Hamilton On Tour: Is It Worth The Hype?

The musical Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda has been widely praised by audiences and critics alike, winning several awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The touring production of the show has received mixed reviews, with some people feeling that the energy of the main cast fell flat, while others have praised the talent of the touring cast, saying that it is just as good as the original. The beauty of theatre is that every performance is unique, and the touring cast of Hamilton brings its own magic to the stage.

The cast's energy and talent

The cast of the travelling Hamilton show has received mixed reviews. While some viewers have been disappointed by the energy and performances of the cast, others have praised the talent and interpretations of certain cast members.

One viewer, who had seen the original cast on Disney+ several times, expressed disappointment in the energy of the main cast. They noted that the actor playing Burr was a "complete dud" and distracted from the performance. However, they also acknowledged that it is unfair to compare a travelling cast to the original cast, and that each actor brings their own mannerisms and interpretations to the role.

Other viewers have had more positive experiences, praising the talent and energy of the touring cast. One person who saw the show in New Orleans highlighted the performances of the actors playing Hamilton and Mulligan/Madison, while another viewer raved about the performances of Zoe Jensen, who played Eliza, and the actor playing Aaron Burr.

Some viewers have also noted that the live show offers a different experience from the recorded version, with additional elements that cannot be captured on a screen. The live energy and the opportunity to see the actors' interpretations of the roles in person are mentioned as reasons why the show is worth seeing, even for those who are already familiar with the recorded version.

Overall, while there may be some variability in the cast's energy and talent across different performances and locations, many viewers have still found the travelling Hamilton show enjoyable and worth watching.

The set and costume design

Tazewell's process for designing the costumes involved extensive research. He studied 18th-century paintings by John Trumbull and the work of contemporary fashion designers such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Jean Paul Gaultier. He also considered the show's diverse casting and the powerful and paradoxical subtext of actors of colour inhabiting the costumes of their ancestors' oppressors.

Tazewell's design process began with a simple parchment-toned silhouette of vest, breeches, and boots, which then evolved into the blue coats, red trim, and brass buttons of Washington's Continental Army. One of the most notable and amazing decisions he made was to forgo wigs, a detail that contributed to the modern feel of the show.

The costumes demanded versatility, not just to execute the kinetic movement of choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler but also to allow for lightning-quick changes. Actors move from the boots, breeches, and sleeveless vests to full military dress and, in the case of the women, to ballroom gowns and back to the simple, parchment-toned silhouettes of the beginning.

Tazewell's attention to detail and character interpretation is evident in the final product. For example, Alexander Hamilton's character arc is reflected in his costume choices, starting as a student in a distressed suede coat and ending in the somber, dark hues of tragedy. Similarly, the Schuyler sisters' gowns accurately reflect the 18th-century silhouette known as robe a l'anglaise, with stiff bodices, pointed waistlines, low necklines, 3/4 length sleeves, and wide pleated skirts. The colours chosen for each sister reflect their personalities, with Eliza in sympathetic ice-blue and Angelica in solar hues.

Overall, Tazewell's contribution to Hamilton was a complete success. He interprets each character in accordance with the director's vision, adds a modern touch, and respects the overall 18th-century silhouette while telling a story through the years it encompasses.

The show's musical numbers

The musical numbers in Hamilton are as follows:

• "Alexander Hamilton"
• “Aaron Burr, Sir”
• "My Shot"
• "The Story of Tonight"
• "The Schuyler Sisters"
• "Farmer Refuted"
• "You'll Be Back"
• "Right Hand Man"
• "A Winter's Ball"
• "Helpless"
• "Satisfied"
• "The Story of Tonight (Reprise)"
• "Wait For It"
• "Stay Alive"
• "Ten Duel Commandments"
• "Meet Me Inside"
• "That Would Be Enough"
• "Guns and Ships"
• "History Has Its Eyes on You"
• "Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)"
• "What Comes Next?"
• "Dear Theodosia"
• "Tomorrow There'll Be More of Us (The Laurens Interlude)"
• "Non-Stop"
• "What'd I Miss"
• "Cabinet Battle #1"
• "Take a Break"
• "Say No To This"
• "The Room Where It Happens"
• "Schuyler Defeated"
• "Cabinet Battle #2"
• "Washington on Your Side"
• "One Last Time"
• "I Know Him"
• "The Adams Administration"
• "We Know"
• "Hurricane"
• "The Reynolds Pamphlet"
• "Blow Us All Away"
• "Stay Alive (Reprise)"
• "It's Quiet Uptown"
• "The Election of 1800"
• "Your Obedient Servant"
• "Best of Wives and Best of Women"
• "The World Was Wide Enough"
• "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story"

The show features a 47th musical number which is not included on the album. “Tomorrow There’ll Be More of Us” is a brief musical interlude just before “Non-Stop,” when Hamilton learns of John Laurens's death in battle after the war had already ended. The number 47 is significant, as it’s the age at which Hamilton died.

The show's value for money

Hamilton is a musical that has taken the world by storm, with its unique blend of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway music. It tells the story of America's founding father, Alexander Hamilton, and has received widespread critical acclaim, winning multiple Tony, Grammy and Olivier Awards, as well as a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. With such a stellar reputation, it's no surprise that people are willing to pay good money to see this show. But is it worth the price tag?

Ticket Prices

Hamilton tickets can vary in price depending on the venue and seat location. For example, one person on Reddit mentioned that they spent a significant amount on tickets and had to fly across the country to see the show. On the other hand, another person was able to get decent seats for $60 each, which they considered a bargain. It's important to note that Hamilton tickets are in high demand, and even discounted tickets can be hard to come by. So, if you're looking for a bargain, you may need to be flexible with your dates and seat preferences.

The Live Experience

While some people may be hesitant to spend a lot of money on theatre tickets, it's worth considering the value of the live experience. Several people have commented that seeing Hamilton live is a completely different and magical experience compared to watching recordings or listening to the soundtrack. The energy and talent of the cast, as well as the intricate staging, are best appreciated in person. Even if you're familiar with the original Broadway cast, seeing a touring production can offer a fresh perspective and allow you to appreciate the unique interpretations of the actors.

Cast and Performance Quality

It's important to manage your expectations when it comes to the cast and performance quality of a travelling production. While the standard of talent is generally considered high, it's unlikely to be exactly the same as the original Broadway cast. Some people have reported being disappointed by the energy or interpretation of certain cast members, while others have been pleasantly surprised by the talent and fresh takes on the characters. Remember, even within the original cast, there were different interpretations and variations in performance, so it's all a matter of personal preference.

Overall Impressions

Overall, most people agree that seeing Hamilton live is a fantastic experience and well worth the money. The production values, talent of the cast and crew, and the unique rendering of history make for a memorable and enjoyable evening. While there may be variations in performance quality from night to night or between different touring casts, the majority of audience members come away feeling that they have witnessed something special.

So, if you're considering splurging on Hamilton tickets, rest assured that it's likely to be money well spent. The live experience, talented cast and crew, and the overall production values make for a truly exceptional theatre event.

The show's historical accuracy

The musical Hamilton has been praised for its historical accuracy, but historians have also criticised Lin-Manuel Miranda for taking some liberties with the facts. Miranda has defended himself, saying that he "felt an enormous responsibility to be as historically accurate as possible, while still telling the most dramatic story possible".

There are several aspects of the musical that are accurate. For example, Alexander Hamilton was born out of wedlock in the West Indies, and he did meet Aaron Burr, John Laurens, Marquis de Lafayette and Hercules Mulligan, although not all at the same time or place as depicted in the musical. Hamilton did have an affair with Maria Reynolds, and Eliza Schuyler did devote her life to maintaining her late husband's legacy.

However, there are also several inaccuracies in the musical. Firstly, Hamilton is portrayed as an outspoken abolitionist and egalitarian, when in reality, he did not outwardly express these views for fear of a divided country, and it is likely that he and his family owned slaves. The musical also depicts the Schuyler sisters as progressive and feminist, when in fact there is no evidence to support this. In reality, they were the daughters of a prominent general and senator, and had several brothers. Angelica Schuyler, who is shown having a love affair with Hamilton before he marries her sister Eliza, was not even in the country at the time of their wedding, having eloped with British politician and businessman John Baker Church.

Another criticism of the musical is that it glorifies America's Founding Fathers, and that it is part of the recent "Founders Chic" trend, which is seen as a response to modern political turbulence. In this context, Hamilton has been criticised for presenting a whitewashed version of history, with an almost entirely white script and an absence of the voices of people of colour.

Despite these criticisms, the musical has been praised for its diverse casting, with black and Latino actors playing America's founders. This has been seen as an important step towards inclusivity in Broadway theatre, and as giving people of colour a sense of ownership over American history.

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