Thrilling ‘Hamilton’ tour makes Sarasota debut at Van Wezel

Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·4 min read

If you have only seen the hit musical “Hamilton” on television on Disney+ or listened to the original cast recording, nothing can compare to experiencing it live in the relative intimacy of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Even those, like me, who have seen it multiple times on stage, can still thrill at the way Lin-Manuel Miranda tells the story of the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers who Miranda clearly believes never received the attention he deserved for setting the new Republic on its path to democracy. It is done with heart and smarts and a diverse cast who look nothing like the statues and portraits, but more like a cross section of the American public.

Like the driven Hamilton, the show never stops. It is operatic in the way it is sung-through with a mix of rap, Hip-Hop, gospel and Broadway styles in its own unique blend, and cinematic in its staging by director Thomas Kail and choreographer by Andy Blanenbuehler. One scene moves so smoothly into the next you barely notice it happened.

A scene from the national touring production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical “Hamilton.”
A scene from the national touring production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical “Hamilton.”

Based on Ron Chernow’s biography, the musical is a warts-and-all look at Hamilton’s rise after being orphaned. He was an aide to General George Washington, helped to lead a victorious campaign in the all-important battle of Yorktown and eventually became the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury. He is a lot more than a face on the $10 bill.

He was admired and loathed, particularly by Aaron Burr, a political rival who advanced himself by avoiding taking a stand on issues. He advises Hamilton to “talk less, smile more” while Hamilton responds, “If you stand for nothing Burr, what’ll you fall for?”

It is giving nothing away to remind you that Burr may be best remembered for killing Hamilton in a duel.

Love and politics

The show also is a love story between Alexander and his wife, Eliza Schuyler, as well his flirtations (or more) with her sister Angelica, and an affair that destroys their lives and his public service. Their love may dim, but it keeps flickering back, and the simple gesture of her hand taking his is an emotional highlight.

It is seemingly impossible to take it all in during one performance, so each new visit allows for more discoveries, like the dramatic impact of Howell Binkley’s lighting design or the way the ensemble rarely stops moving. They dance on and off with chairs and tables and props to reset the scenes on David Korins’ two-story set.

A scene from the national touring production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical “Hamilton.”
A scene from the national touring production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical “Hamilton.”

The cast at the Van Wezel is led by Blaine Alden Krauss – he grew up in the Tampa area – who captures the many aspects of Hamilton’s personality. He has a strong clear voice and a charming personality that keeps you on his side, even at his most outrageous moments. This is a man who shoots from the hip with insults during a debate, but is also the thoughtful, visionary author of the bulk of the Federalist Papers.

He is nicely paired with Kendyl Syuri Yokoyama, who is tender and supportive even when angry, as Eliza. Deon’te Goodman makes for a potent rival as Burr, narrating the story, frequently commenting on Hamilton’s actions and worming his way into positions of power.

Alexander Hamilton shares his life story in the musical “Hamilton.” A new group of leading performances recently took over major roles in the national tour that will be presented in Sarasota.
Alexander Hamilton shares his life story in the musical “Hamilton.” A new group of leading performances recently took over major roles in the national tour that will be presented in Sarasota.

A strong cast

In the dual role of the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, Jared Howelton is a live wire. He struts, kicks and pouts as Jefferson (a different view than we’ve seen of the nation’s third president) and is gregarious as the determined French military officer who helped win France’s support for the revolutionists.

There are also moving moments from Lencia Kebede as Angelica Schulyer and Tyler Fauntleroy as soldier John Laurens and Alexander’s young son Philip. And then there’s Paul Louis Lessard as the preening and angry King George, who appears periodically in full regal regalia to try to lure back the colonists with tough love.

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Some of the lyrics, especially those performed by Howelton, come too quickly to be easily understood, and the lively orchestra led by Emmanuel Schvartzman tends to overpower the singers during some of those rapid-fire numbers.

But even if you miss a line, you know what’s happening. The show draws you along, making you both think and feel while appreciating the ways that Miranda breaks new ground by playing on musical theater traditions and revisiting our nation’s history.

‘Hamilton’

Book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Directed by Thomas Kail. Reviewed March 27. Through April 7, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $69-$289. A lottery for 40 $10 seats will be held for all performances. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Follow Jay Handelman on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Contact him at jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com. And please support local journalism by subscribing to the Herald-Tribune.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Worth the wait: ‘Hamilton’ tour has dramatic impact at Van Wezel