The Story of That Night: Hamilton in Manila
CW: Incoming Hamilton puns coming (intended or unintended)
Revolution came to Manila and it blew me away.
November 11, 2023 was certainly a beautiful day: 11.11.23 as written in numerical format. Of course, how could any Hamilfan (or musical enthusiast) not be excited to see Hamilton live, after watching the pro-shot via Disney+ or through illegal link/s? Ask the author who kept bopping her head, laughing like an idiot, and clapping like an otter after every single musical number.
It was a mad panic while driving to the Solaire Theater because as a baby musical theater enthusiast, I hated being late. I wanted to make sure I did not miss anything. 10 or 15 minutes before the show itself, my sister and I bought the souvenir program then ran in the theater to get to our seats. It doesn’t feel too small from above, as I get to see the whole view: the actors, the whole set.
I couldn’t believe my eyes get to see the Hamilton stage itself at my hometown. It is a refreshing sight to witness the musical live — right in front of my eyes. From King George III’s welcome speech, then the bright uprising of Act 1, to a dooming downfall of Act 2 — the experience is worth spending for. Well, highlights:
- Have to tell you that Brent Hill (King George III) has impeccable comedic timing and antics — it is like he was born with it.
- Jason Arrow (Alexander Hamilton International Tour), like what one of my friends said, really sounded like Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator and OBC A. Ham (I mean this in a good way) and his portrayal is astounding.
- Rachelle Ann Go (Elizabeth Schuyler-Hamilton), homegrown Filipino artist, and I get to ride with her highs and lows in her character’s journey.
- DeAundre’ Woods’ (Aaron Burr) charm is on the highest levels, and I have had too many butterflies in my stomach.
But can we also raise a glass to the orchestra, the stage design, the lights, the costumes — I must have ran out of breath to tell everything. Not to mention, I lost words on how much I am fully in love with the musical.
The stagedoor experience is one hell of a ride. Since I got excited meeting the cast, I left my mom and sister to see some of them. From Jason Arrow, Yvette Lu (Swing, who I don’t have a pic with), Shaka Cook (Hercules Mulligan/James Madison), Winston Hillyer (Ensemble), DeAundre’ Woods (loml, JK!), Jacob Guzman (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton), to Hany Lee (Ensemble), I do not have any ounce of regret seeing these people at a close proximity. Few embarrassing moments of fangirling, you bet. They were very kind and approachable enough to sign my souvenir program and take pictures with them.
Eventually, I immersed into the whole soundtrack and made it my greatest inspiration to move forward. I might have more to say, but here I am telling the story of that night.
Originally published at http://februarystreams.wordpress.com on February 16, 2024.