Review: HAMILTON Blows Us All Away at Saenger Theatre

"Hamilton" needs no introduction. If you are not walking around memorizing the lyrics and wearing "A.Ham" hats, then you know someone who is. Now, Hamilton brings the room where it happens to the New Orleans' Saenger Theatre.

In full disclosure, I find myself in the first camp of the Hamilton types described above, so attending this performance was a long-awaited event on my part. This cast, this production, this force of a musical exceeds its hype.

We begin with the show-stopping title song "Alexander Hamilton," meeting our cast, most notably, Hamilton and Burr. Moving into "Aaron Burr, Sir," we get to know their personalities. Nik Walker glides across the stage as Aaron Burr. He towers over his new opponent, who idolizes him. Joseph Morales plays a charming bright-eyed Hamilton to Walker's cool and calculated Burr.

These two rotate around each other - figuratively and literally - with a caliber of talent that demands to be witnessed. Lin Manuel Miranda writes these characters with tremendous arcs and a taxing amount of stage time which Walker and Morales deliver with consistently high energy and commitment.

Nik Walker's rendition of "Wait for It" left a collective chill among the crowd while Morales' skill showcases in the fan favorite "My Shot."

The women of "Hamilton" are equally impressive. Erin Clemons brings a whole new dynamic to Eliza Hamilton and paints her as simultaneously strong and vulnerable. Her performance of "Burn" was standing ovation-worthy. Ta'Rea Campbell captures Angelica Schuyler with heart and her delivery of "Satisfied" surpasses its name.

There is no lack of talent among this cast. Fergie L. Philippe as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison and Kyle Scatliffe as Marquis de Lafayette are a formidable humor duo. Nyla Sostre flaunts her vocal range with "Say No to This" and Elijah Malcomb brings emotional weight to John Laurens/Philip Schuyler. Jon Patrick Walker delights as King George.

There are few shows with a stage as alive as "Hamilton." The dance ensemble rarely rests through the show and Andy Blankenbuehler's choreography is unstoppable. As a deeply devoted fan, I appreciated the details of the staging and found my eyes scanning the scaffolds for characters watching the scenes below. For viewers unfamiliar with the show, there is a degree of difficulty in following the plot-heavy, quick-moving musical, but not to the show's detriment.

"Hamilton" makes its home at the Saenger through the end of March.

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