HAMILTON presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through Oct. 2. I attended the opening Wednesday performance.
Angelica National Tour Company. Photo by Joan Marcus.
In case you somehow haven’t heard, HAMILTON makes its sophomore stop in Cincinnati for four weeks at the Aronoff Center.
For those who have not seen it yet, HAMILTON is a juggernaut of a show from the opening note to its final gasp. For the performance I attended, several roles shifted to stand-bys and swings, which is always exciting to experience.
This was my second time seeing it on stage and I enjoyed having the opportunity to focus a bit more on the big picture; seeing how all the elements (set, lights, costumes, blocking and choreography) compliment each other so well. Even the precise use of the turntable is incredibly intricate and adds so much visually to the production.
Edred Utomi is very enjoyable in the title role, bringing a great energy to the youthful man we meet in act I and a grounded yet somewhat world-weary older version in act II. There were times I struggled hearing his lighter singing voice. Also strong was Neptune in the role of George Washington. Zoe Jensen is wonderful in her portrayal of Eliza Hamilton. Her vocals in “Burn” and the “Finale” were strong and emotionally moving. Yana Peffault impresses with her smoky, sultry vocals as Maria Reynolds. A special shout-out to the incredibly hard working and talented members of the ensemble that serve as the foundation of this show.
Overall, the production is stunning: in content, in talent and in presentation. The staging and choreography breaks convention and is engrossing for the same reason. Truly a unique show.
My rating: 4.75 out of 5.
Click here for more information on the production.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 