This post is brought to you in partnership with Broadway in Portland. I received complimentary tickets to facilitate my post. Opinions are my own.
By now, you (like me) know the story and the songs by heart. But as incredible as the soundtrack is on its own or as fun as it is to get to watch the original cast perform on Disney+, there is absolutely NOTHING like seeing this absolutely REVOLUTIONARY show live. Nothing.
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d be able to see this show once. And yet, somehow I’ve managed to snag a seat in the room where it happens three times. Better yet? Last night, I got to not only share this experience with my son – but use it as his introduction to theater. (HAMILTON as your first Broadway show?! He’s pretty lucky to be alive right now. 😉)
And he was hooked. Drawn in. Blown away. And the world needs that. Oh how the world needs more theater kids! And as a parent, I am always so grateful to the incredible casts that proudly put their courage, vulnerability, and passion on display as they perform. You are more than actors. You are role models. And as I type this through teary eyes, I thank you. You are doing so much more than “doing your job” (phenomenally well by the way.) You are literally changing the world.
And this ensemble? WOW. Every single member of this company was incredible – performing with authenticity, passion, and joy. Every song – every scene of HAMILTON is good (I mean, It’s HAMILTON, what do you expect?!) but those moments when the ENTIRE ensemble joined together? Magic. Pure theater magic. Chills. Tears. Questioning how you ever got so lucky to be witnessing something so special.
I could list every actor in a principal role by name (and honestly, they each deserve that), but a few stand out. Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama portrayed Eliza with not only an effortless grace, but with such strength. Kendyl’s connection to not only Eliza, but with the audience was powerful. Kendyl reminded us that Eliza’s story wasn’t just one of loss – but of resilience.
Scene stealers? Yep. This cast has those. As with every time I’ve seen Hamilton, King George always claims the audience’s heart, and it was no different this time. Paul Louis Lessard wore the crown so very well. You are joy. Another actor that never failed to make me smile every time they were on stage was Simon Longnight (Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson). When you are having fun and delighting in your work, it shows – and people know. And Simon? He loves what he does. How do I know that? It shows.
And here’s a sentence I never thought I’d say – “DANG, George Washington can sing!” (But seriously, I would listen to Kameron Richardson sing the phone book.)
It’s impossible to talk about HAMILTON without mentioning the men who play that infamous duo – Burr and Hamilton. Deon’te Goodman as Aaron Burr and Blaine Alden Krauss as Alexander Hamilton were not only perfectly cast and immensely talented, but were able to humanize these historical figures. And that matters. You watch these men perform – their hearts on full display, and you realize, Hamilton and Burr were yes, incredibly important figures in the founding of our nation – but they were human too. Thank you for so masterfully bringing both their flaws and passions to life. We knew their names, but you invited us into their story in a new way, and caused us to see them as people -not just names in an outdated (and likely slanted) book.
The absolutely incomparable (and likely largest creative genius of our time) Lin-Manuel Miranda’s book, lyrics, and music has literally changed not only theater – but culture. HAMILTON has had a profound impact not only on culture, but on politics, and education as well. This is not just a play. Not just a moment – but a movement. I dare you to leave the theater unchanged. When you walk out of the theater, it’s with more than a better understanding of American history or the lyrics to “You’ll Be Back” running through your head. You leave with a mindset-shift. With inspiration to lean into your passion. With the call to be present and “look around – look around.” HAMILTON leaves you curious, invites you to ask questions (even the tough ones) and inspires you to take a stand for the causes you believe in.
You may sit down in the theater expecting a show that helps deepen your understanding of history. (And it does. Hands-down.) But, what you may not expect is the way Hamilton deepens your understanding of humanity. Yes, this is a story about historical events, but at its heart? I think this is a story about empathy.
The world is wide enough for people with different ideas. Wide enough for people who disagree with you. And HAMILTON allows us the opportunity to feel for and empathize with these men with fundamentally different ideas. In one show, we ache for and understand men that would even today, be on opposite sides of the political landscape. (Do we do that with people in real life?) We walk away perhaps still in disagreement, but with understanding. Like I said, HAMILTON will stick around, because it truly isn’t a moment, but a movement. (And I think it is and will continue to change not only culture and education – but hopefully how we think about humanity.)
Hamilton will be in Portland at the Keller Auditorium through March 23rd, however remaining tickets are understandably limited. (Lots of people want to be in the room where it happens!) Any remaining tickets can be found HERE. (But seriously – go if you can. Don’t throw away your shot. 😊 )
In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, it has won Grammy®, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. (There is a reason this show continues to be wildly popular. Put it on your bucket-list and go – whenever you are able.)
Didn’t get tickets to Hamilton this time? There are still some INCREDIBLE shows headed to Portland for the ’24/’25 Broadway season!! (There are SO many phenomenal shows this season. I cannot wait!!) The remainder of the ’24/’25 season brings extraordinary entertainment with a collection of highly anticipated touring productions direct from Broadway in addition to some returning crowd-pleasing favorites. (You are NOT going to want to miss out!)
The next play headed to the Keller Auditorium will be Life of Pi (Winner of three Tony Awards®!!) If you’re excited for this incredible theatrical event, you can find out more by clicking HERE.
