If anything in pop culture becomes a smash-hit sensation, it usually follows one of two paths.
The first, and most well-worn path, is flash-in-the-pan success that fades into obscurity or trivial nostalgia.
The second, more rarified path, is success that stands the test of time, starts to become meaningful to those that missed the hubbub the first time around and enters true iconic stature.
The musical “Hamilton” seems to be on the latter trajectory as proven by the touring production of the show now playing at the Fox Theatre through Sept. 8.
This marks my third time to see the show in person and it is one of the few things I’ve witnessed in my adult life that is making that journey from omnipresent phenomenon to a lasting pillar of pop culture.
If “Hamilton” wasn’t more than its elevator pitch of colorblind casting of the Founding Fathers and a hip-hop soundtrack in a historical setting, then it wouldn’t still be playing to enthusiastic, sold-out crowds nearly 10 years after its debut.
While it’s easy to be dazzled by the catchy soundtrack and lyrical word-play (“Hamilton” has to have the highest words-per-minute of any musical in history), subsequent viewings reveal the depth of this show that make it such an emotionally-powerful experience.
The choreography is subtle but stellar, especially during the brilliant “rewind” section in the first act. The emotional beats are also cleverly interwoven with the music as it organically flows from light-hearted comedic fun to heartbreaking devastation.
If you can literally make your audience laugh and cry within the space of 10 minutes, you’ve got yourself a winner.
If you are among the uninitiated, “Hamilton” tracks the rollercoaster political career of $10 bill frontman Alexander Hamilton (Tyler Fauntleroy). History book stalwarts like George Washington (A.D Weaver) and Thomas Jefferson (Jared Howelton) filter through the story while Hamilton’s life-long foil Aaron Burr (Jimmie “JJ” Jeter) brings Greek-tragedy-level pathos to the proceedings.
“Hamilton” shows no signs of slowing down, and if the energetic crowd at the Fox Theatre was any indication, it will be around for generations to come.
“Hamilton” is now playing at the Fox Theatre through Sept. 8. For tickets call 314-534-1111 or go to metrotix.com.
