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Theatre

Hamilton tour review – an urgent production as America needs heroes to rise up

With the US in flux, Hamilton continues to provide a much-needed sense of hope

DeAngelo Jones, Shaq Taylor, Billy Nevers and KM Drew Boateng in Hamilton. Photo Danny Kaan

DeAngelo Jones, Shaq Taylor, Billy Nevers and KM Drew Boateng in Hamilton. Photo Danny Kaan

A Super Tuesday is guaranteed when you get to visit the theatre mid-week, but the press night of Hamilton in Edinburgh coinciding with the biggest day of the forthcoming US election so far brought extra resonance to the show.

The phenomenon from Lin-Manuel Miranda retells the otherwise largely forgotten story of the first US Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton is steeped in musical theatre tradition, revitalised by hip-hop and deceptively simple staging. The choreography, costumes and set are clinically efficient and effective.

Frequently lauded as the most significant production of the century, that only stays true if its resonance and relevance endures and renews. The performance in Edinburgh, the first time Hamilton has gone on the road in the UK, confirms that to be the case.

The nine-week run in the capital is practically sold out so be ready to beg, steal, borrow or barter for a ticket. Of course, it’s a homecoming of sorts. The founding father had a Scottish father and no doubt the audience could make a claim that some of Hamilton’s canny determination and indefatigable rebelliousness derives from local roots. Maybe too some of his arrogance and self-sabotaging tendencies.

There may be a flawless pro-shot version with the original Broadway cast readily available, but the young and hungry (but not scrappy) touring cast are bursting with urgent energy.

Shaq Taylor is so convincing as a youthful Alexander Hamilton at 19, you initially wonder if he can carry the character through the next three decades of his life, but the transformation over the subsequent two and a half hours is remarkable. Taylor leans into the character’s defiant impulsiveness, with a charm that brings you along with him, even as Alexander succumbs to the more complicated side of his nature.

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Aaron Burr provides the backbone of the show. Sam Oladeinde brings a tightly wound composure to the complex character. Maya Britto as Eliza is angelic, making her husband’s transgressions more tragic, Aisha Jawando brings sass to her sister Angelica and Gabriela Benedetti shines especially brightly as Peggy/Maria Reynolds.

In dual roles, KM Drew Boateng is mischievous and growly as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, DeAngelo Jones stirringly heartbreaking as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton and Billy Nevers effortlessly charismatic as the Maquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson.

Charles Simmons as George Washington is a stand-out, bringing stately dignity to the role, enjoying sparky chemistry with his righthand man and mentee Alexander. And Daniel Boys goes down a reliable storm as King George.

The intensity and urgency and sheer relentless energy on show is often goosebump-raising. By the climax, a wave of emotion swells. It’s a feeling increasingly rare these days – one of hope. Hope that change can come, one person can make a difference, that we can remake the world anew.

The conceit of Hamilton is that it’s “America then, told by America now”. But America now is in flux. Maybe this has ever been the case. After the show, Super Tuesday news notifications relate that Trump has all but secured the Republican nomination and a rematch of the relics with Biden is on the cards.

When it comes to the delivery of the American dream, we’re still waiting for it. America, the great unfinished symphony, has never been more in need of the voices Hamilton inspires to rise up.

Hamilton plays at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre until 27 April then continues its tour around the UK and Ireland. For dates visit hamiltonmusical.com

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