December 1, 2015 – Hamilton, the Broadway musical that explores history and makes Broadway history. The Lin-Manuel Miranda’s (1/16/1980 – ) (book, music and lyrics) spectacle at the Nederlanders, Richard Rodgers Theatre that transitioned from its acclaimed off-Broadway run at The Public Theatre (10 Lortel Awards, 8 Drama Desk, 3 Outer Critics Circle and Obie Awards) continues to wow audiences. It was choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler and directed by Thomas Kail. Opening Night – August 6, 2015 – open run

The story follows the rise to power of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers and New York Senator, whose enduring fame is his creation of the financial system. His relationship with Aaron Burr is ably explored from  mentor to friend to eventual killer in the Weehauken duel. Similarly, the relationship is brilliantly explored with the women in his life – wife Eliza and her sisters Angelica & Peggy Schuyler as well as lover Maria Reynolds. One also sees the support he gets from George Washington and the issues he had with Thomas Jefferson and James Madison and the eventual compromise suggested by his wife.

The rap / hip hop used throughout is an interesting choice, but is difficult to fully understand, at least at first, but fits well with the predominantly “non-white” cast. Lin-Manuel shows his brilliance, not only in his portrayal of Hamilton, but also in his creative genius in developing the book, music and lyrics. He previously created the 4 Tony Award winning “In the Heights” and was the co-creator of “Bring It On – The Musical”. The show is a “shoe in” for multiple Tony Awards. The three sisters have a close chemistry and ably demonstrate the power of women in the early history of the nation and the struggle against King George. Eliza (Phillipa Soo – Broadway Debut), is a close companion to her husband Hamilton, and equally well portrays the wife betrayed. Angelica (Renee Elise Goldsberry – Good People, The Color Purple, Rent and The Lion King) is the brilliant sister, supporting Angelica through her trials and tribulations. The third Schuyler sister Peggy (Jasmine Cephas Jones – Broadway Debut) does double duty as the lover – Maria Reynolds. The founding fathers – George Washington (Christopher Jackson – Holler if Ya Hear Me, Bronx Bombers, After Midnight, In the Heights, Memphis and The Lion King), brings the right serene control as well as stirring debate between Jefferson and Hamilton. Thomas Jefferson (Daveed Diggs – Broadway Debut) plays the Marquis Lafayette in the first act and does an adequate job in both roles. James Madison (Okieriete [Oak] Onaodowan – Rocky, Cyrano de Bergerac) doubles in the first act as Hercules Mulligan and is acceptable, but weak in his roles. Aaron Burr (Leslie Odom Jr. – Leap of Faith and Rent) is consistent and credible. One other role, that of King George (Andrew Rannells – Hairspray, Jersey Boys, Headwig and the Angry Inch and originator of Elder Pice in The Book of Mormon) proved the comic relief reminiscent of King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar.

In Summary, a memorable show although a bit over hyped, a tribute to the brilliance of Lin-Manuel Miranda (who is substituted by Javier Munoz on Sunday matinees) and sure to be a force to be reckoned with at the Tony Awards next June. Tickets are scarce and for decent seats one is looking at a year from now.