Displaying items by tag: Thomas Kail

Nearly a decade after it first upended the American musical, Hamilton returns to Chicago’s CIBC Theatre as part of Broadway In Chicago’s 2026 season, and its cultural voltage hasn’t dimmed one bit. Inspired by Ron Chernow’s book, Alexander Hamilton, Lin‑Manuel Miranda’s genre‑shifting epic — part biography, part political thriller, part hip‑hop opera — still hits with the force of a story determined to be heard. Having seen it in its inaugural year, I can say this revival lands even sharper, richer, and more assured than ever.

Alexander Hamilton didn’t just witness the birth of the United States — he helped engineer its architecture. As a delegate at the Constitutional Convention, he argued fiercely for a unified national government, and though not the primary drafter, he became one of its most influential defenders, authoring the majority of The Federalist Papers to secure the Constitution’s ratification. His imprint only deepened from there: he built the nation’s financial system from the ground up, established the U.S. Treasury, championed a national bank, and laid the groundwork for the country’s credit, industry, and economic identity. In Hamilton, these achievements aren’t treated as dry civics lessons but as the combustible fuel of a man determined to transform a fragile collection of states into a functioning nation — a legacy as complicated as it is foundational. The musical captures not just his ascent, but the way his ideas became the scaffolding of a country still deciding what it wanted to be.

Through songs like “My Shot,” “The Room Where It Happens,” and “Hurricane,” Miranda reframes the Founding Fathers not as marble statues but as flawed, hungry, deeply human figures fighting to define a nation and themselves. What Miranda is ultimately trying to convey — and what this production underscores beautifully — is that America’s story has always been messy, contested, and built by people who rarely saw themselves as the heroes of their own narrative.

Director Thomas Kail’s staging remains a masterclass in kinetic storytelling. The turntable choreography, the razor‑sharp transitions, and the way bodies carve through space all contribute to a sense of history constantly in motion. Under his direction, the show feels both epic and immediate — a revolution unfolding in real time.

l-r-Tyler Fauntleroy as Alexander Hamilton and A.D. Weaver as George Washington in Hamilton at CIBC Theatre. Photo by Joan Marcus.

What continues to astonish about Hamilton is how much storytelling power resides in its deceptively simple visual world. David Korins’ now‑iconic set — all timber, ropes, brickwork, and scaffolding — frames the action like an unfinished nation still under construction. The exposed architecture becomes a living metaphor for the country Hamilton is trying to build, while the revolving stage keeps history literally turning beneath the actors’ feet. Paul Tazewell’s costumes layer silhouettes with subtle modern inflections, allowing the cast to move with the velocity the score demands while still grounding the story in its 18th‑century roots. The palette shifts almost imperceptibly as alliances form and fracture, and the contrast between the Schuyler sisters’ elegance, the soldiers’ grit, and King George’s absurd opulence adds texture to every scene. Together, the set and costumes create a world that feels both historical and urgently contemporary — a perfect visual match for Miranda’s reimagined revolution.

This Chicago cast brings its own intensity. The Chicago engagement of Hamilton boasts a powerhouse company led by Tyler Fauntleroy, who delivers a relentless, razor‑sharp Alexander Hamilton—equal parts tactician, poet, and live wire. His performance feels carved from pure momentum, capturing both Hamilton’s brilliance and his self‑destructive drive. Opposite him, Jimmie “J.J.” Jeter turns in a magnetic, exquisitely controlled Aaron Burr, layering charm, calculation, and simmering envy into a portrayal that peaks beautifully in a soul‑baring “Wait For It” and a show‑stopping “The Room Where It Happens.” Lauren Mariasoosay brings warmth, emotional clarity, and a quiet steel to Eliza Hamilton (through April 12th), while Amanda Simone Lee commands the stage with fierce intelligence and vocal fire as Angelica Schuyler. Lily Soto shifts effortlessly between the wide‑eyed innocence of Peggy Schuyler and the seductive, wounded edge of Maria Reynolds through April 12th, with Nadina Hassan stepping into the roles beginning April 14th. A true force, A.D. Weaver anchors the production with statesmanlike gravitas as George Washington, and Christian Magby all but steals the show with his dual swagger as Lafayette and Jefferson—two performances so distinct they feel like separate universes. Nathan Haydel brings youthful fire and heartbreaking vulnerability to both John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, while Eddie Ortega grounds the ensemble with muscular presence as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison. And rounding it out, Matt Bittner delivers a perfectly petty, wickedly funny King George III, milking every entrance for maximum delight, stealing the moment with a perfectly calibrated blend of comedy and menace in “You’ll Be Back.”.

Musically, the production remains a marvel. The blend of hip‑hop, R&B, traditional musical theatre, and lyrical density still feels revolutionary, and the orchestra at the CIBC gives the score a muscular, propulsive energy. Even familiar numbers feel newly alive in this space. The production is expansive and brimming with moments that land with exhilarating force.

The run at the CIBC Theatre continues through April 26th, giving audiences a generous window to revisit — or finally experience — the show that redefined what Broadway could be.

In a city that knows its way around bold storytelling, Hamilton still stands out. It’s a reminder that history is not a fixed monument but a living argument — and that the voices shaping it are far more diverse, complicated, and compelling than the textbooks ever let on. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or the fifth, this production makes the revolution feel brand new.

Highly recommended.

For tickets and/or more show information, click here.

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The Nederlander Theatre erupted in thunderous applause as the lights went down on the triumphant return of “Hamilton” to Chicago. Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking musical, finishing a successful run in Anchorage, Alaska, delivered an electrifying performance that left the Chicago audience in awe of its scope and magnitude. Chicago lifted “Hamilton” on its broad shoulders and has no intention of letting it down.

"Hamilton" is a masterclass in diversity and talent. Under the skilled direction of Thomas Kail and choreography of Andy Blankenbuehler, a diverse cast brings the story of Alexander Hamilton to life with passion and energy. Pierre Jean Gonzalez commands the stage with his charismatic presence and powerful vocals, more than ably supported by a talented ensemble that includes Deon'te Goodman as Aaron Burr, Nikisha Williams as Eliza Schuyler, Marcus Choi as George Washington, Lencia Kebede as Angelica Schuyler, Jared Howelton as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, Eddie Ortega as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, Tyler Fauntleroy as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton and King George is played by Neil Haskell.

Company of 'Hamilton' at James M. Nederlander Theatre

Seeing the production for the third time, it’s hard not to make comparisons. I felt Goodman’s Burr was a tad bit passive and slow to anger in the face of Hamilton’s slights. Choi’s Washington was a commanding and inspiring figure. He brought a sense of dignity and gravitas to the role. “One Last Time” was as much a tearjerker as “It’s Quiet Uptown”. Williams’ Eliza is a beautiful and heartbreaking character. She brings a sense of grace, strength, and vulnerability to her interpretation. Howelton’s Lafayette/Jefferson was big and energetic, a joy to watch. I missed the chemistry and affection between Lauren and Hamilton, a minor detail, but still noticeable.

The ensemble cast is outstanding, delivering stunning performances in both the vocal and dance numbers. The choreography is inventive and exhilarating, seamlessly blending hip-hop, jazz, and ballet to create a unique and visually stunning performance. The show's musical score, which blends hip-hop, R&B, and traditional Broadway music, is also a highlight. The songs are catchy, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant. Miranda has said hip hop is the "heart and soul" of Hamilton. He has incorporated elements of the genre throughout the show, from rapid-fire rapping to the use of samples and beats. Some of the specific hip hop artists that have influenced Miranda include The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Nas, and Eminem.

Stephanie Jae Park, Ta_Rae Campbell and Paige Smallwood in 'Hamilton'

Hamilton is a truly unique musical that draws on a wide range of musical influences. Miranda has said that he wanted to create a musical that would be "new and fresh, but also familiar and accessible." He has certainly succeeded in doing so, and Hamilton has become one of the most popular and critically acclaimed musicals of all time. I personally think it should be required reviewing for history classes. Learning American history has never been so entertaining.

Hamilton is a powerful and moving musical, teaching viewers many important lessons. It is a story about ambition, perseverance, forgiveness, the power of storytelling and of course, to never throwing away your shot.

When: Through Dec. 30

Where: James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St.

Tickets: $42.50+

Info: Broadwayinchicago.com

Digital lotteries will begin each Friday and end the following Thursday for the upcoming weeks performance - 

www.broadwayinchicago.com/hamilton/ham4ham-lottery-details-2023/

For tickets and/or more show information visit https://www.broadwayinchicago.com/show/hamilton/.