If you see me in the street, walking by myself, talking to myself don't bother me at all. I'm listening to the Hamilton cast album like it's 2016 and I'm 18-years-old again. If you have somehow missed the giant wrap-around banner at Theatre Royal Plymouth, Hamilton is on tour and it is in Plymouth until September 6. And my god, you should see it if you can.
The musical, written by Lin Manuel Miranda with music by Alex Lacamoire, follows the life and death of Alexander Hamilton, one of the four founding fathers of the United States of America. From his victories, both in battle and politically, to his losses, both politically and personally, the story follows this eager, hungry young man with scores of ambition and drive - and surprisingly little common sense to go alongside it.
He is met at every turn by Aaron Burr, his... nemesis might be the most accurate word. They're friends and enemies at various points and they have much in common except for one thing - where Hamilton is proud and open of his views and opinions, Burr plays his cards close to his chest. This tiny sticking point leads to a fateful duel in which Burr kills Hamilton.
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That might seem like a big spoiler but the story is more than 200 years old. That's all the plot I'm giving away, I promise.
I'll be the first to admit, I'm a fan of this musical and, not to be cooler than you, but I've been a fan of this musical for 10 years. Me and my sibling would duet every song on the cast album, which is fine when it's Dear Theodosia or a Cabinet Battle, but less so when it's Yorktown or Non Stop. My Shot was on my A Level study playlist; it isn't an exaggeration to say I was obsessed with Hamilton for a good couple of years.
Yet I never watched the stage recording on Disney+. I had always hoped I would one day be able to see it live and I wanted my experience to be fresh, so I could enjoy watching it properly, as it was supposed to be seen, for the first time.
Seeing it live changed the game completely.
There is always a risk that, when you love one version of something, anything else can feel lacking, like it can't live up to your version. I'll admit that worried me - would this cast live up to the show I had built up in my head?
Folks, they smashed it out of the park.
Marley Fenton, starring as Alexander Hamilton, plays vulnerable, young scrappy and hungry Hamilton incredibly well, leaving you rooting for the guy as his world is turned upside down again and again - even when it's his own fault. When Hamilton's life comes crashing down around him - the result of his own weakness - you're mad at Fenton's character but you're still hoping beyond hope things work out because you want him to be a good guy. You want him to be better than he is.
While My Shot will always be my favourite song from the show (and here was no exception with every beat hard and raw and passionate above anything else) Fenton's standout performance was Hurricane.
Draped in ominous and dreamy hazy blue lighting, Hamilton sings of writing his way through life, through every terrible thing that happened to him as a child and how he believes writing solved all his problems and will solve this mega, career-ending problem (no spoilers, remember). Only this time, writing makes it worse, as the audience knows from the start of the song.
Throughout the second act, as things just get worse and worse for Hamilton, there is the sense of tension rising. Things get more and more strained and the band is pulled tighter and tighter until Hamilton is confronted with his mistakes and the band snaps, instantly. Hurricane is the breath in the middle of the storm that is Hamilton's life.
His frenemy, and I use that in the loosest of terms, Burr is played by Billy Nevers who I could watch perform all day. There was such careful poise in every movement across the stage until the explosive Wait For It and Room Where It Happens, which are really the only times when we get to see Burr show any emotions at all.
It stands to reason that Lin Manuel Miranda would give the most explicitly measured and poker-faced character the most volatile solo numbers and Nevers brings the energy - and vocal range - to ramp up the frustrations of the character. It's tragic that you can see how easily Burr and Hamilton could have and should have been friends, but Burr's jealousy keeps getting in his way.
I can't give you a full run down of every incredible moment from this production because, at that point, I might as well just start quoting the show. However, other standout moments included Eliza (Casey Al-Shaqsy) burning Hamilton's letters on stage with real fire and Ashley J. Daniels entrance as Thomas Jefferson at the start of Act 2. What a diva!
I truly, from the bottom of my heart, believe there is something for everyone in Hamilton, which is why it has gained such popularity. It's there for fans of history, rap music and people who enjoy messy drama.
For the petty b*tches, the drama queens and those who just love a damn good bopping tune. It's there for folk who love clever lyrics and word play and comedy and drama and death and love and for those who want to feel hopeful and sad at the same time.
There's a reason everyone raves about this show and it is a musical production unlike any other. If you get the chance, please see Hamilton. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and sing every part of Non Stop by myself in the kitchen.
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