Poignance and Passion Light Up the CIBC Theatre In ‘Hamilton’ 

The golden light of the “Hamilton” marquee sign reflected off puddles downtown as people huddled together under umbrellas, eagerly waiting for CIBC Theatre doors to open.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning musical returned to Chicago March 4 as part of its North American Tour. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda in 2015, the groundbreaking production is told amid the backdrop of intrinsically human experiences of love, loss and legacy.

Lively opening track “Alexander Hamilton” brings the show to life, introducing viewers to the early childhood of founding father Alexander Hamilton (Tyler Fauntleroy) and highlighting the tenacious resolve driving him towards success. 

Characters move across the stage with purpose and poise as Hamilton introduces himself to three men who will soon become his friends and Aaron Burr  (Jimmie “J.J.” Jeter), who goes on to morally and intellectually contest the founding father. 

The set is simple — wooden scaffolding and industrial brick elements draw the audience into the 19th century. Genuine immersion into the American Revolution era arises from the characters’ frilly frock coats and extravagant ball gowns. 

Designed by Oscar and Tony award-winner Paul Tazewell, the Revolutionary War waistcoats — blue for the continental soldiers and red for the British — and shimmering pastel dresses of the Schuyler sisters construct the historical canvas on which the musical resides. 

The somber tone evoked by scenes of fighting among the British and American soldiers is broken by the comedic entrance of King George III (Matt Brittner). 

Bedazzled royal robes and a massive crown mark his appearance as he humorously promises the crowd his “sweet submissive subject,” America, will one day return to him. 

The relationship between Britain and the United States is fractured beyond repair, but fear not — a new love flourishes on stage. 

Characters swirl around one another, dancing eloquently at a winter ball, when Eliza Schuyler (Lauren Mariasoosay) catches sight of Hamilton, falling instantly in love. 

Schuyler and Hamilton’s love quietly and fiercely weaves its way through the broader storyline as the musical portrays the creation of the nation with rap battles between Hamilton and James Madison (Eddie Ortega). 

From the birth of their son Philip (Nathan Haydel) to Hamilton’s affair with another married woman, the couple faces their trials and tribulations with a steadfast devotion to the life they built together. 

Fauntleroy and Mariasoosay’s harmonious movements across the stage and distinctive musical styles lend exquisitely to the portrayal of a mundane life plagued by success and loss in “Hamilton.” 

In an era when women’s voices were rarely listened to by anyone other than journal pages or the four walls of their home, Mariasoosay’s serene vocals on “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” radiate through the theatre as Schuyler’s affection and anguish echo off the walls and settle in the audience’s hearts. 

There’s a reason “Hamilton” has captivated people around the world for a decade since its release — it’s an innately artistic display of human growth and flourishing in the face of life’s obstacles. 

Raw emotions meld with passionate performances to produce a breathtaking rendering of dreams well chased and history thoughtfully written. Every viewer can see a piece of themselves in the characters on stage, making this a profoundly intimate and timeless musical. 

In its two hour and 45 minute run time, “Hamilton” inspires audiences to consider asking themselves who will tell their story one day, and what will keep “their flame” alive. 

“Hamilton” is playing at the CIBC Theatre through April 26. Tickets start at $175.