Wow, what a mesmerising marvel of a magnificent musical, mega! The true story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton (Marley Fenton) and his involvement in the American Revolution, a unique character to whom America owes a lot. The two-act musical begins with several cast members recounting his early life, and what a life!
A West Indian immigrant born in 1757 to a prostitute and Scottish father, he became an orphan when his father left in 1765 and mother died in 1768.
He was fortunate to emigrate to New York City in 1773, only 16, studied at King's College, published his first political article in 1774 and was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Forces; by the age of 20, George Washington (Akmed Junior Khemalai) appointed him Lieutenant Colonel and made him his aide-de-camp. He went on to have many more outstanding achievements.
It is multi-locational across time, and the large central revolving stage makes scene changes appear effortless. This is set off with a gantry both sides and back and two staircases. Aside from the spectacular scenery design (David Korins), the costumes are colourfully scrumptious (Paul Tazewell), lighting luminously lively (Howell Binkley), cracking choreograph (Andy Blankenbuehler), magical musical scores (Alex Lacamoire) and more like to the wonderous wigs (Anthony Tester). The production team has employed over 70 people here and in the USA, so no mean production.
The show draws from a wide musical range, hip-hop to soul, R & B to pop, and premièred off Broadway in 2015 with Disney doing a film version in 2020. The ingenious use of hip hop relates the story easily and make a period piece seem like today; it brings history to life. King George (Louis Maskell) brings a lot of humour with his superb comic timing and visual antics, when, finally, he just has to enter to raise laughter. So long a cast is difficult to name, but they all deliver sterling performances and are to be applauded. The end of the show is more a eulogy to his life.
In 1804, his life suddenly is ended. His wife Eliza (Casey Al-Shaqsy) worked tireless to her death in 1884 with their two remaining sons, Alexander and James, to establish credit for his work and get a biographer. Lin-Manuel Miranda also wrote the lyrics and score.
It runs at the Sunderland Empire till Saturday 26 July, so time for you to book, but hurry as it has a record of selling out everywhere, and when you see it, you will know why.