A to Z of 2024: Hit musical Hamilton premieres in Singapore

SINGAPORE – The hype was palpable when news broke in late 2023 that the

Broadway and West End sensation Hamilton

would finally make its debut in Singapore, at the Sands Theatre.

The critically acclaimed, award-winning production had enjoyed massive box-office success, with many sold-out performances when it was staged in other parts of the world since premiering off-Broadway in 2015.

No other musical in recent memory had been as decorated as the sung-and-rapped-through biographical musical, which covers the life of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and his involvement in the American Revolution up to his death in 1804.

Among its themes were the characters’ desire to climb the social and political ladder, fight for their beliefs and leave a legacy.

But the production also highlighted the cost of attaining power, and darker elements such as jealousy and discontent.

At the 2016 Tony Awards, it became the second most decorated musical for a single production in Tony history, winning in 11 categories such as Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. The Producers had clinched 12 awards in 2001.

Also pushing boundaries was Hamilton’s score, which drew heavily from hip-hop, jazz and R&B, as well as traditional show tunes.

Fears that audiences might not bite due to the musical’s dense subject matter proved unfounded, as local audiences warmed to the show.

Due to overwhelming demand, its Singapore season, initially slated for April 19 to May 26, was extended for two more weeks until June 9. Prices ranged from $80 to $280.

And when it was time for the show to take its shot, it hit the mark.

Its cast delivered strong performances, with Australian actor Jason Arrow deftly portraying the title character’s ambitions and flaws.

The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts graduate tore into the passionate diatribe about political injustice in the song My Shot, but also danced across the softer syncopated beats when expressing Hamilton’s feelings for his loved ones.

Filipina singer-actress Rachelle Ann Go’s portrayal of Hamilton’s wife Eliza dripped with devotion. On the number Helpless, she brought a shy sweetness to her character, a feminine presence in the male-dominated cast. During many parts of the show, her warm soprano delivered a respite from the political manoeuvring and warfare in the show’s main plot.

For two months, the elegant 18th-century coats and dresses by Tony-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell (Wicked, 2024; West Side Story, 2021) graced the Singapore stage against the wooden scaffolding, ropes and pulleys by set designer David Korins.

Although one performance on May 1 was cancelled due to unexpected illness among the cast, attendees for that show were allowed to attend another session or given refunds.

Hamilton brought more buzz to the scene than other famed titles like Wicked and Les Miserables, and was a feather in the cap of Base Entertainment Asia, which presented the musical’s Singapore run. The only other Asian cities where it has been performed are Manila and Abu Dhabi.