Hamilton • August 1, 2024 • Eccles Theater
Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe
It’s a special feeling having Hamilton back in town. This is the third tour to stop in Salt Lake City at the Eccles Theater. It’s almost hard to believe that we’ve been this fortunate to have this show in our state this many times. And this time the Hamilton is here for a five-week run! I think it’s pretty clear that I don’t need to mention how big this show is. It is THE musical of this generation. It will go down in history as one of the greatest of all time. Lin-Manuel Miranda created a masterpiece that will be unmatched in so many ways.
Before we get into this current touring production, I want to look back on how things were the last time Hamilton was in Utah on the And Peggy Tour. It was December 2021. We weren’t completely freed from the Covid-19 pandemic but we were life was starting to normalize a bit. We were able to attend live events, but masks were still required. Something I forgot until I looked back at a picture I took when I attended Hamilton back then. I remember loving the show (understatement) so much that I had to go a second time. Not only did it feel so good to be out and attending the theater again, but seeing this amazing show was incredible.
I walked into Eccles Theater at about 7:10, ready for the 7:30 curtain. The lobby was packed with people grabbing merch, taking pictures in front of the Hamilton logo backdrop, and grabbing a drink or snack before the show. I enjoyed seeing how excited people were to be there. It’s interesting to eavesdrop on conversations people are having. I could hear people talking about the last time they saw Hamilton. One person bragging about seeing the original cast on Broadway. A worthy brag indeed. Others tried to play down how amazing this show is and that they liked, this or that show more. I can understand having a favorite show or even liking a show better than Hamilton. I’m totally fine with that. But some of these shows were comically so far out of Hamilton’s league. But the banter between friends was entertaining for sure.
I took my seat in the center of Row N. I think this just might be the perfect spot to see this musical. Wow were these seats incredible! The lights dimmed, the voice of King George telling us to put our phones away and that there was to be no photography played and we were off and running. Aaron Burr walks out and the show began.
It took about thirty seconds to fall in love with this cast. What’s funny is before the show started I took a photo of the cast board in the lobby. I figured I’d use it for my review but probably should have looked it over before the show began. It wasn’t until intermission that I realized the two leads of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr were being performed by the understudies, Alex Nicholson and Josh Marin respectively. I think that says a lot about their performances. While I thought it was interesting that the production would have the understudies perform on the night that media would be reviewing the show. But I think that says a lot about the trust they have in these actors and the depth of this cast.
With any successful show the touring casts have a lot to live up to in regards to being compared to the original cast. With a successful cast recording fans of a production will listen and memorize every note and lyric. Then when theater lovers attend the show they hold the touring cast to the standard of what they’ve been listening to. That is definitely the case with Hamilton.
Not only do they have the cast recording to live up to, but the live taping of the production for Disney+. This cast was up to the task. I thoroughly enjoyed every actor in every role. That doesn’t always happen. Of course, the actors portrayed their respective roles differently than the famed original cast, and sometimes I might prefer how I saw the role played in 2021, but I enjoyed the choices that were made and I was ultimately impressed by this cast.
Some standouts for me were Lenicia Kebede as Angelica Schuyler, Simon Longnight as Marquis de Lafayette/ Thomas Jefferson, and Paul Louis Lessard as King George III. Kebede played Angelica Schuyler perfectly. Her poised and balanced performance left a lasting impact on me and how I see this show. I really enjoyed the actor who played Lafayett/ Jefferson, so I went into this production with high expectations. Longnight exceeded what I was hoping to see in the role. I will admit I was not satisfied with the previous performance of King George III. It wasn’t bad by any means. I just wanted more. Lessard was exactly what I wanted to see. So funny! He made the role his own, while still staying connected to what we love about how that character should be portrayed.
It would be easy to go on and on about each and every actor in this production. My eyes raced to take in everything everyone was doing but as I’m sure you can imagine it was impossible. Wherever I looked on the stage something was well crafted to keep my interest. This production is amazingly crafted.
I think my favorite scene was once again, “It’s Quiet Uptown.” There are so many great scenes to choose from. “My Shot”, “You’ll Be Back”, “Non Stop” or “The Room Where It Happens” are huge production numbers and would understandably be favorites. And you wouldn’t be wrong with any of those. But there is so much emotion and power in “It’s Quiet Uptown”. It gets me everytime. I thought Lenicia Kebede, Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama, and Alex Nicholson were exceptional during this scene.
What can be said about Hamilton that hasn’t been said before? It’s the musical of this era and we’re still in the midst of it’s glory. I’ve seen shows that have had long runs and after a while, the show becomes stale or the talent dips. This has most certainly not happened with Hamilton. I have a hard time believing that will ever happen. Hamilton seems set to provide the best of the best talent that musical theatre has to offer. This cast was excellent. From their dancing, to their vocals, to their annunciation, these guys were so good. I could not recommend this show more. If you haven’t seen Hamilton, now is the time!
Hamilton runs at the Eccles Theater until September 1. Tickets are still available during weeks three, four, and five. Click here for ticket information.
We’re seeing it on the 15th. I’m so excited. It’s so nice to hear how excellent you thought it was. Now I’m even more excited about it. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a production like this. I can’t wait!
So excited for you to see it! I hope love it as much as I did.
Is there a different cast for the 1pm show then the 7pm? I recognize none of these people and just saw it last night. The performance was not very good. I’ve seen it in New York on Broadway and of course the movie version on Disney and was disappointed at the cast and the lack of presence and power most cast members had – especially the Aaron Burr character and the Eliza character. Just not good. I was shocked that the entire theater stood up at the end for the ovation. We just are visiting but it felt like these folks had perhaps never seen theater outside of SLC. For 300 a ticket I left very frustrated and resentful. Perhaps the 1pm show uses a more junior cast but if that’s the case the tickets should be likewise discounted.
Oh wow. I’m sorry you were disappointed in your experience. There may be a difference in cast. Im not sure. It’s so disappointing to see a production you’re not satisfied with. Especially when you’ve traveled and spent all that money. Thank you for your comment. I hope you’re next theater experience is much better for you!
I agree with the previous comment: saw it on the 9th at 8p and was underwhelmed by Aaron Burr and Eliza. They lacked the emotional depth and power I was expecting. Lafayette and Angelic were indeed standouts but overall I felt letdown with the production. Not on par with what I’ve seen in the past (particularly on the first round through SLC).