‘Hamilton’ dazzles at Boise’s Morrison Center with talented cast, captivating story
The national tour of “Hamilton” is in a unique position in musical theater. Not only is it still one of the most sought-after tickets on Broadway, and in cities across the country, but it also is one of the most well-known for its original cast.
You may have seen the film of the actual stage production on Disney+ — with that cast — that cemented those award-winning performances in the cultural consciousness. But truly you have not experienced this remarkable show until you see it live, which you can do now in Boise, watching a deeply talented, knockout cast from the And Peggy company perform one of the most original, mind-blowing musicals ever created for the stage.
I know that’s a bold claim, but the show has everything, including clever lyrics and a diversity of musical styles — from hip-hop to boogie-laced jazz to straight-up Broadway power ballads. It offers a showcase for talented performers and pulls out nearly all the theatrical tricks in the book to tell a riveting story that touches on history, humanity and the American psyche.
The And Peggy national company is in Boise for a three-week stay, and it’s an opportunity not to miss. “Hamilton” will run through Dec. 26 at the Morrison Center on the Boise State campus. The near-capacity Thursday night audience was filled with enthusiastic, mask-wearing fans who cheered throughout the night.
There is just so much theatrical goodness here.
David Kornis’ set greets you with all of its raw, minimalist design, which becomes a movable feast as it transforms from scene to scene under Broadway legend Howell Binkley’s lighting. Together they are almost another character. And the performance starts off with the now-iconic description of Alexander Hamilton, the United States’ first Treasury secretary, and an unbelievable life that continues to affect American politics, economy and culture today.
The cast is filled with talent: Julius Thomas III as Hamilton, Victoria Ann Scovens as wife Eliza and Donald Webber Jr. as the “damn fool who shot him,” Aaron Burr. The incredible dance ensemble manipulate the set to create mind-bending visuals — such as the eye of a hurricane — that will stick with you.
Thomas and Webber are captivating together as they journey on their course to the historic duel that kills Hamilton. Webber turns in a dynamite performance highlighted by his snazzy, minstrel number “The Room Where it Happens.” Thomas creates the spine of the show with a performance that takes the title character from nothing to greatness and then down again.
Scovens tugs the heartstrings with every number, from her giddy “Helpless” in the first act to the tragic “Burn” in the second.
Every performer finds nuances within their characters to really embody them, and they nail this show at every turn. Worth mentioning from Thursday’s performance are the richly voiced Marja Harmon as Angelica, who mesmerized the audience in the tour-de-force number “Satisfied”; Rebecca E. Covington, who shows broad range as Peggy, the third Schuyler sister; Maria Reynolds, Hamilton’s mistress; Rick Negron, who nearly stops the show with each appearance as King George; and Brandon Louis Armstrong, who is a delight as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison.
Paris Nix shines as both Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, bringing sassy humor to both roles — as well as lightning vocal speed in his rap within “Yorktown.” And although he was difficult to hear at times, Darnell Abraham brings down the house in his standout “One Last Time.” Andy Tofa plays patriot John Laurens and Hamilton’s ill-fated son Philip with finesse.
You might not see this exact lineup at every performance. With shows like this and an eight-show week, different performers step into the roles. Just know the talent here is deep enough that every show should be satisfying, especially backed by Music Director Lily Ling and the amazing “Hamilton” band.
And for those purists who want to nitpick at the historical inaccuracies from the Ronald Chernow book that inspired it, get over it. This is art. I guarantee that Washington crossing the Delaware River looked nothing like the Emanuel Leutze painting.
HOUSEKEEPING NOTES: The show starts at 7:30 p.m. That doesn’t mean show up at 7:30 (or 1, 1:30 or 2 p.m. for the matinees). Attending a performance is different now. You need 30 minutes at a minimum, but 45 minutes is better, to get through the one entry point and security check, and get to your seats. On Thursday dozens of people — at least — were late and let into the theater after the opening number and the second song. It was disruptive and, frankly, rude to both the cast and the audience members who were blocked and distracted from the performance.
The center is providing masks if you don’t have one, and you are required to wear them during the show. So be prepared.
Go see it
What: “Hamilton”
Where: Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise.
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 10; 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 11; 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 12; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14-16; 8 p.m. Dec. 17; 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 18; 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 19; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-22; 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23; 7 p.m. Dec. 25; 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 26.
Tickets: $59-$199, with a limited number of premium seats starting at $299 for all shows. Ticketmaster, 208-426-1110.
COVID-19 Protocol: Masks are required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. Allow for extra time as only the Boise River entrance is open.
How to enter the lottery
Download the official “Hamilton” app for iOS and Android devices. The lottery opens at 10 a.m. Fridays and will close at noon the following Thursday. You must be 18 or older to enter. Only one entry per person.
Winners and non-winners will be notified by mobile push and email between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursdays for the upcoming week’s performances. You’ll have two hours to claim and pay for your tickets. No purchase is necessary to enter.
This story was originally published December 10, 2021 at 2:15 PM.
