Ten Years After Its Broadway Debut, Hamilton's National Tour Shows Why Lin-Manuel Miranda's Story of Legacy, Leadership, and Division Still Resonates
When Hamilton debuted on Broadway in 2015, a musical about the United States' founding father became an instant hit. Everyone expected a strong showing from Lin-Manuel Miranda, but the phenomenon that followed was more than anyone expected. As the current touring production traverses the country, the show's message is even more relevant in today's divided world.
From staunch musical fans to audience members who may have never heard of Daryl Roth, Hamilton appeals to a huge group. Even if parts of the plot drop in and out, the modern musical interpretation of history gets people thinking about a person who influenced the foundation of the United States.
Lin-Manuel Miranda deserves tremendous credit for crafting a score and book that engage a diverse audience. Smart casting, rap battles, and high-energy choreography ensure that the audience is enraptured with every moment. Many people might have seen Hamilton on that paper money, but Eliza's story, the complicated personal relationships, and the complexity in seeking historical relevance needed to be paid forward.
Hamilton reminds us that words have consequences, even if they are meant to do no harm.
Currently, Hamilton, the National Tour, plays at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando. This cast does a superb job adding their own interpretation of the musical's characters. While audiences should never sing along, the familiarity allows everyone to better appreciate the nuanced performances.
For example, Tyler Fauntleroy, who plays Alexander Hamilton, transforms from a brash, headstrong idealist to a contemplative, resigned elder statesman. While the Aaron Burr character and King George III often get all the applause, Fauntleroy's performance is the glue that holds everything together.
When the ensemble needs to be boisterous, he leads the way. In contrast, the quiet moments shine through his restraint. Understanding how and when to yield his presence is vital to the Hamilton experience.
Additionally, Lily Soto, as Eliza Hamilton, plays the vulnerability as well as she plays the fortitude embedded in this character. When her voice powers through the grittier parts of "Burn," the audience empathizes with her plight. It is a relatable moment that draws everyone in.
The most successful moments come from Auston Henderson, who plays George Washington. As he delivers some of the more timely lyrics about "who writes your story," he implores people to think before they act.
Yes, Burr reprimands Hamilton to talk less, but it is Washington's reflections as he leaves office that need to be heard more loudly today. Division only stops progress. No one should placidly agree or follow a leader like a lemming. Instead, understanding, compromise, and the greater good should guide leadership through the debate.
Even though everyone wants to be in the room where it happens, the impact of those decisions is felt far beyond those four walls. Hamilton reminds us that words have consequences, even if they are meant to do no harm.
Since many people have seen Hamilton on either the stage or the screen, take the opportunity to revisit the beloved musical and dive into the performances and the nuances of the lyrics. The choreography will delight the eye, and the humor always hits, but the true satisfaction comes from gaining one true concept that is bigger than any battle, commandment, or paper. The individual should never put themselves ahead of the greater good. Eliza wrote herself back into the story because it needed to be told. Maybe it is time for more people to write themselves back into the narrative.
Hamilton plays at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando through October 17, 2026.
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