John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington—even John Hancock, whose oversized signature has become a modern meme—are names Canadians know well. While we may not remember every detail, the story of the United States’ founding fathers is one we’re broadly familiar with.
Now on stage at the National Arts Centre until Sunday, August 17, Hamilton brings that story to life with a fresh and electrifying focus on Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant who rose from poverty to become the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton is a fast-paced, high-energy history lesson wrapped in rhythm and rhyme. Since debuting on Broadway ten years ago, it has won 21 major awards, including 11 Tony Awards, a Grammy, and a Pulitzer Prize.
Miranda not only wrote the book, music, and lyrics, but also redefined Broadway by casting a diverse ensemble to portray the white, slave-owning founding fathers—and setting their stories to a predominantly hip-hop and R&B soundtrack. Even if you’re not typically drawn to that style of music, or miss a lyric here or there, the sheer power, rhythm, and wit of the performance will pull you in.
At its core, Hamilton is about the power of words—spoken, written, and pledged. From duels to debates to love letters, the musical shows how language can shape lives, fuel revolutions, and leave legacies.
ABOVE: Lily Soto, Marja Harmon and Lauren Mariasoosay as the three Schuyler sisters. (PHOTO: Joan Marcus 2024)
Tyler Fauntleroy is superb as Hamilton, delivering a performance full of fire and vulnerability. Lauren Mariasoosay shines as his wife, Eliza, and the entire cast is flawless—spitting out rapid-fire lyrics with clarity and emotion while executing intricate choreography and seamless transitions across the stage.
The story opens with young, ambitious Alexander Hamilton arriving in New York City, armed with ideas and a fierce passion for politics. We follow his rise as a lawyer, a revolutionary, an aide to General George Washington, and ultimately, in shaping a new nation.
The production itself is seamless—beautifully staged, tightly directed, and visually captivating. The multi-level set, constructed of wood, stone, and brick, strikes a perfect balance between function and visual interest. It allows for constant movement and elegant staging, enhancing the musical’s momentum without ever distracting from the action.
ABOVE: Paul Louis Lessard as King George III. (Photo: Andy Henderson)
The audience is treated to occasional comic relief courtesy of King George III, played hilariously by Paul Louis Lessard. His deadpan soliloquies are laugh-out-loud funny, and by his third entrance, the audience is already chuckling in anticipation.
Flawed as he may be, Alexander Hamilton stands as a reminder that individuals can still build something lasting and meaningful. Even in today’s political climate—when some may prefer to tune out U.S. affairs—Hamilton transcends borders. It’s more than a history lesson; it’s a powerful meditation on ambition, legacy, and using your words and voice to shape the world.
Hamilton runs at the National Arts Centre until Sunday, August 17. Tickets are available through the NAC website or at broadwayacrosscanada.ca.
Looking ahead, subscription packages for the 2025–2026 Broadway Across Canada season are now on sale, starting at $270 for all five shows. Subscribers enjoy perks like priority seating, locked-in pricing, and flexible payment plans—making it easier than ever to enjoy Broadway in Ottawa.
Header image: Joan Marcus 2024
