Don’t Throw Away Your Shot to See ‘Hamilton’ at PPAC

Lauren Mariasoosay and Tyler Fauntleroy as Eliza Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton. Photo courtesy of the Hamilton National Tour C Joan Marcus 2024

I’ll admit, before the Broadway sensation that is Hamilton took over the pop culture scene in 2015, my recollections of the titular character / real life historical figure’s life were… limited, to say the least. I knew he was a founding father and the face the $10 bill, but could I have told you all of the contributions he made to our country? Yeah, definitely not.

But now? Me and Ham go way back. After I saw the juggernaut musical in 2019 during the national tour’s first stop in Providence, I promptly went home and memorized the entire soundtrack. All of the hype and intrigue over a man who died more than two hundred years ago suddenly made sense. When I heard it would be coming back to PPAC this year, I couldn’t resist being in the audience again.

Hamilton draws people in for several reasons, including its penchant for spotlighting minority representation with its diverse cast, establishing characters that are both relatable and inspiring, and showcasing music that stays with you long after the curtain draws closed.

“When I first heard [original Eliza actress on Broadway] Phillippa Soo, I was like, ‘How do I get here and how do I do this?’ The industry loves to box you in, and I feel like this was the first show that broke that glass ceiling. Suddenly things became possible for people who look like us,” says Lauren Mariasoosay, who portrays Hamilton’s wife, Eliza Schuyler, in the touring production. “Once I heard Eliza sing throughout the show, I finally felt like I found a place in theatre and I was like, ‘You know, I’m going to get there somehow. I don’t know how or when, but we’re going to figure it out.’ It feels full circle for me to be here.”

Lauren Mariasoosay, Marja Harmon and Lily Soto as the Schuyler sisters. Courtesy of the Hamilton National Tour C Joan Marcus 2024

As for what attracted Kai Thomani Tshikosi to his dual role as both Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, he points to the show’s musical influence.

“I have a big love for hip hop; I’ve listened to it all my life. Listening to the soundtrack, I can hear the influences that [creator Lynn Manuel Miranda] wrote in to it,” he explains. “Not just in terms of his cadence, but for people who are familiar with the music and the culture, there’s different flow patterns, different vocal settings and different kinds of musical illusions that exist all over the show that are very exciting to be able to bring my own vocal color and performance to [as Hercules Mulligan].”

Meanwhile, Tshikosi sees James Madison as a fascinating historical figure.

“I kind of think of him as a really engaging villain,” he says.  I think once we get into the political crux of this show, you have all these charming, devious figures vying for influence and creating these series of cause and effect and consequences with their actions and their choices. Getting to get in there with each other and fight it out, it’s really exciting.”

A fun fact for local theater-lovers: Tshikosi received his MFA from Brown University/Trinity Rep in 2023 and performed in the Trinity Rep productions of Sweeney Todd and black odyssey. He credits the latter play’s musical director, Michael Evora, with having a large impact on his career.

“The way that that man held space in that room and not just musically supported us, but created a family environment was… there’s a direct line to that and me choosing to go to that school. He ended up being one of my singing teachers,” he says. “I didn’t grow up doing musical theatre, so I didn’t expect to ever be hired in in any musical, particularly a prominent one like this, but he gave me a song that I used in my showcase at the end of my time in the program. I think there’s a really straight line through the impact he’s made on my life and the ability for me to be here in this moment.”

Lauren Mariasoosay and Kai Thomani Tshikosi. Photo by Kaitlyn Murray

One might call Hamilton Tshikosi’s big break, as it is his first national tour. After seven rounds of auditions, he finally secured his place in the room (ahem stage) where it happens — including one that was both familiar and not. Though he spent four years in Providence studying theater, he never set foot inside PPAC until this past week.

“Even though I did spend many a morning in [the nearby] Ellie’s and many a night in Pizza Queen! In the milieu, so to speak. But I had no idea how beautiful it was in here. My first time seeing the interior was when I was on the stage, which is pretty mind blowing of an experience.  It’s a wonderful privilege to be able to experience the kind of familiarity and the newness in my return here.”

Which is similar to how I felt when seeing Hamilton on the PPAC this second time around: a pleasant blend of the comfort that comes with knowing the songs and the story and the thrill of seeing a fresh cast’s interpretation. Which is why I would recommend anyone who has already seen the show (as well as those who haven’t, but that goes without saying), consider returning to it before it moves on to the next tour stop. Unlike Angelica, you will leave satisfied.

Though limited, some shows still have availability now through its last run on December 22. Head to ppacri.org for times and prices.