A decade after its off-Broadway debut, “Hamilton” still blows us all away. Since its release, it has become a staple for Broadway fans, history students and pop culture in general. Who, other than Lin-Manuel Miranda, would’ve thought to create a hip-hop inspired musical based on the founding fathers of the United States? If audiences stopped keeping up with “Hamilton” after its initial wave in 2015 or its Disney+ resurgence in 2020, it’s time for a third “Hamilton” revival.
The musical opened in Austin on Tuesday and runs until April 6. The “Angelica” cast of the musical’s year-long North American tour put on a near-perfect show, filling the roles of original cast members Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, Renée Elise Goldsberry and more with their own unique twist. Simply walking into Bass Concert Hall and seeing the iconic brick wall set of “Hamilton” could bring any “Hamilton” fan to tears, let alone the phenomenal production put on by the touring cast members.
The opening number was bone-chilling: from the first notes of “Alexander Hamilton” to Tyler Fauntleroy’s performance of the song as the titular role, to the cast walking into the spotlight, singing “we are waiting in the wings for you, you could never back down, you never learned to take your time.” For fans who only watched “Hamilton” on Disney+, the full effect of the moment is only reproducible during a live performance — but that could be said about the entire show. From Hamilton shooting his hand up at the sky at the end of “My Shot,” to the “rewind” in “Satisfied” and the pulse-racing choreography of “Stay Alive,” audiences can only fully appreciate many scenes live.
Justin Matthew Sargent’s performance as King George III made audiences crack up — but his spin on the character made it all the more entertaining. Jonathan Groff’s original King George III came off as sassy and charismatic, and Sargent filled this role perfectly while serving killer vocals and saucy poses.
Marja Harmon (Angelica Schuyler) also fit perfectly into the big shoes left for her to fill, with her performance in “Satisfied,” showcasing her complex feelings for her sister and Hamilton. Lauren Mariasoosay (Elizabeth Schuyler), dazzled in her performance of “Burn,” matching the intense quality and emotion of Phillipa Soo’s original performance as she burned the letters Alexander wrote her.
Another standout performance includes Jared Howelton — whose portrayals of Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson felt silly in different ways. Audiences won’t be able to keep the smile off their faces watching Howelton jump to new heights and swing his legs in the air singing “What’d I Miss.” Through the character’s final moments, Nathan Haydel (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton) impresses as Alexander and Eliza’s son, Philip.
Under the thrilling light of Bass Concert Hall, “Hamilton” brought its magic to Austin. Amid high expectations, the touring cast delivered a hurricane of a performance as the musical celebrates its 10th anniversary.
