Laura and Samara spend their days as non-profit unicorns and fill every spare minute exploring the world of musical theatre as BFFs (that’s Broadway Friends Forever). Follow @bffs613 on Instagram and Facebook.
It’s time to be in the room where it happens! Hamilton is back in the capital for an extended two-week run, and we’re thrilled to catch this once again, thanks to Broadway Across Canada’s tour—a show filled with details and complexity, and with so much to see. If you caught Hamilton on its first trip through Ottawa, you know it’s worth going again. Didn’t catch it last time? Don’t throw away your shot, now’s your chance!
Tyler Fauntleroy and Jimmie “JJ” Jeter. Photo: Joan Marcus
In case you’ve been under a rock and aren’t familiar, Hamilton tells the unlikely story of an orphan immigrant who rises to become an influential leader during the founding of the United States, and it’s all set to unique hip-hop and rap songs that revolutionized Broadway. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the 11-time Tony Award-winning musical has exhilarated audiences around the globe, and the Ottawa tour (named the #AngelicaTour) is no exception.
The brick wall and wooden staging, in a single tone, serve as the backdrop to Hamilton’s story. With minimal additional staging and occasional moving pieces, it brings the late 1700s time period to life. The little movements transition from scene to scene, through time and location, elevating moments as simple as sending a letter. This works in tandem with the incredible ensemble, who keep the story moving and drive the scenes. Whether creating a hurricane, a battle scene, or a celebration, everything they do is seamless.
Lauren Mariasoosay, Marja Harmon, Lily Soto. Photo: Joan Marcus
Needless to say, Hamilton is a demanding show for performers, with a high volume of words per minute in most songs, which is a vocal workout. The #AngelicaTour cast meets the challenge with a fast-paced and high-energy performance, beautifully working off each other. There is an immense amount of talent on the Hamilton stage, including Eliza Hamilton, played by Lauren Mariasoosay, who captured audiences through each moment and every note.
As Hamilton celebrates its 10th anniversary, its themes continue to connect and inspire audiences. The production tackles the complexity of revolution and democracy, as well as the complicated vision of the American dream. You will leave with beats and lyrics stuck in your head and listen to the soundtrack on your car ride home. Through this, thanks to the power of art, audiences are also reminded that history has its eyes on you, encouraging us to keep fighting and moving forward.
Hamilton is non-stop and back in Ottawa. Grab your tickets now before they are gone!
Broadway Across Canada’s presentation of Hamilton takes place from Aug. 5-17 with 7:30pm evening performances from Tuesday to Sunday and 1pm matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday. Hamilton runs for 2 hours and 45 minutes with an intermission.
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