Don’t throw away your shot.
The accolades don’t lie: Hamilton is not your average biography. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda (who also originated the title role) and based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, this musical has swept the floor of many awards seasons. Eleven Tony Awards. A Grammy. Olivier Awards. Even the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Maybe this won’t come as a surprise to you, considering Hamilton’s success has made it a household name. And now it’s your last chance to see Hamilton in Sydney and find out what all the fuss is about.
When the production takes over the Sydney Lyric Theatre from July, the international clout of names such as Lin-Manuel Miranda (lyrics), Thomas Kail (direction), Andy Blankenbuehler (choreography) and Alex Lacamoire (musical supervision and orchestrations) will follow. However, what really brings this masterpiece to life is the cast, a collection of talented performers from Australia and New Zealand. It’s no small feat to make the mastery of high-energy dance moves and challenging, multi-genre vocals seem as easy as breathing.
Take Vidya Makan in the role of Eliza Hamilton. This rising star is no stranger to musical theatre. Having learned to read music at the age of three, Makan is a multi-instrumentalist who composed a prolific number of personal projects before making her professional debut in 2016. The years that followed have seen a torrent of prestigious national awards and a CV of leading roles on top-tier stages. As Eliza, Makan proves she’s at the top of her game, with vocals that soar and a heartfelt passion that catches everything in its presence.
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Perhaps most remarkable is the impression of seamless union between the leads and the ensemble. The choreography and the lyrical dexterity required of such a production – which melds hip-hop, jazz, R&B and classic Broadway show tunes – is such that a figurative hair out of place can jar dramatically. Thankfully, the cast collectively functions like a finely tuned machine, with an effortlessness that allows the audience to relax and fully enjoy the passion at the heart of this nation-building, award-winning story.
How to see Hamilton in Sydney
When: Until October 2024
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Cost: From $175. Tickets available here
