Finally made it back to the show last week to catch the replacements for the first time! Pleased to say that with the exception of one, the principal cast replacements thus far are phenomenal.
Michael Luwoye was on as Hamilton when I went, and boy, oh boy. He is something ELSE. He plays a completely different Hamilton than I've seen both Lin and Javi play, and he is absolutely sensational. His voice is out of this world and his performance was both inspiring and inspired.
Brandon Victor Dixon is also giving a completely new performance than what I've seen, and his Burr is immensely affective. He plays a more incredulous and flabbergasted Burr (as opposed to Leslie's cunning, brooding Burr), which makes the character so much more human and makes Act II that much more devastating. I cannot rave enough about Dixon's performance.
Lexi Lawson is, overall, a fantastic Eliza. Her acting I think still needs more development (mostly in terms of her body movement, which came off as mechanical and robotic at times, though her facial expressions are great), but she has a truly gorgeous voice. She's a younger and more naïve Eliza than Soo's, and she was able to demonstrate incredible character development. Her Act II was near-flawless, in my opinion.
Seth Stewart is a super endearing Laf/Jef. He's made the role his own, and clearly isn't trying to emulate Daveed, which I very much appreciated. He nailed the comedy and the physicality of the role, even if his presence is (obviously) worlds different than Daveed's!
Raves, as always, for Chris Jackson, whose "One Last Time" has never failed to make me bawl. Ramos and Jasmine are still at the top of their game. Chappelle was on for Oak, and I found his Madison to be far better than his Mulligan, which wasn't bad either way.
And that, sadly, brings me to my sole critique. I was very disappointed by Mandy Gonzalez's Angelica. I'm still struggling to identify what it is that left me so upset, but her performance didn't have an ounce of the power that Renée's did. "Satisfied" wasn't a showstopper; it was kind of just another song. The opening of "Quiet Uptown" wasn't devastating; it was Mandy stepping out to start singing. I kept wanting to give Mandy the credit of having an off day or something, but every time, I was just heartbroken by how miscast she seemed. Really difficult for me to have to articulate this, but it's my honest opinion.
Anyway, I'm happy to say the show is in extremely good hands as the cast continues to transition out of the OGs. The star is, as always will be, the show itself.
So, on Sunday Nov 6th, there will be two shows (1pm and a benefit concert in the evening) -- does anyone happen to know which show Javi will be in? I'm excited to see both Michael and Javi -- just curious!
I'm really surprised that some felt doing ham4ham was being taken advantage of... I thought it was great exposure for the more unknown cast members. The videos are seen by many people and could lead to other jobs. Wow, I'm going to start taking vitamins so I am alive for the future tell all book bc this is going to be good.
Anyone happen to know how Chris Jackson's attendance is these days? I know he's in a TV series now. Hoping to see him.before he ends his run. Is he mostly out during the week? Thanks!
Does anyone have the link for the Hamilton B-roll that was around awhile ago? I have a friend who is a brand new Hamilton obsessed fan who doesn't have a chance to see the show live so I'd love to show her the best clips. PM if necessary but thanks in advance!
So strange to see new faces. I wonder if Sydney's absence is temporary re the workshop he's doing at the moment. He didn't post anything about leaving Hamilton. Has Gerald Avery extended his stay? I thought he was in through the end of this month.
Hey Dottie!
Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany
DottieD'Luscia said: "So strange to see new faces. I wonder if Sydney's absence is temporary re the workshop he's doing at the moment. He didn't post anything about leaving Hamilton. Has Gerald Avery extended his stay? I thought he was in through the end of this month.
" Gerald should be there until Hairspray live is finished, I think.
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Following the performance you and your guest can learn the behind-the-scenes history of this legendary musicals as you dine with HAMILTON's Tony Award-winning director, THOMAS KAIL, at the renowned theatre hot spot Etcetera Etcetera. It's an unforgettable experience of America's Musical!
Saw it for the third time last night, first time with the new people.
BVD was fantastic. I felt like Leslie brought more emotion to the role, but I loved BVD's portrayal. He was more playful and charismatic. And his voice is amazing, that last note on The Room Where it Happened, wow. I probably prefer Leslie but it's close. Although the duel was much better with Leslie. And Non-Stop too.
I don't know what was going on with Mandy Gonzalez but she was behind in every song all night. I don't know if it was intentional or what but it was really distracting.
Lexi was fine. My gf said she preferred her over Soo, I disagreed, but she was great.
Javier really didn't do it for me. I've been so looking forward to seeing him, and his voice is fantastic. And he does the cocky parts great, but Lin was so much more frantic. He sold that Hamilton is a guy that is doing all he can with the time he has. And the deaths hit so much harder with Lin. I felt them much more. I don't think I even welled up last night.
And Seth Stewart pales in to comparison to Daveed. His Lafayette was better than I was expecting after what I'd read. And he was fine as Jefferson, I liked his cockiness, he just doesn't have the charisma that Daveed does.
schubox said: "I don't know what was going on with Mandy Gonzalez but she was behind in every song all night. I don't know if it was intentional or what but it was really distracting."
I had the same experience with Mandy when I revisited the show earlier this month. Her performance really disappointed me.