I tend to be a lurker on most message boards, musicals or otherwise, but considering how help I find threads like this, I felt obligated (and excited) to pass along what I thought of tonight’s (Tuesdays) show. To preface this all, apologies for typos—it’s late. More importantly, I don’t want to make anyone feel like their opinions are invalid, I just want to share how I felt in case it’s useful for other Hamilton junkies. I realize we will all disagree about many things, which allows this message board to provide a wider range of information. I.e., I really hate confrontation, particularly on message boards, but I'd love to keep posting intel if we can all politely and respectively discuss/disagree with each other on the below--I'm putting a lot out there, and I'm sure others felt differently.
I’ve seen the show twice, once from Row Q-ish in the orchestra, and in D 103 tonight (front mezzanine, center stage. I’ve paid through the nose both times since I’m rarely in NY, but what can I say, I’m a sucker when it comes to this show.) I definitely liked the mezz better. I felt like I got a better feel for the (unbelievable) scale. And the lighting. Oh my god the lighting.
I was very disappointed when I saw the cast list for the performance—a lot of last minute changes and I still haven’t seen Chris Jackson (he must have known I was coming!). But, for the most part, my disappointment quickly and completely dissipated.
I thought Michael Lluwoye was fabulous. Fabulous. [Insert all other synonyms for fabulous]He has an amazing voice, can rap, and you almost can’t tell which mode he’s in because it all seems to flow naturally from him. He developed his own interpretation of the character and ran with it. It was beautiful to see an actor put his stamp on a role and execute it so perfectly. I was blown away.
Seth was also brilliant as Lafayette and Jefferson—I was terrified he wouldn’t be because I couldn’t find much on him online. From the little I found him before the show, it seems like he has a serious dance/hip hop back round, and it showed. No so much during the dance scenes (those were great too), but in his body movements/stances/positions as he played the character, particularly when interacting with Lluwoye as Lafayette. Talk about expressive (but not inappropriately excessive) body language. And I think it might have pushed Lluwoye to up his game (which he certainly did). I loved them together. Seth’s French accent was also to die for. So well done. Campy-er than Diggs’, but he pulled off so so well.
Mulligan, Laurens, Lafayette, and Hamilton had a wonderful dynamic during the first act—so many different personalities but so chummy. I loved them together.
Sydney was pretty stellar as Washington for an understudy. Way better than who I saw last time. Very understated and wise, except for the moments where Washington comes out of his shell, which fit perfectly. I couple hiccups here and there, but 95% awesome.
Now for the ladies. I loved Phillipa to death last time. She stole the show for me. Lexi was ok—only because it seemed like she was having trouble with her voice. When she was on he game, she was lovely. I liked her interpretation of Eliza mostly, so hopefully she gets better.
I actually really liked Alyosha (sp?) as Angelica. I thought she nailed it. If I hadn’t seen Renee I wouldn’t have known she is only a standby. I don’t know if she was just particularly on tonight, but mad props.
And Jasmine. Oh Jasmine who I didn’t get to see last time. I LOVED her Maria Reynolds. He voice is so beautiful and special. And talk about hitting the high notes. She also really stood out to me when she was in the backround, and always in a way that enhanced the ambiance. Sigh. She was everything I hoped and dreamed of.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t a big fan of Austin Smith as Burr. I feel like he could get there with a lot more practice. There were moments when I really connected with his interpretation, but he just didn’t seem to commit to a consistent character. And his voice wasn’t what I’d hope for in a Burr.
Happy to answer specific questions.