Don’t throw away your shot at catching Hamilton, the theatrical masterpiece in Singapore.
The only things I knew about Hamilton before attending the musical? Lin-Manuel Miranda, rap, founding father, and multi-award winning musical. Well, let’s just say me and American history aren’t exactly besties.
But don’t cancel me just yet. I know the cultural impact it created for Broadway and how it was all the rage when it first premiered off-Broadway in 2015. That’s the magic of Hamilton. As the lights dimmed and the first musical number ‘Alexander Hamilton’ filled the theatre, my eyes widened, my mouth agape in astonishment, and goosebumps prickled my skin. The energy onstage was palpable, and with each thump of the beat, I felt my heart racing in sync. You’re on to something, Alexander Hamilton and gang.
Singapore welcomes Hamilton with open arms
Running from now to 9 June 2024, the star of our 2024 theatre acts lineup saw an outstanding turnout during the opening weekend. This musical takes you on a wild ride through Alexander Hamilton’s life, from his days as George Washington’s sidekick in the Revolutionary War to his love story with Elizabeth Schuyler. You’ll follow his journey from lawyer to treasury big shot, all the way to that fateful duel with Aaron Burr (in case you didn’t know how he died, they spoil it right at the start). It’s history with a hip-hop twist that’ll have you hooked from start to finish.
An international cast that shines bright
Fans of Hamilton may have had their preferences for some of the original cast, but as a fresh viewer, I thought everyone was absolutely stellar. The international cast, led by Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton and Rachelle Ann Go as Eliza Hamilton, delivered powerhouse performances with nuances that can’t be compared to the original.
Among the standout performances, Eliza Hamilton held a special place in my heart. Rachelle Ann Go’s portrayal, coupled with her powerful vocals, took us on an emotional rollercoaster, from the tender courtship with Hamilton to the heart-wrenching grief of losing a child. I loved how David Park added some sass to Marquis de Lafayette (he also plays Thomas Jefferson). And let’s not forget the overarching antagonist King George III (played by Brent Hill), who gave a comedic and memorable portrayal during his short screen time.
But the star of the show (all puns intended) is our main guy. Jason Arrow’s incredible performance as the protagonist stole the show with his charismatic screen presence and vocal prowess. My companion, who’s a fan of the OG production, even dared to say that he’s better than the main man behind this Broadway show. I’m sure Lin-Manuel Miranda won’t mind.
The magic behind the scenes
From the meticulously crafted costumes to the stunning set design and dramatic light changes that enhanced the mood of each scene, every aspect of the production contributed to its brilliance. The music, seamlessly blending with the storytelling, had our hearts pounding with each verse.
We were fully immersed in the choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and direction by Thomas Kail. I didn’t feel a moment of lull throughout the entire performance. Time seemed to fly by, despite the 170-minute runtime (with a 20-minute intermission).
A must-see musical marvel
For someone who knew nothing about the show before catching it, I’m happy to report that I’ve been listening to the music on replay and watching the original show on Disney+. Or I might just pop by for another round before tickets get snapped up. Speaking of which, we received intel that the best seats are currently available on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, as well as Sunday matinees performances from mid-May to June.
It proves that Hamilton isn’t just a musical; it’s an experience. As Alexender Hamilton says, don’t throw away your shot to witness this theatrical masterpiece firsthand in Singapore.
Hamilton, running now till 9 June 2024 at the Sands Theatre, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956, off-peak stall tickets start from $150
