Hamilton at the Birmingham Hippodrome

This cast certainly does not throw away their shot! High-paced and full of energy from start to finish, which is a testament to the talent of the cast.

*POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD*

My Review:

Every iteration of Hamilton is sure to be outstanding, with its phenomenal score by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alex Lacamoire and dynamic choreography by Thomas Kail and Andy Blankenbuehler. Furthermore, the set is as timeless as the show, which is a credit to David Korins whose brilliant set design is able to alter and grow as we watch America grow throughout this show. Finally, the costumes will forever be one of my favourite elements of the show as the unique design that is personal to each cast member, especially the ensemble, has been beautifully designed by Paul Tazewell.

The four Founding Fathers were perfectly portrayed by Shaq Taylor (Alexander Hamilton), Deangelo Jones (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton), Billy Nevers (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson) and KM Drew Boateng (Hercules Mulligan/James Madison). Their energy and the way they were able to bounce and act off of each other was wonderful to see and truly added to the already dynamic nature of the show. From the moment we first saw them interact during My Shot, I knew they would be incredible characterisations of their respective roles. For the remainder of the show, and even when they transitioned into their alternate characters, this energy and interaction was maintained further adding to the enjoyability of the show. Sam Oaldeinde (Aaron Burr) was the perfect opposition to Shaq Taylor's Hamilton with their differing energies playing off of each other to further highlight the ever-growing divide between them. Also, his Room Where It Happens was a privilege to listen to and was such an amazing experience. Maya Britto (Eliza Hamilton) stunned me with her performance of Burn, also her acting and vocals during Stay Alive Reprise and It's Quiet Uptown was one of the most heartbreaking and emotionally charged characterisations of Eliza Hamilton that I have seen. Aisha Jawando (Angelica Schuyler) forges a beautiful transition from a softer characterisation to sheer power by the end of Satisfied and it is this juxtaposition of the differing sides of the character which highlights and adds to the power of this transition on the audience. Daniel Boys (King George 3) is enigmatic and a joy to watch with perfectly timed facial expressions adding aeons to the song being performed. This perfect comedic timing is essential for the role of King George 3 and Daniel Boys’ characterisation certainly meets this criteria. However, people singing along next to you does most definitely get annoying as even though the King says "Everybody" this is not an instruction to the audience. Charles Simmons (George Washington) portrays the subtle yet commanding nature of this character beautifully with his One Last Time being a lesson in power and vocal talent which I feel extremely lucky to have been able to witness. Gabriella Bendetii (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds) left me in awe with her Say No To This, especially by the incredible vocals that she was able to produce whilst sitting down. Throughout this whole song she perfectly balanced characterisation and vocals to create a wonderful performance that truly showcased the desperation of this character. The ensemble was comprised of Harry Robinson (Samuel Seabury), Antonie Murray-Straughan (Charles Lee), Kyerron Dixon Bassey (Philip Schuyler/James Reynolds/Doctor), Taylor Bradshaw, Kyeirah D'Marni, Buna McCreery-Njie, Izzy Read, Alice Readie, Phoebe Samuel-Gray, Levi Tyrell Johnson, and Sian Yeo. The entire ensemble showcased phenomenal vocal and dance ability, which adds leaps and bounds to the show with regards to the dynamic and captivating nature of Hamilton.

This show and cast are not one to miss whilst it is on tour as the new life they breathe into this show is a testament to the talent of all of them and you will not be disappointed should you go!

Content Warnings:

The theatre did not have any displayed content warnings that I could see, however, I did make note of moments or effects that I felt should be mentioned, which are as follows:

Gunshots
Discussion of death, especially the monologue during Hurricane
References to suicide, especially during Alexander Hamilton when discussing the cousin
Bright lighting
Loud noises

Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope this review has proved interesting and helpful for you :)

- AnxiousTheatregoer