By Satyne Doner, Arts & Culture Editor & Sarah Gilley, Campus News Editor and Copyeditor
“Hamilton” is the story of Alexander Hamilton and the birth of America. With songs ranging from jazz to R&B, to hip-hop, it is a show anyone can enjoy. Whether you are a history nerd, a parent dragged along by your kids, or a Broadway fan, get ready for a story that will transport you back in time.
Hamilton, “the ten-dollar founding father,” had a whirl-wind life and Lin-Manuel Miranda wanted to share this story with anyone who would listen. From 2008 to 2015, Miranda studied all he could about Hamilton to create the world-renowned show we all love and enjoy today. In fact, according to CBC, it was the first musical to ever be nominated for 16 Tony Awards, winning 11 of them.
The Straz Center, a performing arts theatre in downtown Tampa, has allotted times for different shows or musicals to perform there, and “Hamilton” just so happened to sneak into one of those spots. For Saint Leo University students, the Straz Center is located just 39 minutes from University Campus. However, Saint Leo’s Tampa Learning Center is just under five minutes away!
The show spans Hamilton’s life, starting when he was only nineteen years old – a fresh mind ready to be used in what was still British-occupied America – all the way to his death at 47, when he dueled it out with his lifelong enemy, Aaron Burr.
“Hamilton” elicits feelings of freedom and patriotism, while also pulling on your heartstrings. Do not be surprised if some tears are shed – this is a story of loss and defeat, but also independence and love.
Overall, visiting the Straz Center – for “Hamilton” and otherwise – was an incredibly riveting experience. The eyes of hundreds of people were glued to the stage, watching the performers pour their heart out into the crowd. Their passion for the craft was evident in the way that their eyes sparkled as they seemed to float across the stage, singing every line with unparalleled skill.
The Straz Center will continue to hold performances of “Hamilton” until Jan. 22. However, if history is not your speed, the Straz Center has so many more shows to offer.
Fans of musical theatre can look forward to “TINA – The Tina Turner Musical” from Jan. 31-Feb. 5. It will tell the comeback story of Tina Turner, a 12-time Grammy Award winner and the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
To add to that, those who need a good laugh should check out “Shear Madness,” which will be performed from Feb. 15-April 8. It’s a whodunit, meaning that the audience will help figure out a crime through clues laid out by the performers. It’s witty, hilarious, and full of shenanigans!
The stories that unfold on the stage of the Straz Center are deliciously told, and a treat for anyone who attends. It doesn’t matter if a student has been to the Straz a hundred times or has never gone – it’s a guaranteed good experience.
For those interested in seeing a show at the Straz, visit their website www.strazcenter.org. There are multiple ways to find the show of your dreams through this website – a dazzling performance and a night in the town are just a click away!
