Review: 'Hamilton' now at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre

‘History Has Its Eyes’ on HAMILTON as the first major live theater production in Los Angeles to open its doors to the public at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. A crowd of mask-wearing patrons and tourists gathered before showtime for Opening Night, Aug. 26. Once the theatre doors opened, ticket holders were instructed to show proof of ID and vaccination cards, plus make sure masks were on correctly, before getting their bags checked and ticket scanned. It’s been almost 18 months since the Hollywood Pantages opened its doors to audiences, and they want to provide the safest space possible for patrons, cast, crew, and staff.

The downstairs bar was open, as was the lobby bar and souvenir stand, however, most patrons entered the theatre to find their seats to take in the magnificent beauty of the 1930 indoor theater, built by the vaudeville impresario Alexander Pantages.

As the lights dimmed, tears formed in my eyes as the live orchestra played the first few notes of the opening song and the cast appeared onstage introducing Aaron Burr (Nicholas Christopher) and Hamilton (Jamael Westman, played Hamilton in London), along with others. What electrified me was seeing the joy and freedom in their facial expressions without having to wear a face covering.

Christopher’s strong and powerful voice, especially in “Wait For It” had everyone in the audience applauding. I learned this talented singer and actor played George Washington on Broadway, and received The Ellliot Norton Award for his portrayal of Aaron Burr. Even though some people in the audience know Burr was “cursed as the villain in history,” the audience adored this talented actor. 

Bigger-than-life George Washington performance by Haitian-American musical actor (Carvens Lissaint) almost had me on my feet. Lissaint previously performed in Hamilton on Broadway, and on one of his Instagram post (@cravenslissaint) he states, “I’ll be honest….I didn’t think I would come back to the show post-pandemic, (Not just because of the fear and uncertainty of our industry as live performers) but also because I was questioning if I even wanted to pursue acting as a career anymore.” I’m glad he pulled up his bootstraps and made the leap, because he is one of the strongest, most magnetic, and awe-inspiring performers in the show.

The wealthy Schuyler sisters had some stand-out performances, especially Angelica, played by Sabrina Sloan who played the role before the pandemic in one of the Hamilton national touring companies. She brought the house to applause singing “Satisfied” in the wedding scene, after singing “Helpless”. The chemistry between her and Hamilton clue patrons to how Hamilton will never be fully satisfied.

Sister Eliza Schuyler/Hamilton (Joanna A. Jones), sings a little differently than the original Eliza on Broadway (Phillipa Soo), yet she commanded the stage in singing “That Would Be Enough” and “Burn” while trying to erase herself from the narrative in history books.

The third sister Peggy Schuyler (Taylor Iman Jones) also plays the vixen Maria Reynolds in the show. Her comic mannerisms in “The Schuyler Sisters” number won over the audience, and I liked her coquettish expressions while seducing Hamilton as he sings “Say No To This.” The scene is done tastefully in a family-friendly manner, however, the teenage boy sitting next to me did squirm in his seat a little.

With the spirit of revolution in the air, the whimsical Samuel Seabury (Aaron Alexander Gordon) provided a few chuckles before King George (Rory O’Malley) playfully reminds the colonists that as King, he will fight for their submission in “You’ll Be Back.” I watched in awe as O’Malley performed this role in Hollywood three years ago, and was excited to see him again in this production. In the Playbill, he states he is ‘overwhelmed with gratitude to be wearing the crown on the Pantages stage again,” and it shows with his flamboyant performance in “You’ll Be Back”, and the giddiness he displayed hearing about the United States’ political turmoil in “I Know Him.”

Lighting Designer Howell Binkley is back enhancing the musical numbers especially with “Right Hand Man” and one of my favorite songs, “Rise Up” receiving enthusiastic applause.

At times the audience couldn’t contain their exuberance before the last note was sung in many of the songs and the cast would take a beat or two to soak in the admiration. It must be such a thrill for each one of them to hear a live audience again.

One of my favorite scenes is Hamilton, John Laurens (Ruben J. Carvajal returning again to play Laurens and Philip Hamilton), Lafayette (Simon Longnight also playing Thomas Jefferson), and Hercules Mulligan (Wallace Smith also playing James Madison) drunkenly celebrating Hamilton’s marriage to Eliza with “buddy-style” camaraderie. Longnight’s singing, acting, dancing, and rapping skills leave the audience wondering, when does he take a breath? His bigger-than-life personality draws all eyes on him whenever he enters the stage.

Smith isn’t as thug-like as other Hercules Mulligan’s. Instead, he has the audience laughing while performing in both roles and is a lot of fun to watch.

Director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler and Scenic Designer David Korins’ idea of a round movable Lazy-Susan-style stage works so well in many scenes, especially in the musical number Helpless”, “Satisfied” and “Ten Duel Commandments.”

Christopher as Burr brought down the house again while displaying envy of Hamilton’s power, during another favorite musical number “The Room Where It Happens.”

One could hear a pin drop as the audience watches Hamilton crumble physically and emotionally while begging for Eliza’s forgiveness, as the ensemble sings “It’s Quiet Uptown,” and also during the aftermath of Hamilton’s son, Philip’s death.

After the historical dual between Burr and Hamilton, and Hamilton’s soliloquy about death, as well as Eliza upholding her husband’s legacy interviewing everyone to tell his story, the show finished in three hours to a standing ovation.

Walking out of the Pantages Theatre, I reflected how brave these actors are to perform 8 times a week. Even though their audience is masked, they aren’t and I hope they all continue to take good care of themselves and stay well, because Los Angeles audiences are raising a glass to this talented touring production.

‘So Take A Break’ of being cooped up at home and buy tickets to one of the most epic and award-winning American musicals in history. It will leave you “Satisfied” and “Blow Us All Away.”

Hamilton run dates are August 17, 2021, through January 2, 2022. Audiences must be fulled vaccinated and wear a mask to attend any performance through October 10. Only ticket holders who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 are allowed entrance. That means vaccinated at least 14 days after the final vaccine dose.

Those under age 12, have reasonable accommodation for medical reasons or due to a sincerely held religious belief must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to entering the theatre. Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theatre.

Masks are required for all ticket holders, regardless of vaccination status. Masks must be worn at all times, except when eating or drinking in designated areas. This vaccination policy will be re-assessed on an ongoing basis and will be update for performances after October 10, 2021.

Tickets start at $55 for certain performances.

The #Ham4Ham digital lottery returns every Friday at 10 a.m., until the next Thursday at noon for $10 tickets for the following week’s performance. Winners will be notified on Thursday between noon and 4 p.m., and have an hour to claim their tickets. 

Go to https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/events/detail/hamiltonla.