Hamilton Broadway Review: Celebrating the 10th Anniversary
HAMILTON National Tour – (c) Joan Marcus 2024
The Night Hamilton Came to Ottawa
It was one of those perfect summer nights in Ottawa, warm, with a light breeze and just a hint of excitement in the air. My husband and I made our way downtown to the National Arts Centre, joining the steady stream of people headed out for dinner, drinks, or in our case, a night at the theater. For us, the anticipation was high. We were finally going to see Hamilton — a show we’d heard about for years. And this wasn’t just any performance. It was Wednesday, August 6th, exactly ten years to the day since Hamilton debuted on Broadway back on August 6, 2015.
When the lights went down and the first beat of the opening number hit, I felt that electric rush you only get from live theater. This was going to be something special. I looked over at my husband and could tell he felt the same way.
Electrifying from start to finish—Hamilton will leave you breathless.
Let’s Rewind to The History
Hamilton: An American Musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers, following his journey from a young immigrant with big ambitions to a key figure in shaping the new nation’s political and financial foundations. The story is packed with drama—wars, political battles, love, betrayal—and while you might remember some of the details from history class, this show brings it to life in a way that makes you lean in and hang on every word.
That’s thanks to Lin-Manuel Miranda. Inspired by Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton, he took pages of dense history and transformed them into something vibrant and alive. His writing blends hip-hop, R&B, pop, and classic Broadway, creating a score that feels like it was always meant to tell this story. It’s not just smart—it pulls you in completely.
A Score That Hits Hard
From the bold declaration of “My Shot” to the quiet heartbreak of “Burn,” the music in Hamilton sweeps you up. The rap battles crackle with wit and energy, the quiet, powerful ballads stop you in your tracks, and the ensemble numbers fill the stage with an unstoppable rhythm.
As someone who grew up in the ’90s and 2000s, those familiar hip-hop beats and R&B touches hooked me immediately. They drove the story forward with a pulse that made it impossible not to feel part of the momentum. It’s the kind of musical production that grabs you from the first note and stays with you long after the curtain falls.
The Broadway Across Canada Cast Didn’t Miss a Beat
The cast drove the NAC performance I saw, delivering on every single moment:
- Tyler Fauntleroy as Hamilton brought an incredible range—singing, rapping, dancing, and commanding the stage with charisma and conviction.
- Jimmie “J.J.” Jeter as Aaron Burr delivered a layered, magnetic performance, balancing wit and building tension in every scene.
- Marja Harmon as Angelica was captivating and clever, her presence magnetic in every scene.
- A.D. Weaver as Washington carried himself with an authority that made you hang on his every word.
- Lauren Mariasoosay as Eliza was luminous, her voice tender yet powerful in the emotional ballads that anchored the show’s heart.
Every performer brought depth, precision, and passion to their roles. The chemistry among the cast made the relationships feel layered and real, which only heightened the emotional impact.
Seeing History Come Alive
One of the things I love most about Hamilton is that it doesn’t slow down to explain itself. The story moves quickly, the lyrics are densely packed, and it assumes you have at least a basic idea of who’s who. That’s why I’d recommend brushing up on a bit of American history before seeing it; it’ll give you a better sense of the dynamics, rivalries, and alliances playing out on stage.
And when you have that framework? It’s like the history you’ve read about suddenly stands up and starts talking to you—full of ambition, ideals, flaws, and human emotion.
An Incredible Theater Experience
Seeing Hamilton, exactly ten years after its Broadway debut, was unforgettable. It’s exhilarating, emotional, and unlike any other theater experience I’ve had.
If you’ve been thinking about going, here’s my advice: don’t wait. The Ottawa run ends this Sunday, August 17th, 2025 and it’s worth every second you’ll spend in your seat. For more show dates across Canada visit broadwayacrosscanada.ca
Why you should go:
- The performances are outstanding, from Fauntleroy’s dynamic Hamilton to Mariasoosay’s heartfelt Eliza.
- The music will get stuck in your head—in the best possible way.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda’s writing makes history feel alive and relevant.
- It’s a rare chance to see a modern classic in your own city.
If you can, take the shot. You won’t regret it.
- Kitchen Organization Essentials I Actually Use - February 5, 2026
- Dear Readers: Here’s to a Merry & Magical December - December 1, 2025
- Black Friday Bedroom Furniture Deals from Wayfair - November 25, 2025
