Now playing at The Hobby Center in Houston is the national tour of the absolute crown jewel of the theater known simply as Hamilton. This artistic cultural phenomenon is non-stop high-energy from beginning to end, showing no signs of slowing down. At almost a decade old, the story of the elusive and blindly ambitious Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton, is no dusty history lesson. This self-described “hip-hop musical” in an intentionally powerful statement regarding the creation of democracy by the hands of immigrants, the essential element woven into the very fabric that is the United States. Based on the 2004 biography Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, Lin-Manuel Miranda described the show he wrote as “America then, as told by America now.”
Tyler Fauntleroy and Company
The Company
With a purposely diverse cast, this show has firmly refurbished the relevance of the performing arts. When the COVID pandemic shut down live theater for the better part of two years, Hamilton was one of the first musicals to return to The Great White Way. The Hamilton Educational Program, EduHam for short, has provided hundreds of thousands of students in the United States with the opportunity to engage in an innovative curriculum. Fusing historical fact with the performing arts, including song, rap, spoken word and dance. I had the pleasure of attending one of these student performances in Chicago prior to the pandemic. But I digress.
Nathan Haydel, Tyler Fauntleroy, Jared Howelton, Elvie Ellis, and Company
Tyler Fauntleroy, Jimmie "JJ" Jeter, and Company
To those not in the know, Hamilton hints on the man’s upbringing in the Caribbean, his time during the Revolutionary War working as right-hand man to then General, and soon to be first President, George Washington, his love story with Eliza Schuyler and eventual death by duel with rival, Aaron Burr. Hamilton helped draft the Constitution, was the first secretary of the treasury department, and was a prolific writer. An immigrant with unapparelled ambition whose efforts forever lay at the foundation of our country.
Lauren Mariasoosay, Marja Harmon, Lily Soto
While the musical explores the time surrounding the American Revolution, this tale has become quite revolutionary itself. Just running down a few of the show’s accolades in chronological order: The show was awarded the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama; at the 70th Annual Tony Awards, Hamilton won 11 trophies (of the record breaking 16 nominations it received) including Best Musical; the GRAMMY-winning cast recording was added to Rolling Stone Magazine‘s 50 Best Albums of 2015; and the creative team received the 2018 Kennedy Center Honors (although the current tour dates there were cancelled in protest of Kennedy Center’s takeover by our floundering father). Even looking at just the financial impact, Hamilton the musical has grossed over $1 billion dollars in total ticket sales, faster than any other musical in the history of Broadway. Absolutely astounding.
Lauren Mariasoosay and Tyler Fauntleroy
As for this touring cast, Tyler Fauntleroy does a proficient turn as the signature character, his characterization much more immersed with the ensemble than previous productions I have attended. As his wife, Eliza, Lauren Mariasoosay is equal parts vulnerable and commanding. Her version of “Burn” is a show standout. Jimmie “JJ” Jeter‘s Aaron Burr is far more charming than story menace in this go-round. Maria Harmon‘s Angelica Schulyer is a delight. Her bold take on “The Schuyler Sisters” and unguarded “Satisfied” were fan favorites. Chicago’s favorite son, A.D. Weaver, brings his beautiful and powerful bass voice to the commanding role of George Washington. I had seen Weaver in almost a dozen shows back in The Windy City and am happy to see his profile continue to rise here is Houston. Washington is definitely a significant feather in his ever-expanding cap. His Act II “One Last Time” is worth the price of admission alone.
A.D. Weaver and Company
Ten years in and the creative team’s work continues to deliver. Howell Binkley‘s lighting punctuates every scene, from valiant to intimate. David Korin‘s rotating stage and scenic design holds attentions and propels action. Andy Blankenbuehler‘s choreography blends astute athleticism with cinematic undertones and Thomas Kail‘s direction keeps a foot firmly on the accelerator for a nearly three-hour unmissable journey. Now let’s also talk about the clothes. That is Paul Tazewell‘s costume design, the same Paul Tazewell who just recently became the first Black man to win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for his work on another famous musical, the movie adaptation Wicked.
Tyler Fauntleroy and Company
Elvie Ellis, Nathan Haydel, Jared Howelton, Tyler Fauntleroy
When it comes to musicals, it is tough to find one with more sizzle than Hamilton. This show is a multi-generational, global hit that keeps on serving. The national tour is top notch. If you have seen it before, please attend again. If you have never seen it, this production is, simply put, dynamite. “You’ll be back,” indeed.
Justin Matthew Sargent as King George III
photos by Joan Marcus
Hamilton
national tour
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Houston, through March 23, 2025
tour continues; visit Hamilton for cities and dates
