No Need to "Wait For It," Hamilton is Here and It's Fabulous

(l-r) Tyler Fauntleroy and Jimmie J.J. Jeter in the HAMILTON National Tour - (c) Joan Marcus 2024

Since its 2015 debut, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton has taken the world by storm. The beloved musical, which was inspired by Ron Chernow’s book Alexander Hamilton, follows the rich and complicated life of the famous Founding Father. Its catchy lyrics and signature mix of musical styles, not to mention the very human, very multi-dimensional characters, are just a few of the features that make Hamilton so very special. And, luckily for Triangle-area audiences, it’s back on the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) stage as part of WRAL’s Greatest Hits of Broadway lineup. Featuring polished direction by Thomas Kail, music supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, and a stellar, high-energy cast, this production is a real delight for both long-time fans and first-time viewers alike.

The musical covers decades of Hamilton’s life, as well as some major events in U.S. history, including the Revolutionary War and Constitutional Convention. Through it all, however, the focus on Hamilton as a flawed human with a mix of both personal and altruistic motivations never wavers. Add in a love story—and even a love triangle of sorts—and a deadly rivalry with Aaron Burr, and you’ve got an alluring blend of both drama and romance and fact and fiction. 

That “blending” extends to the music and choreography as well. Miranda’s music runs the gamut from hip-hop and jazz to Broadway and R&B, while Andy Blankenbuehler’s choreo combines street dance with jazz, contemporary, swing, and more. Regardless of style, each movement is impeccably sharp, creating a punchy effect that keeps even the busiest numbers looking neat and pristine.

This production of Hamilton also benefits from a highly energized, full-of-chemistry cast. In the title role, Tyler Fauntleroy is wonderfully complex and dashingly charismatic. He shares a palpable connection with the breathtaking Eliza Hamilton, portrayed at Thursday night’s performance by understudy Amanda Simone Lee. Lee’s angelic voice makes every number a soul-piercing joy. And, while Alexander and Eliza’s chemistry is sweet, the bond between Eliza and her ride-or-die sister, Angelica, acted by a fierce and fiery Marja Harmon, leaps off the stage. Harmon’s emotional portrayal enables the depth of Miranda’s characterization to shine through. 

Of course, there can’t be a hero without a villain—although this story raises some very real and topical questions about who’s who—and Jimmie “JJ” Jeter strikes all the right chords as the conflicted Aaron Burr, especially during his passionate, emotional delivery of “Wait For It.”

Other cast standouts include A.D. Weaver’s intimidating George Washington, Christian Magby’s flashy Thomas Jefferson, and the scene-stealing, hilarious Matt Bittner as King George III. Bittner has so much gleeful, snarky fun with the role that the already-hilarious lyrics reach a whole new level of humor.

These wonderfully nuanced characters are clad in Paul Tazewell’s dazzling, period-appropriate costumes. In particular, Eliza’s soft, solid-colored dresses and Thomas Jefferson’s purple velvet coat serve as excellent characterization devices. Kudos are also owed to Charles G. LaPointe’s character and period appropriate hair and wig design. These over-the-top elements are nicely balanced by David Korins’ minimalist set, which allows the story to move across time and distance effortlessly. 

Hamilton reminds viewers that who tells a story is important, but it is also a study in how to tell a story. It takes risks and experiments in daring ways, but always remembers to return to its human core. Engaging, insightful, and incredibly inspiring, Hamilton will make you think deeply about the legacy you wish to leave behind.

-Susie Potter