Webster: An opera is
a theatrical piece that tells a story totally through the music
. It consists of recitatives which provide the narrative plot line and elaborate chorus singing, along with duets and arias, which are the parts we most remember.
Having seen Hamilton in its first run at The Pantages in 2021, I looked forward to the current production. I was not disappointed. It was the same exciting, wondrous theatrical experience as the first time around.
Although I was more familiar with the lyrics than when I first saw the show, a lot does get lost to these more traditional ears. However, what I was struck with was the spectacle, the movement, the music, songs and orchestration and suddenly it hit me: Hamilton is more of an opera than a musical. Mostly, all dialogue is in the context of the music i.e., the "narrative plot line" is in music and song and not in dialogue.
Viewing Hamilton through that lens, I was able to see it in its entirety as an opera and not a "musical" but more the sum of all its parts. Although, if your ears are not used to the syncopation of the rap genre, the lyrics could be difficult to understand-not Italian or German, but like Puccini's Madam Butterfly, you don't have to know the words to be moved by the music and the story that is being told.
The set by David Korinx was ultimately workable and the ensemble populated it effortlessly. Direction and choreography by the originals, Thomas Kail and Andy Blankenbuehler, the magic of live theatre is that no two productions are ever alike. Different actors bring their own sense of character, timing and balance. The quality of the principal actors, the precision and artistry of the ensemble players brought a fresh and new production to the venerable Pantages stage.
The tour currently stars Blaine Alden Krauss as Alexander Hamilton and Deon'te Goodman as Aaron Burr, with Paul Louis Lessard as King George, Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama as Eliza Hamilton, Lencia Kebede as Angelica Schuyler, Kameron Richardson as George Washington, Milika Cheree as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds, Simon Longnight as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Eddie Ortega as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, and Lucas Hinds Babcock as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton.
Perhaps because the second time around, I knew what to expect, as, it also expanded my listening and enjoyment of the music and Alex Lacamoire's orchestration, and, of course the brilliance of the creator/adaptor of Ron Chernow's epic biography, Lin-Manuel Miranda.
This is a theatrical piece, an opera if you will, of such originality and relevance to today on so many levels, I left the theatre thinking the second time around could be the best.
Hamilton continues at the Hollywood Pantages through October 13th playing Tuesdays through Sundays with matinees Saturdays and Sunday.
Tickets:
https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/events/detail/hamilton