Touring “Hamilton” preserves original’s energy with strong ensemble performance

This touring production delivers plenty of “Hamilton” for your wallet’s Hamiltons. The cast is the best thing going for this production that faithfully adheres to the original’s vibrancy.

No performance can live up to the almost mythical success of the original with Lin-Manel Miranda in the title role for which he created the lyrics and music. Gone are the Broadway lines around the block and the exorbitant, scalped ticket prices. Here, thankfully, is plenty of opportunity to experience the musical with the hands, feet and vocal cords of a solid ensemble of performers.

I’m reminded of that phrase, “Any given Sunday,” a phrase which, when applied to this team of professional performers, means that during any given performance, on any given day, anyone can come to the forefront and “stand out” from the others.

That was surely the case on opening night, when A.D. Weaver delivered a commanding, powerful, deep-throated portrayal of George Washington. No lie. The range of his performance, from growly general to patriarchal president deserved the approving hoots and the fist pumps that he received.

Also emerging from the ensemble was Lauren Mariasoosay as Eliza Hamilton. Her combination of vocal precision and stage presence created an Eliza with a relatable range of emotions, from longing to pain, love and forgiveness. Her rendition of “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” ends the musical with the right amount of emotional closure. It may well haunt you long after you go home.

To praise these two performers is not to ignore the generally strong performance of others. “Hamilton” is a challenging musical with more words per lyric than any other in the history of the artform. That’s thanks to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s use of rap in some of the songs. Tyler Fauntleroy, who had a lot to live up to, was up that challenge and delivered a doomed Hamilton with verbosity. Jimmi JJ Jeter’s Burr relished his role as the abrasive antagonist to Hamilton.

“Hamilton” has its lighter characters, especially King George III and the dual role of the Marquis de Lafayette slash Thomas Jefferson. Justin Matthew Sargent sparkled as the posh, pretentious King, and Jared Howelton delivered a frenchy Marquis who is more swashbuckler than de Sade.
 
Adding to the consistent energy of “Hamiliton” were the dancers whose movements underlie, augment and connect the songs and scenes. Their nearly constant presence was impressive, and you could almost lose weight just watching them.

This production of "Hamilton" maintains the original’s energy and cultural impact – both then and now. One of the hallmarks of a great piece of musical theater is the way it creates – from its premiere – the aura that it somehow has always been here. “Hamilton” feels like that, and this production is one of the reasons why.

“Hamilton” continues its run at the Fox Theatre through September 8. For more information, visit their web site.