CIBC Theatre’s political saga set to hip-hop, “Hamilton,” as relevant, revolutionary as ever

Photos provided by Joan Marcus

The profound impact “Hamilton” continues to have on pop culture, politics and education is unparalleled, yet it’s perhaps even more relevant and revolutionary now than it was a decade ago since today’s political climate seems similarly tumultuous as what surrounded America’s Founding Fathers.

The CIBC Theatre can vote for itself through Sunday, April 26, and regardless of party lines, chances are everyone can agree it deserved all 11 Tony Awards, a Grammy and a Pulitzer Prize.

Much of the praise surrounds the brilliance of Ron Chernow’s biography with an ingeniously adapted book by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who set the music and lyrics to a rarely combined soundtrack of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, alongside direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, plus musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire.

Both the innovative creative team and proficient cast, comprised of Tyler Fauntleroy (Alexander Hamilton), Jimmie “JJ” Jeter (Aaron Burr), Lauren Mariasoosay (Eliza Hamilton), Marja Harmon (Angelica Schuyler), A.D. Weaver (George Washington), Matt Bittner (King George III), Christian Magby (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson), Nathan Haydel (John Laurens/Phillip Hamilton), Eddie Ortega (Hercules Mulligan/James Madison) and Lily Soto (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds), do a laudable job taking the entire era out of the somewhat stodgy textbooks and into the riveting “Room Where It Happens.”

Having predominately Black, Latino and Asian actors play the parts of mostly white men, many of whom were slave owners, is one way this show is intended to be universally accessible, while simultaneously celebrating the diversity of immigrants and the contributions they brought to the country from the very beginning.

Though there are several other artistic liberties to help propel the almost three-hour performance, “Hamilton” nonetheless chronicles the basics of the titular character settling in New York, catching the ear of businessman/lawyer/eventual rival Burr, marrying Eliza of “The Schuyler Sisters” dynasty, then becoming an army major general responsible for securing victory at Yorktown during the Revolutionary War.

Hamilton goes on to pen numerous parts of the U.S. Constitution, and as newly appointed secretary of the treasury, makes history by setting up the nation’s inaugural financial system, a source of significant friction with future presidents Jefferson and Madison, but still leads to getting his face featured on the $10 bill.

However, these collective strides come at the expense of maintaining a healthy personal life and trigger additional issues, including disgrace over involvement in the government’s first sex scandal, and as an indirect result of the fallout, experiencing an unthinkable family tragedy, followed by a contentious election season that also has fatal consequences.

In spite of such severe growing pains, “Hamilton” finds its purpose in the potential of leaving behind a legacy, which no matter if one prefers to ambitiously take “My Shot” or simply “Wait For It,” they are bound to leave fully awakened and ready to flourish.

“Hamilton” continues at the CIBC Theatre through Sunday, April 26. For additional details, visit HamiltonMusical.com and BroadwayInChicago.com.