Setting the Stage: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 

If you're looking for a night out with friends, a date night with your spouse, or even a solo date in the city, I always recommend the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. They know how to create the perfect city vibes with elegant, sophisticated touches, whether you're going during the week or on the weekend. 

I've been to the Dr. Phillips Center a couple of times and have enjoyed several of their Broadway shows. They usually have a great lineup each season. Last year, I attended multiple shows, including The Wiz, The Lion King, and STOMP. 

One thing I appreciate about the performing arts center is how welcoming they make the experience feel. When my guest and I arrived, we were greeted promptly at the media section, where we received our tickets. Everything was smooth and effortless, and they even gave us a complimentary gift. 

My only recommendation would be to extend intermission by another five to ten minutes for popular shows. The night we attended Hamilton, the theater was nearly sold out, and the bathroom lines were longer than what I've experienced at other shows. A little extra time would allow guests to use the restroom, talk about the performance, or grab something to eat or drink without feeling rushed. 

Now, Let's Talk About Hamilton 

All I can say is 10 out of 10. 

Hamilton is one of those shows that reminds you why the arts are so important. Everything from the lighting and music to the choreography and monologues was amazing to see in person. We were fortunate to have seats where we could really feel the intensity of the actors and actresses onstage. Their performances made the experience captivating. 

One of the reasons I believe Hamilton has been so successful is because of how deeply it draws on African American culture. The music, movement, and overall energy reflect cultural influences that have shaped entertainment for generations. Yet they're woven into a historical narrative that allows a wide audience to connect with the story. It's fresh, innovative, and something people from different backgrounds can enjoy. 

I would personally recommend it for a mature audience, especially adults 18 and older, because of the language and mature themes. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda is impressive when you think about what he created with this show. Hip-hop is one of the main themes throughout the production, from the choreography and music to the way the characters deliver their lines. Hip-hop has deep roots in African American and Latino communities, and there is still discussion about the influence of the East Coast, particularly New York, versus the West Coast, particularly California, in the development of hip-hop culture. 

Now, what makes this even more fascinating is that we're watching Hamilton in New York, where the story takes place, and experiencing American history through hip-hop. Think about that for a moment. The music, movement, rhythm, and overall energy of the production draw on a culture that has had a tremendous influence on music and entertainment. And Lin-Manuel Miranda was pretty smart to cast predominantly African American and Latino performers in a musical about America's founding fathers. That creative decision brings another layer to the storytelling. 

To me, that's what makes Hamilton so interesting. You're watching the story of a White man who helped shape American history, but you're experiencing it through the musical styles, cultural influences, and artistic expressions of African American and Latino communities. Seeing those elements come together on a Broadway stage in New York is fascinating. 

And kudos to the casting. 

Sade Teel

Tyler Fauntleroy, who played Hamilton in the performance I attended, was captivating. I couldn't take my eyes off him. He had a confidence and intensity that made Hamilton's young, scrappy, and hungry mentality believable. 

Other performers who stood out to me were Auston Henderson as George Washington, Noah Kieserman as King George III, Maria Harmon as Angelica Schuyler, and Jasmine Clark in the ensemble. 

Now, I do have to be honest about one thing. I wasn't a fan of the actress's vocal interpretation of Peggy. Her singing didn't blend as smoothly with the other two Schuyler sisters as I would have preferred. I understand that singing a certain way can be an artistic choice to bring a character to life, and it might work for other people. For me, though, it wasn't my favorite part of the performance. 

A Dance Major's Perspective 

As someone with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts and a concentration in dance, I really appreciated the choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler. 

What stood out to me was how the movement supported the storytelling. Because Hamilton moves so quickly, especially through its rap-driven musical numbers, it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with everything happening in the story. The dancing helps put things into perspective, almost as if you're walking down the street alongside the main characters and experiencing their world. 

One of my favorite moments was during a duel. A dancer used her hand and finger to represent the bullet, holding her hand out as if that tiny bullet were moving through space and time. 

Listen, that was a little chef's kiss for me.

I felt like the dancing was clean, crisp, and intentional. The movement wasn't just there to make the show look good. It actually helped communicate what was happening onstage. 

The Irony of Hamilton: Black Culture Meets American History 

Here we have a musical about Alexander Hamilton, a White man who played a significant role in American history, and yet, in my opinion, floods of people are being introduced to the irony of being Black in America. 2It's almost ironic that a story about a White founding father is being told through artistic traditions that African American and Latino communities helped create and popularize. At the same time, these communities have often been left out of traditional narratives surrounding American history. 

It makes you wonder: Why does it sometimes take telling the story of a White historical figure through a different cultural lens for people to engage with history in a new way? 

Lin-Manuel Miranda gave people of color a new perspective and presence in the narrative of American history. By putting African American and Latino performers onstage in these roles, he gave us a voice and a presence in “the room where it happens.” 

And I think that's part of what makes this show so interesting. The fact that audiences from so many different backgrounds are showing up to experience it makes the whole thing even more interesting. 

Final Thoughts 

Overall, Hamilton was an incredible experience. Between the casting, music, choreography, and storytelling, there's so much to appreciate. As a performing arts graduate, I especially enjoyed seeing how the movement contributed to the story, but I also appreciated the way the production brought history and cultural influences together in a fresh and engaging way. 

And if you're anything like me, sometimes you just need a reason to get dressed up, put on a nice outfit, and go out on the town. 

Whether you're planning a date night, a night out with friends, or a solo date, I definitely recommend checking out the shows and events at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. 

My rating for Hamilton: 10/10.