Much
has been said about this smash hit musical Hamilton. It seems universally
beloved by all audiences and seeing it in person you'll understand why. In the
midst of the warp-speed raps and deep dive into history, there's a passion that
gets to the core of what America is truly about. It's the story of an
immigrant, a story of someone who overcomes every obstacle, hauling themselves
up from the bottom with pure ambition and drive. It's the story of a broken man
and the people his decisions affected in both good ways and bad. It’s also a
love story, filled with heartache and the relatable position of being lost and
searching for your way home to the one you miss. It’s the story of jealousy and
what happens when you can’t let go of injured pride. It is tragedy on a Greek
scale. And all of that is rolled into one show that clocks in just under 3
hours. It’s pretty epic.
Lin-Manuel
Miranda wrote the music, lyrics, and book and his brilliance is woven into each
song. The Hamilton biography that inspired the musical was written by Ron Chernow
and you can tell how well-researched it was. Yet it's the moments where
historical verification is missing that are sometimes the most powerful. The
songs, "Burn" and "Room Where It Happened" are both great
examples of this. In both cases we are missing eyewitness accounts or
historical documentation showing the exact path that was taken. Instead,
Lin-Manuel writes two incredible songs that highlight what's missing and
somehow he makes the moment even more powerful. The sheer variety of musical styles
included in the show is amazing. There are sweet songs sung to newborn
children, hip hop raps, pop love ballads, and army marches. Few musicals can
handle such a diverse musical selection, but in this show it’s just one more
strength.
This
particular cast brings its own flavor to the production. Nik Walker’s towering
Aaron Burr reminds us that Hamilton is only a great show if the “villain” is
believable and relatable. He brings humor to the role with his cagey double
speak and simmering discontent. His malevolence escalates as his disbelief in
Hamilton’s success increases. Marcus Choi leads first his soldiers and then the
nation with gravitas and integrity as George Washington. Neil Haskell’s King
George provides infectious crowd-favorite interludes.
Eliza
was played by understudy Emily Jenda on Wednesday night. She shone with
sweetness in “Helpless”, but it was her later numbers that proved truly
powerful. Her sister Angelica, (Ta'Rea Campbell),knocks it out of the park in
“Satisfied”, one of the most visually impressive numbers in the show. And
that’s saying something! Warren Egypt Franklin pulls double duty as both
Jefferson and Lafayette. He’s charismatic in both roles, but his turn as
Jefferson is particularly memorable. If you are already familiar with the
soundtrack, you’ll be surprised by how complex the staging and choreography is.
The revolution’s battles and duels come to life through the ingenious use of a
turn table and ensemble cast.
The
somewhat miraculous success of this show speaks to Miranda’s talent. Despite
having some adult language and whirlwind of dialogue, a musical about US
history found a passionate following and is an undeniable cultural phenomenon.
The diverse fan base is filled with people of every age and walk of life. The
price of tickets can be restrictive, but each Indy performance offers a lottery
of 40 tickets sold for only $10 each (details below). I truly believe this is a
musical that will stand the test of time. Don't miss your chance to see it
while it is here!
Unlike most Broadway Across America shows, which run for
only six days, "Hamilton" will be in town until Sunday, Dec. 29. But
tickets are going fast for the popular show, so don't miss your chance to see
it. The show is at the Old National Center (Murat Theatre). Tickets can be
purchased at Clowes Memorial Hall, the Old National Theatre, by calling
(800)-982-2787 or online at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.
LOTTERY DETAILS
There's also a daily lottery of 40 $10 tickets for every
performance!
HOW TO ENTER
- Use the official app for HAMILTON, now available for
all iOS and Android devices in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
- You can also visit http://hamiltonmusical.com/lottery
to register.
- The lottery opens at 11 AM two days prior to the
performance date and closes for entry at 9 AM the day prior to the performance.
- Winner and non-winner notifications will be sent
between 12 PM and 4 PM the day prior to the performance via email and SMS (if
mobile number is provided).
- No purchase or payment necessary to enter or
participate.
- Each winning entrant may purchase up to two (2)
tickets.
- Only one entry per person. Repeat entries and
disposable email addresses will be discarded.
- Tickets must be purchased online with a credit card by
4 PM the day prior to the performance using the purchase link and code in a
customized notification email. Tickets not claimed by 4:00 PM the day prior to
the performance are forfeited.
- Lottery tickets may be picked up at will call beginning
2 hours prior to the performance with a valid photo ID. Lottery tickets void if
resold.
ADDITIONAL RULES
Patrons must be 18 years or older and have a valid,
non-expired photo ID that matches the name used to enter. Tickets are
non-transferable. Ticket limits and prices displayed are at the sole discretion
of the show and are subject to change without notice. Lottery prices are not valid on prior purchases. Lottery
ticket offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. All sales
final - no refunds or exchanges. Lottery may be revoked or modified at any time
without notice. No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not
improve the chances of winning.
Photos courtesy of Broadway Across America
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