Hamilton – Sydney Lyric Theatre

Reviewed by Anna-Celine Rautenberg

As someone who has performed in musicals and calls Hamilton on of their all-time favorites, seeing the show in Sydney felt surreal. My previous experience with the German adaptation had been underwhelming – the translation disrupted the rhythm, and the magic of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s original creation was lost.  So, when I spotted Hamilton’s poster at my first day in Sydney at the Airport, I knew I had to see it! And yet I couldn’t shake the excitement of watching it in its original form. 

A Show That Demands Your Attention

Hamilton isn’t just a musical; it’s an immersive experience that commands focus. Every lyric, every beat, and every move has meaning, and the Sydney production captured this beautifully. The opening song, “Alexander Hamilton” was the perfect start, setting the tone for a night of historical storytelling that feels as relevant as ever. 

The show’s intricate lyrics and layered themes – ambition, love, legacy, and loss – require attentiveness from the audience. Lines like “Dying is easy, living is harder” resonant deeply, reminding us of the sacrifices that come with chasing greatness, while the repetition of “Not throwing away my shot” serves as both Hamilton’s battle cry and recurring reminder of his relentless drive. 

Stellar Performances and Iconic Moments

Sean Sinclair’s portrayal of Alexander Hamilton brought intensity and vulnerability to the role. From his hunger for success to his personal failings, Sinclair captured the complexity of Hamilton’s character. His confrontation with George Washington (Googoorewon Knox), where he shouts, “Don’t call me son!” after Washington’s plea, “I need you alive, son,” was electrifying – a raw moment that underscored Hamilton’s unsolved grief and defiance. 

Callan Purcell’s Aaron Burr was equally compelling, delivering a masterclass in nuance as the narrator torn between admiration and envy. His rendition of “Wait for It” was a standout, perfectly capturing Burr’s inner conflict. By the climactic duel, his regret was palpable, his final line, “I should have known, the world was wide enough for Hamilton and me,” hitting the audience with devastating weight. 

Vidya Makan’s Eliza Hamilton, meanwhile, was the heart of the production. Especially in the second act her pain, resilience and ultimate strength and deep bond to her sister Angelica Schuyler (Elandrah Eramiha) came to the forefront. Her visceral pain in “Burn” was unforgettable, made all the more haunting bay the sensory detail of the smell of burning letters wafting through the theatre.  

Brent Hill’s King George provided much-needed comedic relief, stealing every scene he was in. His ability to balance humor with menace made him a crowd favorite. His reprise of “You’ll be back” highlighted his descent into obsession, with subtle shifts in tone and body language that kept the audience both laughing and uneasy. His humming motif throughout the show was an unexpectedly quirky yet fitting way to embody the King’s detached absurdity. 

The production’s staging was as fluid and dynamic as its music. The rotation stage and minimalist set allowed the focus to remain on the characters and their relationships. Scene transitions were effortless, with clever use of lighting and choreography to differentiate locations and moods. 

One of the breathtaking moments came during the duel between Hamilton and Burr, where the bullet’s slow-motion trajectory mirrored Hamilton’s internal monologue. As he said goodbye to Eliza with the heartbreaking line, “My love, take your time, I will see you on the other side,” time seemed to stand still in the theater. 

Eliza: The Keeper of His Story

The closing number, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” was a triumph. As Eliza sang, “I put myself back in the narrative,” she reminded us of the unseen voices that shape history. Her final, shocked glance into the audience was a moment of profound connection. It was as if she had realized that her story – Hamilton’s story – was being told, and the audience itself was proof of its enduring impact. 

Final Thoughts: A Profoundly Moving Production

This Hamilton production at the Lyric Theatre didn’t just meet my expectations – it exceeded them. The cast, orchestra, and creative team brought Lin-Manuel Miranda’s masterpiece to life with passion, precision, and undeniable heart. It’s a show that demands your attention and rewards it tenfold, blending historical detail with emotional depth and unforgettable music. For me, the most powerful takeaway came for Eliza. Her decision to forgive Hamilton, her resilience in the face of tragedy, and her determination to preserve his legacy serve as a reminder that history is often shaped by those who love deeply and endure quietly.