Theater Review: 'Hamilton' Tour at The Bushnell

Hartford - The celebrated Broadway musical “Hamilton” has returned to The Bushnell in Hartford and I was finally in “The Room Where It Happens.”

The wildly-popular musical features book, music and lyrics by the profoundly talented Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was inspired by Ron Chernow’s book Alexander Hamilton. Miranda earned his B.A. from Wesleyan University in 2002 and lives in New York with his family. The meteoric rise of the show began in Feb. 2015 at the Public Theater in New York City.

Thomas Kail directed the “Phillip” touring production, with stunning choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and music supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. The hands of Emmanuel Schvartzman can be seen leading the singers from the pit in his position as music director. Lacamoire and Miranda are credited with the musical arrangements.

This is the story of America then, told by America now, featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, “Hamilton” has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater - a musical that truly has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.

At the press performance that I attended, the beautifully inclusive cast was just as Miranda envisioned his production to appear. In hindsight I almost wished that I had not watched the filmed version of the original cast. I enjoyed the recording immensely, especially seeing how the pieces of the score with which I was so familiar come together. I think I would have appreciated watching all of the moving parts work together if I had viewed them live onstage for the first time. However, just like the experience of seeing a favorite musical more than once, rest assured that this show still has the ability to “Blow Us All Away.”

I loved the candles in the background for “Helpless” and the overall staging of “Wait for It.” The battle of “Yorktown” is a masterpiece of musical theater to my mind.

Pierre Jean Gonzalez, New York born and raised, dons the green waistcoat to portray the title character. As do most of the lead actors in the cast, he tries to make the role his own.

Stephanie Jae Park, who appeared on Broadway in the original cast of “Warpaint” and “The King and I,” is luminous in the role of the “best of wives, best of women” Eliza (Schuyler) Hamilton. Her performance of “Burn” is a highlight.

Jared Dixon, who formerly toured with “The Lion King” and “The Color Purple,” gives a strong performance in the role of the villainous Aaron Burr.

Ta ‘Rea Campbell, who appeared as Nala on Broadway in “The Lion King” and was Deloris in the national tour of “Sister Act,” has a strong voice as Angelica Schuyler and Neil Haskell, who appeared in the original cast of “Hamilton” on Broadway, delightfully brings out the comedy in the role of King George. However, there are other, often unexpected, bits of comedy for those who are listening closely.

Marcus Choi in the important role of George Washington grew on me as his performance unfolded and ended very strongly. Choi was part of the original Broadway cast of the “Flower Drum Song” revival and “Wicked.”

The actors who portray at least two supporting characters all do well with the demands of their roles. Warren Egypt Franklin gets to portray his dream role of “Laf/Jeff,” both Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson (the jazz number “What’d I Miss.”) Conroe Brooks looms large as Hercules Mulligan and then James Madison in the second act.

Paige Smallwood, Eponine in the national tour of “Les Miserables,” is a delightful Peggy Schuler and a sultry Maria Reynolds. Native Californian Elijah Malcomb takes on the roles of John Laurens and Hamilton’s son Philip.

Nick Sanchez steps out of the ensemble to portray patriarch Philip Schuylar, Maria’s husband James Reynolds and a doctor. Ensemble member Devin Tyler Hatch sings the role of Samuel Seabury and ensemble member Christopher Rice-Thompson plays Charles Lee. Trevor Miles steps up to play George Eacker in his national tour debut.

The other members of the hard-working and multi-talented ensemble include Allie Jordan Butcher in her national tour debut, Jonathan Christopher, DeMarius R. Copes, Nicole deRoux as “the bullet,” Cyndal Gilmore, Vanessa Magula, and Quiantae Thomas.

The ten members of the orchestra cover the iconic score well, with Schvartzman as conductor and keyboard 1 and Associate Music Director Kat Sherrell on keyboard 2. Austin Burket is concertmaster and violin 1 and there are credited Ableton and synthesizer and drum programmers, for those who understand music production far better than I do, especially my companion.

The scenic design by David Korins (“Dear Evan Hansen”) has two levels that are used throughout the two acts and a rotating portion of the stage that is used judiciously to enhance some key scenes. The members of the ensemble are often so critical to the action that I began to think of them as an extension of the scenic design. The costumes that were designed by Paul Tazewell are more than the off-white uniforms that are associated with the show and also become integral to the look of the stage. Wig and hair design by Charles G. LaPointe

The sound design by Nevin Steinberg was uneven, with elements of the orchestra and even some voices at times too “Quiet Uptown.” On the other hand, the lighting design by Howell Binkley is simply stellar on all counts and made the battle scenes come to life.

“Hamilton” caps The Bushnell’s 2021/2022 season and runs through July 10. Be forewarned that it contains a bit of foul language and that it runs 2 hours 45 minutes, with one intermission.

Tickets still available - best availability 6/28-7/10: bushnell.org/Hamilton Tickets range in price from $59 - $249 .IMPORTANT: Masks are required for all while in the building unless actively eating or drinking for the run of “Hamilton.”

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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