Displaying items by tag: Marcus Choi
“Hamilton” Doesn’t Throw Away its Shot in Chicago
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/.
LES MISÉRABLES coming to Cadillac Palace
20 September 2024 in Upcoming TheatreIndividual tickets for Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, will go…
Royal Shakespeare Company returns to Chicago with PERICLES
19 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)'s Pericles, direct from a "triumphant" (The Telegraph) run at the company's home in…
National Tour of PARADE Coming to Chicago
19 September 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the Tony Award®-winning musical, PARADE, will play the CIBC Theatre (18 w. Monroe St.)…
The 'Flying Lovers of Vitebsk' is an uplifting experience of true love that changed the world
16 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI am delighted that Northlight Theatre chose to produce The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, penned by Daniel Jamieson and expertly…
Kokandy Productions Presents INTO THE WOODS - October 10 – December 22, 2024 at The Chopin Theatre
16 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewKokandy Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024 season with an immersive production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's classic Into The Woods, the first Chicago…
“East Texas Hot Links” Sizzles at Court Theatre
16 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI was skeptical when I learned that Court Theatre was staging "East Texas Hot Links." The Pulitzer prize nominated play…
Review: Light Switch at Open Space Arts
15 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI chose to review LIGHT SWITCH because the play sounded intriguing, and also because every production I’ve seen at Open…
Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s HENRY V Features Stunning Design and Standout Cast
15 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewIt’s the top of Act IV, and King Harry (Elijah Jones) stands alone on stage. The lights are dim –…
Review: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 at Writers Theatre
14 September 2024 in Theatre in Review“Gonna have to study up a little bit if you wanna keep up with the plot ‘cause it’s a complicated…
THE BOOK OF MORMON is Now Playing with Lottery
10 September 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is delighted to announce the return engagement of THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical,…
Review: Beneath The Willow Tree at The Den Theatre
10 September 2024 in Theatre in Review“To love the beauty of the mistakes….the imperfect.” Isis Elizabeth, Playwright In Beneath The Willow Tree, playwright Isis Elizabeth weaves…
THE OUTSIDERS opens September 13!
09 September 2024 in Upcoming TheatreProducer and Director Jonathan James and The Home Creative Co. are proud to announce the opening of THE OUTSIDERS, the immersive and thrilling adaptation of the…
Hell in a Handbag's "THE GOLDEN GIRLS MEET THE SKOOBY DON'T GANG: THE MYSTERY OF THE HAUNTED BUSH" - Oct. 10 – Nov. 3, 2024 at The Chopin Theatre
09 September 2024 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 22nd season with the world premiere of The Golden Girls Meet The Skooby…
He Was Really This Good: ‘Royko’ at Chopin Nails Essence of This Influential Chicago Writer
09 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewMike Royko is a seminal influence on—and expression of—Chicago culture. Even today, if many locals might not know who Royko…
'South Pacific' Soars Musically with Classic Romance and Drama
08 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewSouth Pacific, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorite musical…
Outstanding Performances Make 'This Is Our Youth' a Winning Production
06 September 2024 in Theatre in Review“This Is Our Youth,” with mesmerizing performances by Kason Chesky as Warren, Grayson Kennedy as Dennis, and Annalie Ciolino as…
BrightSide Theatre announces casting for DRACULA, to play October 18th through November 3rd
05 September 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBrightSide Theatre will open its 13th season in October, with a play especially appropriate for the Halloween season. Naperville's only professional…
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD Announces Golden Snitch Lottery
05 September 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce the Golden Snitch Digital Lottery for the upcoming engagement of HARRY POTTER AND THE…
The Marvel Universe: ‘House of Ideas’ Explores Stan Lee and Jack Kirby Creative Tension
04 September 2024 in Theatre in Review“The House of Ideas,” directed by Terry McCabe, is an aptly named recount of the rise of Marvel Comics and…
!['[Title of the Show]' Is a Hilarious Musical About Writing a Musical In A Hurry](/media/k2/items/cache/bddddad8eeb01fc98a40503c7ca4463f_S.jpg)
'[Title of the Show]' Is a Hilarious Musical About Writing a Musical In A Hurry
30 August 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI think I’d better begin by answering some questions, starting with ‘WTF is the title of this show?’ to which…
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD Begins September 10th!
27 August 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce the National Tour of HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD launches in Chicago in just…
Review: The Normal Heart at Redtwist Theatre
26 August 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThough Larry Kramer did not live to see the end of the 2020 COVID-19 lock downs, no doubt his contributions…
Chicago Opera Theater presents North American Premiere of 'Leonora' Oct. 1-6
26 August 2024 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Opera Theater (COT), Chicago’s foremost producer of new and rarely produced operas, begins its 2024/25 Season, with an exciting and aptly…
Dog Man: The Musical returns to Chicago for limited engagement this November
25 August 2024 in Upcoming TheatreTheaterWorksUSA (Barbara Pasternack, Artistic Director; Michael Harrington, Executive Director) is thrilled to announce that after a successful run in the…
'Network' at Invictus Theatre Co. is one fun, funny, exciting show
23 August 2024 in Theatre in Review“Network” at Invictus Theatre Co. is one fun, funny, exciting show. In this full-throttle Chicago debut at the WIndy City…
Tickets on Sale! Some Like It Hot at Cadillac Palace Theatre
19 August 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce tickets for SOME LIKE IT HOT, the "Super-Sized, All-Out Song-And-Dance Spectacular!" (The New York…
FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK Coming to Chicago
19 August 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK will play Broadway In Chicago's Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place…
Bringing 1988 Back: Back to the Future: The Musical at Cadillac Palace Theatre
15 August 2024 in Theatre ReviewsLike the waves lapping along the shores of Lake Michigan, there is another wave that is hitting Chicago; a nostalgia…
Sandy Rustin's comedy THE COTTAGE, opening September 14 at Citadel Theatre
13 August 2024 in Upcoming TheatreCitadel Theatre, which was recently honored with Jeff Award nominations for Best Productions and Directors in the Midsize Play and…
Broadway In Chicago Celebrates 25 Years
13 August 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to celebrate its 25th year, marking a quarter-century of bringing world-class theatre to the heart of…
Latest Articles
-
Royal Shakespeare Company returns to Chicago with PERICLES
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)'s Pericles, direct from a "triumphant" (The Telegraph) run at the company's home in Stratford-upon-Avon, UK. One of the world's preeminent theater companies, the RSC returns to Chicago for the first time in 30… -
National Tour of PARADE Coming to Chicago
Written by Buzz Center StageBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the Tony Award®-winning musical, PARADE, will play the CIBC Theatre (18 w. Monroe St.) for a limited two-week engagement, August 5 -17, 2025. The producers of the acclaimed Broadway revival of PARADE, winner of the…
-
LES MISÉRABLES coming to Cadillac Palace
Written by Buzz Center StageIndividual tickets for Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, will go on sale on Friday, September 20. LES MISÉRABLES will play Broadway In Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) for…
-
The 'Flying Lovers of Vitebsk' is an uplifting experience of true love that changed the world
Written by Kimberly KatzI am delighted that Northlight Theatre chose to produce The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, penned by Daniel Jamieson and expertly staged and directed by Elizabeth Margolius, especially given the alarming rise of antisemitism currently sweeping the country. The Flying Lovers…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.