Hamilton: The Exhibition Opens on our lakefront

[rating=5] April 26th was a perfect day along our lakefront in Chicago. The sun was shining brightly as Jane and I made our way down to Northerly Island to get a first hand glimpse of the newest arrival to Chicago, Hamilton : The Exhibition ( a World Premiere that is outstanding in every way). Everyone knows about “Hamilton” the musical, but this exhibit is in fact, more like a museum that will take its visitors deeper into the life and times of Alexander Hamilton, while at the same time chronicling the American Revolution and the creation of The United States of America!

This exhibition will educate the viewers in its home, a 360-degree, immersive exhibit that has been built at 1535 S. Linn White Drive ( Northerly Island) . The site was chosen for several reasons. One, Chicago’s production has had more audience vies than any other production. The second reason is the beauty of the lakefront and the access to it from all over on what is called our Museum Campus. This structure is very near to The Adler Planetarium, the Aquarium and the Field Museum. It is also neighbor to Soldier Field. In fact, the exhibit itself is larger than Soldier Field.

The press and dignitaries. on this sunny bright day were able to enjoy a press conference that featured the creator of “Hamilton”, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Exhibition Creative Director, David Korrins and “Hamilton” producer Jeffrey Seller. They cut the ribbon at 5:30 p.m. and we also heard from Mayor-Elect, Lightfoot. The building was filled with dignitaries and every television station was there covering this momentous event. Once the ceremonial part was over, we were invited to relax and have some snacks as the first groups entered the amazing and powerful exhibit. Al Roker, who is joining the cast ,was also in attendance.

As one enters the line, they are set up with the headset and pointer so that one can hear the narrations done by Miranda and other cast members of the original show (Phillipa Soo and Christopher Jackson, as well as Joanne B. Freeman, historical advisor and Professor of History and American studies at Yale University. The Spanish language translations are done by Olga Merediz, who originated the role of Abuela Claudia in the Broadway production of “In The Heights” ( Miranda’s previous Broadway hit).

We moved from room to room, as a group, but with the ability to stop and read items or point the box on our system at the green light on the object we are seeing to hear specific info on that item. Amazing! The technology is powerful and the educational aspect of this tour will also be special for those who have yet to experience this Broadway In Chicago treat. The exhibit will make the show easier to understand, just as listening to the music up front will.

The tour took us about 2 hours and although we covered pretty much all of it, I do feel that a second visit will be even more worthwhile. What your family will experience is a greater knowledge of the forming of our great country and leaving us with the question, “How can we leave our own legacies for future Americans?

The actual opening day to the public was Saturday, April 27th ( today) and as you might know, it snowed, so I feel sorry for those who had planned to be there, but for those who made it to the exhibit, I am pretty sure, once inside, you had an experience that you will be talking about for some time.

Individual tickets for Hamilton: The Exhibition are available at Ticketmaster ( www.Ticketmaster.com). The tickets are $39.50 for adults ( seniors and military $32.50) and $25 for children between 4- 14.

“Hamilton” is currently playing at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre ( 18 West Monroe Street) where it has been since 2016.

For hours and info on this fabulous exhibit, please visit www.HamiltonExhibition.com

Parking is in a lot  $20, and they have a shuttle that will take you to the exhibit. There is another lot closer but I am not sure how that part works as on press day, it was open to the press. Be aware, from the drop-off point, the walk to the actual building is about 100 yards or so. My suggestion to the management is some golf carts to enable seniors and families with young kids easy access from point A to point B. Beverages and snacks are available in the building and as one might expect, the tour ends in the gift shop where souvenirs can be purchased before heading back to the car.

The tours are in groups of what appeared to be 30 visitors and flows very well. We did visit over 8 rooms and tents, enjoying a great sense of our country and the people who built it. I say, do not miss it!