Saw the matinee today. This is my third time, but first time seeing Javier as Hamilton, and first time seeing Chris Jackson as Washington (Sydney James Harcourt was Washington the first two times I saw the show). However, I'm not a theater critic by any means, but a Hamilton fan and native NYer who attends at least a dozen shows each year. Here were my impressions:
Javier -- loved him. He really brings his own personality to the role while still sustaining a wonderful performance to the show. He did an excellent job, and I like his voice better than Lin's. I think Lin's Hamilton seemed more
Carleigh Bettiol as Eliza Hamilton -- She was impressive in this role. I saw Phillipa twice, and I really felt like there was no drop off seeing Carleigh. Her voice was beautiful, and she really did a lovely job with the role. Loved her version of "Burn", and I felt like her Eliza developed and grew as the show progressed.
Austin Smith as Burr -- I felt his performance was a little flat overall. He just didn't have the personality or charisma of LOJ, which is fine, but he also didn't bring his own personality to the role. His voice was fine, but I felt like he didn't carry the stage or have the presence that is required for Burr.
Chris Jackson -- Finally got to see him. I was impressed with Sydney's Washington, and still felt like his performance in this role was great, but Chris, at least for me, brought the role to another level. He had a presence that commanded the stage, which is really appropriate for this role. That says a lot because I really felt Sydney was great (and still do). Chris' voice is also phenomenal.
Seth Stewart (Lafayette/Jefferson) -- I was pleasantly surprised with Seth. Having seen Daveed twice, I couldn't imagine anyone coming close in terms of personality and skill, and Seth really was great. He wasn't able to fully do part of the super fast rap in Guns and Ships (he was behind the beat towards the end and if I didn't know the lyrics it would have been tough to make out some of it), but his character portrayal and personality in the role was great. And his rapping otherwise was excellent. Yes, I missed Daveed's hair and that did feel like part of the character, but Seth really did a wonderful job and brought a lot of personality and character to his role, with great presence.
Rory -- He's the third king I've seen, having seen Groff and Rannells. They all have been great and bring their own personality to the role. I think I liked Rannells the best, but Rory was solid and did a great job. This is a role that will be fun to see lots of different people step in, and could be a fun celebrity cameo type role as well down the road.
As always, really great performances from Renee, Oak, and Anthony.
So happy and fortunate to see it a third time. Going back in September, so looking forward to BVD and Lexi then!