MILWAUKEE— "Hamilton," to what should be no one's surprise, received a standing ovation on Friday night at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. With the original Broadway cast rendition of the world-renowned musical streaming on Disney+ and the show's unparalleled popularity, it's not hard to wonder if "Hamilton" can maintain its glory. Let me assure you— it does.

"Hamilton" follows the life of founding father, Alexander Hamilton (Edred Utomi), kicking off just before the start of the U.S. revolution, which is about the same time he meets his wife, Eliza Schuyler (Zoe Jensen), and her two sisters Angelica (Stephanie Umoh) and Peggy (Olivia Puckett). Throughout "Hamilton," the title character works his way up in government and military ranks, helping George Washington (Paul Oakley Stovall) free and later lead the nation. He gets married, moves a few times, falls in love, has children and feverishly writes his way through it all. Not to mention, he longs for his wife's sister, has an affair, finds himself in the heat of major political battles, loses his son and watches his life flash before his eyes as he tragically dies dueling his friend-turned-enemy Aaron Burr (Josh Tower). 

Yes, Hamilton's life is full of complexities, and is told through a show that spares no details from costumes (Paul Tazewell) to choreography (Greer Gisy), yet remains easy to follow. 

Jensen gave an immaculate performance as the show's leading lady. She spared no emotion; there was not a single dry eye in the house after her heartwrenching performance of "Burn," which she sings after learning of Hamilton's affair. She had the audience devastated once again when she lost her son, Philip (Jon Viktor Corpuz). On the contrary, her rendition of "Helpless," which highlights her early relationship with Hamilton, was one of the most heartwarming, happy performances I have ever seen on the Marcus Center stage. She projected one of the widest ranges of emotions in the entire show, while never missing a note. Jensen's voice is as harmonious to listen to as a choir of angels. 

Utomi shared incredible chemistry with Jensen. Actually, he possessed unmatched chemistry with everyone on stage. It was easy to feel the tension between him and Umoh, as well as relish in the adornment he had for Stovall. But one of the strongest relationships he depicted perfectly on stage was the one between Hamilton and Burr. Utomi and Tower performed a gorgeous rendition of "Dear Theodosia," where their voices complemented one another as eloquently as their characters' symbolic juxtaposition throughout the musical. Hamilton and Burr foiled each other flawlessly. Both Utomi and Tower never failed to give two-dimensional performances, where it otherwise could have been easy to fall flat. 

To be completely blunt, every actor did an excellent job portraying their character, or oftentimes characters, on the Uihlein Hall stage. From Stovall's compelling performance as a wise, yet tired, fearless leader, to Bryson Bruce's hilarious yet intriguing portrayal of Thomas Jefferson. Not to be overshadowed, Puckett delivered not only a fabulous Peggy, but an equally, if not more, enticing Mariah Reynolds. Peter Matthew Smith's King George had me laughing the whole time and Umoh's Angelica was as strong and emotional as I had hoped. 

All of the leads were supported by the strongest ensemble I have ever seen in many years of being a theater-goer. Each ensemble member truly understood their own character's nuances, not to mention performed every dance number with the same grace of a prima ballerina. With excellent, concert-style lighting (Howell Blinkley) and the lead's bright costumes to contrast the ensemble's more neutral wardrobe, the creative team easily directs you toward the action. But if you do make it to the show, don't let your eyes gaze too far from the background. The 11-person ensemble's performance is not one to miss. 

If, like many Wisconsinites, you have not seen a live performance since Winter 2019 or early 2020, this is not one to miss. I cannot recommend "Hamilton" enough. 

You'll want to be in the room where it happens. 

"Hamilton" opened at Marcus Performing Arts Center on Oct. 13, and runs through Oct. 24. The musical will also make a return to Wisconsin at the Overture Center from Aug. 9 - 22 in 2022. More information on the Milwaukee show can be found here, and more information on the Madison show can be found here.