Review of the US Tour of HAMILTON.
HAMILTON, Angelica Tour, Columbus OH, October 6, 2022.
CAST
Hamilton: Edred Utomi
Eliza: Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama (U/S)
Burr: Josh Tower
Angelica: Stephanie Umoh
Washington: Paul Oakley Stovall
Lafayette/Jefferson: David Park
Mulligan/Madison: Tyler Belo
Laurens/Philip: Jon Viktor Corpuz
Peggy/Maria Reynolds: Yana Perrault
King George: Peter Matthew Smith
First, I should say that I've watched the professional recording of HAMILTON on Disney+ countless times since it was released, as well as listening to the original Broadway cast recording countless times. As much as I love it, I actually feel that these repeat viewing may have done me a disservice going in to see the show live. I'm ashamed to admit this, but I found myself initially comparing everyone and everything to that professional recording. Some of these comparisons were silly, such as noticing how loud it is onstage when they clink their cups together during "My Shot." Other comparisons were distracting, as my brain just didn't know how to process a different cast than the one from the professional recording. There's really no sense in my brain behaving this way; I'm a theatregoer from years back, over half my life, and I've seen so many different casts of so many different shows, and I've never had this problem before. I'm honestly embarrassed to have had this issue with HAMILTON. Luckily, as the show went on, my brain stopped trying to compare everyone, and I was better able to just sit back and enjoy the show.
Edred Utomi as Hamilton was a amazing. Very strong vocally, very earnest and eager in the first part of the show, while visibly becoming more sluggish and worn after Philip's death. By the time of his own death, he was weary and resigned to fate, and just ready to go.
Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama was the understudy for Eliza, and she was absolutely incredible. Very tiny, but with a voice that was oh-so-big! She portrayed her character's journey so well. Her strongest moment was during "Burn," when her voice completely filled the theatre with its beauty and strength. The emotion she conveyed during that song was enough to take your breath away.
Josh Tower as Burr was very strong vocally, and did not disappoint during my favorite song ("Wait For It"). What really stunned me with him, however, was his interpretation of the end verse of "The Room Where It Happens." He vocally and physically became almost crazed, and it was almost frightening to see. Very effective!
Stephanie Umoh as Angelica was decent during "Satisfied," but really shined during "It's Quiet Uptown." The whole theatre seemed to be in tears.
Paul Oakley Stovall really came across as older and wiser, but I thought he sounded strange over the microphone through much of the show, something about his pronunciations. His voice was amazing, though, especially during "One Last Time."
David Park as Lafayette had a rather slight French accent, but was able to rap incredibly fast during his character's more challenging bits. I thought he was more effective as Jefferson, with just the right amount of cockiness and swagger.
Tyler Belo as Mulligan was very charming and charismatic. He didn't stand out quite as much as Madison, but was still stunning vocally.
Jon Viktor Corpuz was terrific as Laurens, both humorous and intense. He did a great job portraying child Philip, and then as a young adult, he was appropriately cocky and vulnerable.
Yana Perrault was cute and funny as Peggy, and absolutely smoldered as Maria. As Maria, she had very short hair, which I felt added somewhat to Maria's outsider status. I would love to hear her sing more; she has a beautiful and rich voice.
Peter Matthew Smith was funny as King George, really hamming it up appropriately. He snarled quite a lot, exaggerating his words, etc. The audience absolutely ate it up.
Other Notes: I absolutely sobbed during "Dear Theodosia." That song is very emotional for me, as someone who is an aunt and momo, and as someone whose parents were not always there for me. Edred Utomi and Josh Tower conveyed so much love for Hamilton's and Burr's respective children, and it was incredibly moving. I also think it's really worth noting just how amazing the ensemble is in this show. So much dancing and singing, and everything really blends together into this feverish intensity that's really just wonderful to see. Also, I want to acknowledge that there are very valid criticisms of this show as a whole, and I encourage everyone to read and research the actual history of the historical people who are portrayed in this show. They were not heroes. And I maintain that Burr is a more likeable person, both in this show and historically. Not that he was perfect; because, of course, he was not.
CAST
Hamilton: Edred Utomi
Eliza: Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama (U/S)
Burr: Josh Tower
Angelica: Stephanie Umoh
Washington: Paul Oakley Stovall
Lafayette/Jefferson: David Park
Mulligan/Madison: Tyler Belo
Laurens/Philip: Jon Viktor Corpuz
Peggy/Maria Reynolds: Yana Perrault
King George: Peter Matthew Smith
First, I should say that I've watched the professional recording of HAMILTON on Disney+ countless times since it was released, as well as listening to the original Broadway cast recording countless times. As much as I love it, I actually feel that these repeat viewing may have done me a disservice going in to see the show live. I'm ashamed to admit this, but I found myself initially comparing everyone and everything to that professional recording. Some of these comparisons were silly, such as noticing how loud it is onstage when they clink their cups together during "My Shot." Other comparisons were distracting, as my brain just didn't know how to process a different cast than the one from the professional recording. There's really no sense in my brain behaving this way; I'm a theatregoer from years back, over half my life, and I've seen so many different casts of so many different shows, and I've never had this problem before. I'm honestly embarrassed to have had this issue with HAMILTON. Luckily, as the show went on, my brain stopped trying to compare everyone, and I was better able to just sit back and enjoy the show.
Edred Utomi as Hamilton was a amazing. Very strong vocally, very earnest and eager in the first part of the show, while visibly becoming more sluggish and worn after Philip's death. By the time of his own death, he was weary and resigned to fate, and just ready to go.
Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama was the understudy for Eliza, and she was absolutely incredible. Very tiny, but with a voice that was oh-so-big! She portrayed her character's journey so well. Her strongest moment was during "Burn," when her voice completely filled the theatre with its beauty and strength. The emotion she conveyed during that song was enough to take your breath away.
Josh Tower as Burr was very strong vocally, and did not disappoint during my favorite song ("Wait For It"). What really stunned me with him, however, was his interpretation of the end verse of "The Room Where It Happens." He vocally and physically became almost crazed, and it was almost frightening to see. Very effective!
Stephanie Umoh as Angelica was decent during "Satisfied," but really shined during "It's Quiet Uptown." The whole theatre seemed to be in tears.
Paul Oakley Stovall really came across as older and wiser, but I thought he sounded strange over the microphone through much of the show, something about his pronunciations. His voice was amazing, though, especially during "One Last Time."
David Park as Lafayette had a rather slight French accent, but was able to rap incredibly fast during his character's more challenging bits. I thought he was more effective as Jefferson, with just the right amount of cockiness and swagger.
Tyler Belo as Mulligan was very charming and charismatic. He didn't stand out quite as much as Madison, but was still stunning vocally.
Jon Viktor Corpuz was terrific as Laurens, both humorous and intense. He did a great job portraying child Philip, and then as a young adult, he was appropriately cocky and vulnerable.
Yana Perrault was cute and funny as Peggy, and absolutely smoldered as Maria. As Maria, she had very short hair, which I felt added somewhat to Maria's outsider status. I would love to hear her sing more; she has a beautiful and rich voice.
Peter Matthew Smith was funny as King George, really hamming it up appropriately. He snarled quite a lot, exaggerating his words, etc. The audience absolutely ate it up.
Other Notes: I absolutely sobbed during "Dear Theodosia." That song is very emotional for me, as someone who is an aunt and momo, and as someone whose parents were not always there for me. Edred Utomi and Josh Tower conveyed so much love for Hamilton's and Burr's respective children, and it was incredibly moving. I also think it's really worth noting just how amazing the ensemble is in this show. So much dancing and singing, and everything really blends together into this feverish intensity that's really just wonderful to see. Also, I want to acknowledge that there are very valid criticisms of this show as a whole, and I encourage everyone to read and research the actual history of the historical people who are portrayed in this show. They were not heroes. And I maintain that Burr is a more likeable person, both in this show and historically. Not that he was perfect; because, of course, he was not.