Review: 'Hamilton' Still a Gripping Theatrical Epic with National Tour

Just in time for Christmas, and after Trinity Rep's "A Christmas Carol" debut for the first time at PPAC, "Hamilton" returns to Providence for the third time following its national tour debut in 2019 and another tour in 2021. The 11-time Tony award winner brings back its tale of an orphan, Alexander Hamilton (Tyler Fauntleroy), his "frenemy," Aaron Burr (Jimmie "JJ" Jeter), and his future wife, Eliza (Lauren Mariasoosay), as they navigate a tale of love, war, betrayal, and tragedy.

Arriving in New York during the Revolutionary war, Hamilton has a talent for words, clashing immediately with other established politicians. Alexander's talents will eventually win him a post with George Washington (A.D.Weaver) as his aide, but secretly wishes to lead in the field of battle, and makes this known to Burr. As he meets the Schulyer sisters, Angelica (Marja Harmon) and Eliza (Mariasoosay), it is Angelica who has eyes for the charismatic Alexander. Unfortunately, Eliza is the one to win his heart, and they marry rather quickly. Confessing that she is pregnant with her son (Nathan Haydel, who also plays John Laurens), Eliza wants Hamilton to curb his ambitions and enjoy their married life and raise their child. But life will have other plans for this couple. "Hamilton" of course is based on a very tumultuous time in American history, and pulls no punches in the retelling of our founding father's colorful stories.

Thomas Kail's finely tuned direction, plus Andy Blankenbuehler's tight and breathtaking choreography, will surprise and delight you: it's a seamless night of Jazz, Hip Hop and Rap effortlessly executed by a talented cast of actors who have been selected to tour nationally. But it's more than just the music and the dance numbers; the story is an engaging one. From the first few bars to the last heart-wrenching moments, this show will grab you fast and hold you tight until the lights come down.

"Hamilton's" world premiere happened in New York City in 2015 at the Public Theater with Lin-Manuel Miranda (Book, Music and Lyrics) in the title role, and what a journey it's been for this show, with Tony Awards, a Grammy and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, and a special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. This tour also boasts one of our own Brown/Trinity Rep M.F.A. graduates, Kai Thomani Tshikosi ("Hercules Mulligan" "James Madison"), who, after leaving Providence in 2023, moved to New York City. In just over a year, he nabbed a part in the touring company.

If you are one of the few who are unfamiliar with the show, "Hamilton" has captured the imaginations of music listeners with its Grammy award-winning original cast soundtrack, and Disney+ turned the production into a film that anyone could stream. If this is the only way you've seen/heard the show, now is your chance to experience the vibrant live production here in our city. With the official website for the show continuing its Digital Lottery, one can enter as many times as they wish to grab tickets for $10; winners can purchase up to two of them.

"Hamilton" is currently running through December 22nd at The Providence Performing Arts Center 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. For information or tickets call 401-421-2787 or visit www.ppacri.org. For the lottery and more about the show, visit https://hamiltonmusical.com/us-tour/