If you are first-time attendee of the Tony Award winning touring Broadway musical Hamilton, playing at the Place des Arts until Sept. 7, here is my first piece of important advice: get there early, grab a program book and read the synopsis at least twice. It will make it is easier to comprehend the complete storyline.
I have been dreaming about seeing Hamilton since it first hit the Broadway stage 10 years ago. This is a brilliant musical by visionary Lin-Manuel Miranda and a true piece of world history, all told in very fast paced song and rap. Going in cold will have you a little bit out of place. Yep, it was indeed my first show. Sure, I saw the television reproduction, but it is not the same seeing the real thing and let me say this cast knocked it out of the house. I have attended many Broadway-style shows at PDA in my life, but this one had that true star power. You could feel the anticipation in the audience as the curtain arose. The applause was thunderous all evening long.
Tyler Fauntleroy, Lauren Mariasoosay and Jimmie “JJ” Jeter are the leads as Alexandra and Eliza Hamilton and Aaron Burr ( Jimmie “JJ” Jeter). I interviewed Mariasoosay for The Suburban On Air and you can watch that talk here.
When you go see Hamilton, the funniest scenes belong to King George III, in this case portrayed by Matt Bittner. The character can best be described as a spoiled, petulant brat who treats the American colonies as a difficult lover. His character is largely comic, with music that is poppy and retro, inspired by the “British Musical Invasion” of the 1960s. Throughout the musical, he makes several cameo appearances, taunting the Americans after their victory and expressing irritation over their success. His quotes often reflect his frustration and the absurdity of his situation, making him a memorable and relatable character in the context of the American Revolution.
As for my favorite songs of the show?
“My Shot” – Hamilton asserts his revolutionary ambition, joining forces with fellow patriots who believe in fighting for change.
“Satisfied” – Angelica Schuyler recounts the night Hamilton met her sister Eliza, revealing her own buried feelings and the personal cost of putting family before love.
“Wait for It” – Aaron Burr reflects on fate, love, and legacy, contrasting Hamilton’s impulsive ambition with his own careful restraint.
“The Room Where It Happens” – Burr envies Hamilton’s political influence, expressing his desire to gain power and no longer be left out of key decisions.
I met people I knew and those who recognized me from my Instagram feed before the show and during the intermission. Pierrefonds’ Roula Hanna, who works in the chemical industry by day, told me “I travel globally for my job and tried many times to see Hamilton elsewhere, but was never able to get tickets. I was so happy to be able to go to the show in Montreal. Hamilton is like a history class meets a hip hop concert. It’s smart, catchy and seriously entertaining. I enjoyed every bit of it.”
Well said Roula! Frankly, I was astounded how each of these performers could memorize their lines and lyrics. It is not easy stuff. Hamilton chronicles the rise and fall of the founding father, Alexander Hamilton. Through the blended hip-hop, rap and jazz score, the saga shares with the audience Hamilton’s life and political story, as he fights for freedom, honor and love in hopes of leaving a legacy behind. It is divided evenly between two acts.
For Eliza, Mariasoosay said she pushed herself to a place where she felt she could accurately emote the middle Schuyler sister’s heart-wrenching story. “Eliza is a very vulnerable character, so I knew I was going to have to bring her vulnerability to life using the life I’ve lived so far as inspiration,” she explained. “I want Eliza to be genuine and earnest and also represent the bravery that comes with sitting in the discomfort of vulnerability.”
I loved the show’s energetic opening with the cast introducing us to Alexander Hamilton, presenting the perfect mixture of energy and choreography. It really gave you a glimpse of what to expect the rest of the evening.
Log on to www.hamiltonmusical.com or www.evenko.com for more about the show.
CATS EXHIBITION: Suburban readers know how much I adore cats. So, I am pleased to tell you about Miriam Rosenstein exhibition which runs at the Atwater Library until mid-September. It features beautiful watercolor paintings of felines.
Miriam has a BFA in Music and Visual Arts from Concordia University. She has been teaching piano in Montreal for many years. She has also taught Adult Education. Recently, she has been devoting more time to painting, choosing to work with watercolora.
Why cats ? “They are very sinuous, and the way they move is so graceful and fluid, that it translates naturally to the medium of watercolor,” she said. “These paintings were influenced by the brushwork in Chinese watercolor paintings. When you paint with watercolor, there is an immediacy, with very little room for error. As well, different papers absorb the paint and water differently, making for a new experience each time. The paint and water flow with a movement all their own. While you can guide the movement, you can’t control it completely. You get many surprises and soon realize that you literally have to ‘go with the flow.’ I hope these cats, each with its own personality, bring a smile to your face, and no, I don’t have a cat. “
OPEN HOUSE FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS: Passionate about engaging with seniors or simply giving back? Discover how you can get involved and find meaningful ways to contribute and create a vibrant and supportive community for older adults. We offer in-person or virtual opportunities and flexible scheduling. Sharing your time and energy will make a lasting impact. Monday September 8, 10 am to 3 pm at 5700 Westbury Ave. To register today 514.734.1734 or email volunteer@cummingscentre.org
AWARD WINNING ARTIST: The Cummings Centre will host an Art Chat: Meet Jacques Goldstyn (“Boris”), an award-winning artist, illustrator and cartoonist Thursday, September 11 (7 to 9 pm) 5700 Westbury Ave. It is $10 for members and $15 for guests. Discover Jacques Goldstyn’s creative process as he shares original artwork and stories from his books and sketchbooks. Don’t miss this unique chance to see creativity in action! Made possible by the Esther and Lou Seltzer Creative Art Endowment Fund. To register call 514-343-3510.
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