Hamilton, Round Two

If you’ve been around here for a while, you might remember my very first time seeing Hamilton live (which I basically gushed about here). Well, I got to experience it all over again — but this time at the Kennedy Center in Philadelphia (which, by the way, feels like the perfect place to watch a show about American history—very on brand for the city). And honestly? Still just as magical.

Getting tickets this time around was an adventure in itself. My friend and I were determined to get good seats, not “half the stage is blocked, but at least we’re here” seats. Of course, that also meant paying the price (why are musical tickets basically a minor financial investment?). After many rounds of checking and debating, we finally locked them in. Expensive? Yes. Regrets? Absolutely none.

I'm always taken aback by how the entire performance reminds me of how absurdly talented people are. When the lights dimmed and the familiar opening notes of “Alexander Hamilton” started, I got that same little thrill I felt the first time. Except this time, I already knew what was coming, which somehow made it even better. I could anticipate the big moments and just fully enjoy watching it all unfold live again.

It’s always fascinating seeing different interpretations of the characters. This Burr was a little softer, but with this undercurrent of tension that made the final duel hit even harder. And Eliza’s final gasp? Chills, again. I honestly don’t know how I’m still so emotionally affected when I already know every beat of the story. I don’t think I blinked the whole time. (I exercised incredible restraint not to rap along to “Guns and Ships” because I didn’t want to get kicked out.) My friend and I kept exchanging these little side glances every time one of our favorite lines came up.

The Kennedy Center itself was stunning. It has this antique, old-world feel that somehow fits perfectly with the atmosphere of Hamilton. High ceilings, gold accents, and that kind of elegant charm that makes you feel a little fancier just by being there. We arrived early, mostly because we were way too excited to sit at home and wait. It was drizzling outside — just enough to be atmospheric, but not enough to ruin anything. Honestly, the light rain kind of added to the whole pre-show buzz.

After the show, we couldn’t stop talking about it — rehashing all our favorite parts as we walked out into the night air (still lightly drizzling, still very cinematic). There’s something about live performances that just sticks with you. I feel like I’ve officially entered my “if I can afford it, I’m going” phase of concert/musical-going. And Hamilton still holds up, even after my second round.

Promo for merch that was very in line with the musical :)