We were in the room where it happened, again! The legendary Hamilton musical returned to UT’s Bass Concert Hall after 3-ish years with a new vibe and cast. All the scenes and songs are there in grand fashion but a few changes stood out. The even bigger and louder presence of George Washington (Weaver), variations for Hamilton (Fauntleroy) -who got hoots when he entered (he’s also famous for HBO’s Succession). Howelton played both Lafayette and Jefferson added some great physical comedy that the crowd loved. Burr (Jeter) added his own uniqueness and interpretation as well.
The night was as magical as the last time we got to witness it. It’s non stop, no downtime- continuous entertainment.
Out of the 47 songs and 2 hours, 45 minute show- it’s always hard to pick favorites. Besides obvious mega hits “My Shot” and “The Room Where it Happens”, many songs were also emotional or hilarious. For comedy, King George (Sargeant) still steals the show with various appearances and songs in both acts including the fantastically written, “You’ll Be Back”. You’ll laugh your ass off in this part.
For the deeper tracks, “It’s Quiet Uptown” chokes us up (about loss and forgiveness)- no one should ever have to go through the “unimaginable” in their lifetime. “Who Lives , Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” is also teary as we think about mortality and legacy. And all she went through and rose above to tell her husband’s story and live out his visions).
“Satisfied” at the wedding of Eliza (Mariasoosay) & Hamilton stands out as the love story with another Schyler sister, Angelica (Harmon) who deep down wanted him for herself. They had a deeper connection (and sexual chemistry) but as the elder sister it was her duty to marry rich and Hamilton was penniless. We’ve always wondered how the story would’ve been different had they gotten together (possibly in the ‘summer upstate’.) Would he have lived a long life? “Blow Us All Away” was energetic at first, then it became dark and deeply moving as Hamilton’s young son tries to defend his father and ends up in a duel, to his death. The sad reality of gun violence then and today is hard to fathom.
Hamilton is famous for its great one liners. A few favorite quotes include:
“Dying is easy, young man. Living is harder.”
“Immigrants, we get the job done.”
“If you stand for nothing, Burr, what’ll you fall for?”
“Everything’s legal in New Jersey”
It’s also obvious that the timing of the show’s run, is during the scariest and most divisive time in politics in our lifetime. The chaos of the last couple months and the threats to democracy are shocking. It makes us wonder if the founding fathers would be surprised and horrified at what’s happening today.
On the year of its 10th anniversary, it was a perfect time to see Hamilton again. We heard there’s a plan for the original cast reunion to honor this occasion this summer. Can’t wait for that. To say Lin-Manuel Miranda is a ‘genius ‘is an understatement. We’re in awe, again, that he wrote, directed, starred in, composed and wrote all the songs and music, etc. It truly is something everyone should see in their lifetime. Although it’s mostly sold out, you might still get lucky.
Texas Performing Arts presents Broadway in Austin
WHAT: Hamilton
WHEN: March 25 – April 6, 2025
Tues – Thurs at 7:30 pm | Fri at 8 pm | Sat at 2 & 8 pm | Sun at 1 & 6:30 pm
WHERE: Bass Concert Hall | 2350 Robert Dedman Drive | Austin, TX 78712
TICKETS: Tickets are available at texasperformingarts.org and BroadwayinAustin.com, by phone at (512) 477-1444, or from the Texas Performing Arts ticket office at Bass Concert Hall. For groups of 10 or more, call (877) 275-3804 or email Austin.groups@broadwayacrossamerica.com
About Hamilton: A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation. HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation.
Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, it has won Grammy®, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.
Song list
Act 1
Alexander Hamilton
Aaron Burr, Sir
My Shot
The Story of Tonight
The Schuyler Sisters
Farmer Refuted
You’ll Be Back
Right Hand Man
A Winter’s Ball
Helpless
Satisfied
The Story of Tonight – Reprise
Wait for It
Stay Alive
Ten Duel Commandments
Meet Me Inside
That Would Be Enough
Guns and Ships
History Has Its Eyes on You
Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)
What Comes Next?
Dear Theodosia
Non-Stop
Act 2
What’d I Miss
Cabinet Battle #1
Take a Break
Say No to This
The Room Where It Happens
Schuyler Defeated
Cabinet Battle #2
Washington on Your Side
One Last Time
I Know Him
The Adams Administration
We Know
Hurricane
The Reynolds Pamphlet
Burn
Blow Us All Away
Stay Alive – Reprise
It’s Quiet Uptown
The Election of 1800
Your Obedient Servant
Best of Wives and Best of Women
The World Was Wide Enough
Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story
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