Hamilton Review with Leslie Odom Jr.

Gabrielle Hammond

gabsbitesizeblogs@gmail.com

Hey theatre lot. Guess who's back, back again! Me!               

I had the honour of watching Hamilton for a third time on Friday 17th July, a musical that is enjoyable however many times you watch it. But this visit was more special than ever before. And that was because Leslie Odom Jr was reviving the role of Aaron Burr (a role he originated in Broadway) - the absolute GOAT he is.

Rewind back to March 12th and I had the pressure of having the responsibility to get the tickets for both my sister, Chief Editor, Lillia and my best friend, Team Manager, Caitlyn - as we are all massive Hamilton fans especially with someone so famous in the Hamilton world as Leslie is. Thankfully, after hours of trying to secure the tickets, I did, and Friday 17th saw myself and Lillia make our way to London to see it.

We had high expectations, of course. And naively it didn't even cross my mind about the whole rest of the cast we would be seeing (a new one since last time I saw it) - you just seem to forget it when you're there to see one person. But, oh my, did they not disappoint at all! It is the strongest cast I have seen ensuring a continuity of the cast "levels" to accompany Leslie. Big shout out to the King George - Daniel Boys - who was hilariously funny, Georgina Onuorah who played Angelica (I saw her before as ensemble in Cinderella), Shak Mancel James who played John Laurens/Philip, and the voice on George Washington was magnificent. However, they were all amazing.

Hamilton never gets old. The more I watch it, the more I appreciate it and notice new things. It is so brilliantly put together. But it is very subjective - some people love it, some people it probably isn't for them. It is hard to get your head round, but, once you have, it is amazing.

But, onto the main event. Leslie. He was astonishing. He still has the knack he did from the original recording, sounding pretty much the same (obviously I know he is the same person but after all the years I was expecting differences). It was incredible to witness and watch; I felt so privileged to be in the room where it happened. He captivated the audience and you could clearly see and hear (my goodness could you hear!!!) how loved and idolised he is in the Hamilton audience.

I am super excited to see it again in September and was spectacular to be there.