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I have listened to the Hamilton soundtrack dozens of times, and have had my fair share of fan girl moments over Lin-Manuel Miranda. But I never dreamed I would be able to see a live Broadway performance of Hamilton in Portland! So when I heard it was coming to the Keller Auditorium in Portland, and was asked to attend, I didn’t have to think twice!
Hamilton falls into the strange, but oddly satisfying, category of American History Rap. When I first listened to the opening song “Alexander Hamilton,” I was hooked and immediately called my daughter into the room to listen to the entire soundtrack with me. Together we listened to the life of Alexander Hamilton from a poor orphaned immigrant to being George Washington’s right hand man to the end of his life when a “damned fool” shot him.
Finally, the night hamilton in portland arrived, we settled in at the Keller Auditorium and the lights dimmed, the crisp, honey-like voice of the very arrogant Aaron Burr (Nik Walker) rang loud and everyone in the audience had a permanent smile on their face. When Alexander Hamilton (Joseph Morales) joined in, I had to do a double take because he sounded nearly identical to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s unique voice!
After a few more songs (and drinks) one of the strongest women come into play: Eliza Schuyler (Shoba Narayan). At first, she appears to be a weak, helpless woman lusting after love. But this will all be proved wrong after she stands tall and strong through several challenged inluding losing both her oldest son and husband while raising her young children. And toward the end, we hear the incredible story of how she opened the very first orphanage in America in honor of her late husband- something most won’t learn in their US History classes.
And just when things start to get heavy, you can count on my very favorite character come into play and lighten the mood! King George (John Patrick Walker), is a prissy, cocky, spoiled leader that will throw a fit and threaten someone anytime something doesn’t go his way. The catchy tune of his song, “You’ll Be Back” will be playing on repeat in your head for days afterward, and you won’t even mind! As soon as he walked onto the stage, the audience was giggling in anticipation for this over the top, dramatic performance- and he certainly did not disappoint!
Hamilton will make you laugh, smile, cry, and want to see it over and over! It made me have a greater appreciation (and understanding) for our American History all while enjoying amazing singing and dancing. This is one play I will forever and always recommend everyone sees on stage. It was such a different experience to see it live than just listening to the music. Thank you so much, Broadway In Portland for this once in a lifetime experience- it was absolutely incredible!
While all performances for hamilton in portland are sold out, you can enter for a chance to win a pair of $10 tickets by downloading the Hamilton Lottery App for Andriod or iOS. Good luck!
