa Mesa, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/02/2022 – Since the show’s premiere off-Broadway at the beginning of 2015, Hamilton has been the most acclaimed musical in the United States and the hottest ticket. Indeed, on opening night, the theatre was packed, and the audience was bubbling with excitement. Originally conceived by Lin Manuel Miranda as a hip-hop album, the musical opened the door for non-white actors to take on the roles of the founding fathers of the United States of America.
From Alexander Hamilton and George Washington to Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, all the main characters were played by Latino and African American actors in the original production. In the exciting production of Hamilton at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, almost all the prominent roles are taken on by African American actors. Moreover, the theme of slavery is emphasized even more in what could be seen as a tribute to Black Lives Matter (BLM). Indeed, the only white actor of any note in the show is Rick Negron, who plays King George III as a thoroughly dislikable and somewhat bumbling tyrant.
Directed by Thomas Kail with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, the show’s performance is seamless, with excellent performances from the entire company. Hence, one of the show’s most exemplary aspects is the story’s rapid-fire pacing, with one song leading right into the next. With minimal dialogue, Lin Manuel Miranda expresses as much of the story as possible with the music. In charge of music supervision and orchestrations, Alex Lacamoire keeps the talented orchestra on perfect point throughout the show.
From an acting perspective, the two highlights of the show are DeAundre’ Woods as Alexander Hamilton and Darnell Abraham as George Washington. As Hamilton, DeAundre’ Woods balances charm and intelligence with cunning and an undeniable ambition. Consequently, the journey of Alexander Hamilton became the challenging and dangerous road that every self-made man must take. Since you like him so much, you genuinely want Hamilton to succeed. At the same time, a certain tragic foreboding is found in almost his every move from the beginning. Even without knowing the well-tread history, there is a sense that the Gods of Fate will trip him up and punish his hubris sooner or later.
As George Washington, Darnell Abraham provides the firmest footing for the history of the storyline. His representation of the victorious general of the American Revolution and the first President of the United States feels right on target. When Washington is on stage, quiet confidence exudes from this man, making it seem like everything will work itself out. Abraham captures the dignity and integrity of a charismatic and practical statesman.
Overall, Hamilton at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a rousing success. The bubbling audience at the beginning was also a bubbling audience at the end. Indeed, a show that can live up to such expectations should not be missed. Beyond being revolutionary and truly woke, Hamilton also proved to be an extraordinary theatrical experience.
(Photos: Joan Marcus and Instagram)
