OnScreen Review: 'Hamilton' on Disney+
Aaron Kopf, Contributing Critic
I feel as though I need to start this review by saying Hamilton was the second to last show I saw in an actual theatre before the pandemic hit. This makes me one of the few people that got to see this Broadway hit show in Toronto before theatres closed. Now I have a confession to make. I was underwhelmed with the production.
As a result, I have been looking forward to seeing the original Broadway cast perform the show. I’ve been looking to see what everyone has been talking about for years, and have waiting since it was announced it would be out on video earlier this year. With that out of the way let me get on to the review of this production.
If you are not familiar with the musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda that has been the talk of the theatre community since 2016, here is a brief outline of the show. Act 1 looks at the early life of Alexander Hamilton, his early friendship with Aaron Burr, and the American war for independence. Act II then leads to the creation of the new country, particularly the role Hamilton played in its creation and culminating in the duel between Burr and Hamilton.
A few things stand out in the production of Hamilton on Disney+. First, this is the original cast of the smash Broadway sensation. Everyone in the principal cast, with the exception of King George III, is played by people of colour. This gives a fresh perspective on the story, and particularly the role of immigrants in the founding of the United States of America. And given today’s climate in the US, shows how important immigrants and people of colour are to the United States. Secondly, the music.
Hamilton presents a score that is unique and inspiring. Music that I’m sure will change the sound of Broadway for years to come. Finally, Hamilton exudes a style that is specific to the show, thanks to director Thomas Kail. Everything about the show is crisp, clean, and bold, a little reminiscent of the style created by Bob Fosse.
Hamilton deserves all the praise that has been heaped on it over the years. However, it should be noted that at times it feels more like a concert than a musical. This was what really pulled me out of the show when I saw the production in Toronto. I didn’t feel that as much watching this recording but it was still present. It doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the show, or the music, but I did have to remind myself a couple of times that this is a musical and not a concert a couple of times.
A few cast members should really be highlighted. Jasmine Cephas Jones, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Phillipa Soo as the Schuyler sisters, Peggy, Angelica, and Eliza respectively were spectacular. Soo’s rendition of “Burn” is beautiful, full of anger and sadness (often at the same time). Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette / Thomas Jefferson brought a presence to the stage that cannot be ignored. Finally, Jonathan Groff as King George III brought some much-needed brevity to the production. As a whole, the company is spectacular, not a weak link to be found.
Should Hamilton get the praise it has been receiving over the years? Yes! Is it important to have such a production brought to the homes for more people to enjoy? Yes! Will having something like Hamilton on a platform like Disney+ bring more people to the theatres when they reopen? I certainly hope so.
This production brought a small spark of what I feel when I enter the theatre, and made me long that much more to be back in a seat at a live performance.