So, recently, as a tremendously generous birthday gift, my mom got us tickets to see the Phillip tour of Hamilton.
It was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life.
I had seen the Disney+ version, but watching it live is so different and so awe-inspiringly wonderful.
I could feel the music in my chest
Every pound of the drums, every sound of the violin
When the stairs came out, my jaw fell down
Nonstop was kind of insane. There are no words to describe the feeling it filled me with except extreme euphoria and ecstasy.
After act 1, I looked at my mom and asked her “Did you just see what I just saw?!”
I cried after every number, whether it was emotional or not. (of course, the emotional/sad ones had longer tears, but nevertheless)
The cast was wonderful, their voices superb.
Nikisha Williams as Eliza had such a wonderfully soothing and beautiful voice, like an angel on earth, her gasp at the end of the show was not as I expected but it may have been better - she looks out at us the audience, then up to the sky, her hand raised in the air. My holy goodness gracious G-d she was good.
Ta’rea Campbell as Angelica absolutely nailed Satisfied (and literally everything else she sang). Also her part in the Reynolds pamphlet sounded so raw, so powerful, you really really believe her.
Elijah Malcomb as John Laurens and Phillip Hamilton was truly something else. This guy. This tremendously talented guy. He has such a heartbreakingly beautiful and sweet voice. Both of his deaths absolutely punched me in the gut, he was so SO good.
I know for a fact the exact beat and note and number that Phillip got shot on.
That did not do anything to change my absolute and utter shock when it happened. I felt like I had no air.
The true star of the show, however, was Kameron Richardson (understudy) as Aaron Burr. Oh my gosh. He was incredible. His voice is a powerhouse. He put the most amazing riffs in Wait For It that truly showed off his insanely talented vocals, and his Room Where it Happened absolutely blew the roof off. I don’t know if I’ve ever been more impressed with an Aaron Burr than I have of him.
All the other actors were of course fantastic but these truly blew us all away. (pun intended)
I have looked everywhere for slime tutorials or videos of this cast. I have found nothing. I so wish I could listen to their voices again, because that was one of the most breathtaking experiences of my entire life. If by any chance you know of a recording of these talented people and cast please let me know, I beg you. Thank you.
(sorry this is so disorganized, this is just how my brain feels right now)
Sweep on several levels accounts for the achievement and excitement of “Hamilton.” It’s no wonder it’s earned both critical acclaim and popular support since the Lin-Manuel Miranda burst of the theatrical scene in 2015.
Miranda manages to ace a feat that has daunted and defeated many. He has taken a person from history, to my mind the second most important figure in all of American…
1. Cleve September as Simba
2. Terrence Mann as Scar
3. Norm Lewis as Mufasa
4. Hailey Kilgore as Nala
5. Tracie Thoms as Rafiki
6. Brandon Uranowitz as Timon
7. Josh Gad as Pumbaa
8. Robin de Jesús as Zazu
Honorable Mentions:
Amara Okereke as Nala
Brandon Uranowitz as Zazu
Elijah Malcomb as Simba
Grey Henson as Pumbaa
Kyle Scatliffe as Simba
Queen Latifah as Rafiki
Shanice Williams as Nala