Stream: Hamilton
It is rumoured that Disney paid 75 million dollars for the rights to the film of the sensational musical by Lin Manuel Miranda which has taken the theatre world by storm. Judging by the press and internet coverage and take-up of the Disney Plus channel it was worth it. Better than paying 650$ for a stalls seat or even 400$ for the Gods! Cameron Mackintosh even refurbished the Victoria Palace Theatre for its London premier. Does it deserve such acclaim? I think so.
Miranda has created a new form of musical language around a subject which, to be honest, is not of much interest to anyone outside America. Having studied the classics, I admit it did not immediately grab my attention. However, this show is not simply a look at history but more about the human stories behind the conflicts of the founding fathers.
This is more than just a hip-hop musical with a brilliant cast, but the creation of a new musical art form. Sung throughout it demands performers who can deliver lines at breakneck speed and who can tackle the complex harmonies and rhythms whilst coping with the tricky choreography.
The staging and choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler never stop. I particularly liked the ensemble dancer Ariane De Bose who plays the Bullet. Her specific choreography signifies death, as she moves subtly close to those who are about to die, handing Burr his quill when he challenges Hamilton to the fatal duel. There are also clues to Miranda’s homage to past musicals, employing lines such as ‘you have to be carefully taught’ from South Pacific, especially as the show is filmed in the Richard Rogers theatre.
The casting is perfect. Phillipa Soo sings sweetly as Eliza Hamilton and has the task of closing the show with an agonised howl of grief. Yes, it’s not all fun folks! Of course, Miranda, who wrote and composed the show, anchors it perfectly. Jonathon Groff steals the show with his comic appearance and catchy song as King George. Apparently, he has a cult following! Christopher Jackson as Washington has a sympathetic and gorgeous voice, as does Leslie Odom Junior. For me, the outstanding number of the night was delivered by Rene Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler.
This show made superstars of the original cast, including the ensemble, something new for Broadway. It is a nonstop performance, clever, witty, and quite unlike anything else. You really must concentrate, or you miss something. Not a show to just let roll over you as you slumber in the stalls. It certainly shook the boards of the old school. I enjoyed, admired it, loved the artists, loved the rotating set, enjoyed the harmonies and the clever integration of orchestrations and technology, loved the choreography, BUT did it reach my heart? Not this time! Perhaps the real thing might work.
Available to stream on Disney Plus.
