Review: 'Hamilton': Hip-hop history lesson brilliant at Kravis

What did people really know about Alexander Hamilton before 2015? The average person might have known that his face graces the $10 bill, and, thanks to a milk commercial, that he died in a duel, shot by Aaron Burr.

But that was before Lin-Manuel Miranda’s juggernaut of a musical opened on Broadway and took the world by storm, telling the story of a unique patriot and statesman whose legacy is finally getting the attention it deserves.

“Hamilton,” now on stage through April 21 at Kravis Center, is the hippest, most stylish history lesson ever, detailing how an immigrant orphan with a hellish childhood came to a new land and was instrumental in helping it become the United States of America. The musical, based on a biography by Ron Chernow, portrays Hamilton as a complex man with integrity, eager to make his mark on the world and leave it better than he found it.

Hamilton’s story is famously told through music that veers wildly from the traditional Broadway show, including hip-hop, soul, pop, and rhythm and blues, and performed by a racially diverse cast, giving an old story a fresh, fun take. As Miranda has said, “Hamilton” is America then, told by America now.

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The primary relationship in “Hamilton” is between Hamilton and Burr, lifelong frenemies. Watching the evolution of their complicated bond from their first meeting to that fateful duel is fascinating.

The cast is excellent, as is every other aspect of this production. Deon’te Goodman is terrific as Burr, a looming presence in Hamilton’s life. Goodman is especially moving when he sings about Burr’s daughter on “Dear Theodosia” and “The World Was Wide Enough.” Paul Louis Lessard is hilarious as King George III, who thinks of the Revolutionary War as a lovers’ spat. Lessard brings even more humor to the already funny, gleefully wicked. lyrics in his three songs, “You’ll Be Back,” “What Comes Next?” and “I Know Him.”

Jared Howelton wrings the comedy from his dual roles as the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, busting plenty of moves throughout. As George Washington, Carvens Lissaint has a powerful voice fit for a general and first president. Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama brings a lovely serenity to Hamilton’s wife, Eliza, but turns up the heat with her explosive performance of “Burn.” Blaine Alden Krauss plays Hamilton with introspective intensity. From the first time he appears on stage and states his name until his last moments, Krauss’s vivid portrayal is stunning.

Sure, you can watch “Hamilton” on TV, but nothing compares to seeing it live, and feeling the excitement of being in the room where it happens.

If You Go ...

“Hamilton” runs through April 21, at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For tickets and more information, call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Review: 'Hamilton' at Kravis lives up to hip, fresh reputation