This is Drama Masks, a column that delves into the world of performing arts in the Bay Area. From the mad ramblings and Oxford commas to the "theatre" with an "r-e", it offers a unique perspective. I'll be talking about venue safety and dramatic substance, or the lack thereof.

Uncovering the Essence of Bay Area Performing Arts

Introduction to Hamilton

Hamilton, playing at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco until January 5, 2025, may be the quintessential "Obama-era piece of pop culture." Lin-Manuel Miranda's Pulitzer- and Tony-winning musical historical bio is a celebration of a certain era. It shows a US where white liberals thought they were in a "post-racial America" and PoC performers played the white Founding Fathers. It's a story with both glory and flaws.It's a hip-hop-infused take on American mythologizing, less misogynist than some works. Tracks from it are on workout and dance playlists. Like Amadeus, it has enduring entertainment quality despite scrutiny.

Looking at Hamilton in Hindsight

In hindsight, Hamilton's hip-hop-scored and PoC-led success was used as a liberal rallying cry against the Trump era. While actual leftists were listening to Kendrick Lamar, "activists" applauded Hamilton. White liberal Gen-Xers and Millennials had different ways of dealing with the times. It was a confirmation of their "post-racial" delusion.Even with its flaws, the show has its charms. I still enjoy it, but as an artist and activist, I can't ignore them.

The Cast of Hamilton

In the "Philip" cast on opening night, the central men like Blaine Alden Krauss as Hamilton and others seemed to give half-energy performances. They hit the lyrics but didn't bring more. Deon’te Goodman as Aaron Burr and Paul Louis Lessard as King George stood out more. Kameron Richardson as George Washington seemed lost, shorter than Krauss and lacking gravitas.But the women were a different story. Lencia Kebede as Angelica Schuyler, Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama as Eliza Schuyler-Hamilton, and Milika Cherée as Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds were excellent. They embodied their characters with joy and heartbreak, making the men pale in comparison.

The Pandemic and Hamilton

The pandemic began months after I first saw the show. I'm used to being one of the few masked faces. Fortunately, the Orpheum's HVAC system worked well. During the three-hour show, CO₂ readings on my Aranet4 were within a certain range.It's been four years since the Broadway cast lambasted Mike Pence, and now we have another Trump term coming. Times are changing, and Hamilton's relevance endures.

Liberal Musical Comfort Food

If you're looking for liberal musical comfort food, the current production of Hamilton may be the sweet treat. Between now and January 5th, it offers a sense of security with favorite songs.HAMILTON runs through January 5th, 2025 at the Orpheum Theatre, SF. Tickets and further info here.