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 Ben Brantley on “Hamilton”

  In August 2015, Ben Brantley reviewed the legendary and influential musical, “Hamilton.” The review opens with, “Yes, it really is that good,” and continues by praising every aspect of the musical, especially the unique storytelling technique utilized by Lin-Manuel Miranda that “chang[es] the language of musicals.” Brantley aptly raves about the use of hip-hop and rap music in the show to portray the “ravenous and ambitious” characters that populate this show, and goes on to praise the portrayals of these characters by the diverse cast of actors, as well as the decision to have such a diverse cast. Brantley rightly praises the direction by Thomas Kail, the “gymnastic corps de ballet” that is the choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and the orchestrations done by Alex Lacamoire. He gives attention to all the aspects of the show that bring these characters to life, and acknowledges the supportive team that shaped the show into the performance he saw at the Richard Rogers Theater.

  Brantley calls to attention a few of the technical aspects of the production. He mentions the costumes, though perhaps he does not praise them with as much emphasis as other elements of the show. He points out several aspects of the scenic design: namely the style of the structure overall as suggestive of a “period-appropriate tavern” and the use of a revolving stage. The lighting design is not addressed in his review, which is an oversight because the lighting design for “Hamilton” (done by Howell Binkley) is phenomenal. Overall, Brantley’s review of “Hamilton” gives the show the praise it rightly deserves, and points out many of the specific elements that bring the show together into a masterpiece.