'Hamilton' Delivers As Expected, with Outstanding Solos (Broadway in Louisville)
- stagedoorlouisville
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
Hamilton
By Lin-Manuel Miranda
Directed by Thomas Kail Review by Loraine Lawson
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Loraine Lawson. All rights reserved.
It’s been nearly 11 years since Hamilton first hit Broadway but its message of purpose and power still resonates with audiences. So it’s no surprise that the house was packed on Wednesday night, the second performance of PNC Broadway Louisville’s Hamilton.
The Hamilton cast delivered a solid rendition of the popular musical during the second night of its showing here. Fans of the musical can expect a performance that’s largely faithful to the original, with a few tweaks and well-done re-interpretations of the familiar refrains.
Tyler Fauntleroy played Hamilton. He did the title role justice, delivering a smooth performance. For the record, I’ve heard the Hamilton score many, many times, as well as having seen both the first touring Broadway production and the televised version available on Disney. For a year, my Gen Z daughter and her friends belted out Hamilton hits whenever they were together.
So perhaps it was my over-familiarity with the musical that made Aaron Burr stand out in this production. But it was also Jimmie “JJ” Jeter’s performance that brought it home for me.
He played the role with a gravity that brought new depth to the story. I found myself focusing on Burr more and more as the musical progressed. Honestly, I hadn’t realized how much Burr is on the stage, always serving as Hamilton’s personal and professional foil.
But that’s what sets the great apart from the good — a story that lends itself to rewatching because there’s new depths that can be mined.
That said, sound issues seemed to have affected the opening number, “Alexander Hamilton.” The ensemble sounded a bit muffled.
The performance picked up energy as the Marquis de LaFayette, played by Christian Magby, and Hercules Mulligan, played by Eddie Ortega, took the stage for "My Shot" and "The Story of Tonight." Both actors brought a vivaciousness to their performance, but Magby, who plays LaFayette in the first act and Thomas Jefferson in the second, was particularly exuberant in both roles. Frankly, he was just plain fun to watch throughout the musical, but particularly impressive was his entrance as Jefferson.
Another standout: The Schuyler sisters. They were just perfect and spot on with their harmonies. Marja Harmon delivered beautiful, powerful vocals, as did Lily Soto as Eliza Hamilton and Nadine Hassan as Peggy. Hassan also played Maria Reynolds, Hamilton’s mistress, in the second act. Soto was particularly poignant in later scenes, including giving a gut-wrenching performance in Act II during the Act II song "It's Quiet Uptown."
King George III is always an audience favorite, and local audiences greeted performer Matt Bittner with applause from the start. I wasn’t sure anyone could match the exceptional Jonathan Groff as King George III, but Bittner brought his own biting twist to the role and the results were hilarious.
Another central figure in Hamilton is George Washington, played by A.D. Weaver. Weaver is an imposing figure, as is appropriate for the father of a country. He gave a strong vocal performance during his heartfelt solo in "One Last Time,” which remind us that George Washington showed how to peacefully transfer power.
Although the musical doesn’t address it directly, there were people who wanted Washington to become king. As Hamilton’s King George III points out, the idea that a country’s leader could simply walk away and hand power to someo
ne else was extraordinary at the time and played a key role in our fledgling democracy.
Hamilton is a great way to treat yourself and celebrate the Fourth of July. However, families with young children should note that it includes adult themes and some language.
You can see it at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts through July 12, with matinee performances on Saturdays, Sundays and Friday on July 3.
Hamilton
PNC Broadway in Louisville
June 30- July 12, 2026
Kentucky Performing Arts
501 W. Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202
502.584.7777
--
Comments