CHICAGO — There has never been a show with more pre-show hype than “Hamilton: An American Musical.”
Wednesday night, Hamilton officially opened in Chicago.
The 11-time Tony award winning adaptation of the serious biography about one of the founding fathers has been transformed into a mind-blowing hip-hop/R&B explosion.
Hamilton is able to tell the stories of some of the most famous names in American history all while dazzling you with incredible songs and meticulous choreography. The story is sure to leave you breathless, but also laughing and wiping away a tear.
Unlike a lot of shows that are hits on Broadway that come to Chicago, “Hamilton” is every bit as top notch. Nothing has been spared in sets and production value, especially with its award winning cast.
Miguel Cervantes stepped into the lead role as Alexander Hamilton, giving an intense, touching and multi-talented performance with an rapid fire delivery.
Hamilton was surrounded by famous Americans such as George Washington, Aaron Burr, Thomas Jefferson, King George III, James Madison and The Schuyler Sisters. All who were played amazingly by Johathan Kirkland, Joshua Henry, Chris De’Sean Lee, Alexander Gemignani, Wallace Smith, Tony award winner Karen Olivo, Ari Afsar and Samantha Marie Ware.
A stand out in the cast and its only Chicagoan, Jose Ramos, brilliantly plays John Laurens and Phillip Hamilton, a supporting role for the Chicago Academy of Arts Alum. He delivers a performance that you can’t stop watching on stage.
Its easy to see how this show has revolutionized musical theater, clocking in at three-hours with intermission, its energy and total creativity may be the best I’ve ever seen.
The story and its subjects are from over 250-years ago, but the show is able to relate to today’s political and social climate, especially with its diverse and powerful cast that truly represents the fabric of what the founding fathers intended for America.
“Hamilton” is a Deans List A+.
