‘Hamilton’ Takes Center Stage

The entertainment scene for August is dominated by the musical that is at the top of everyone’s list, “Hamilton.” Due to the efforts of local Broadway promoter Celebrity Attractions, 56,000 ticket holders in Tulsa will have their shot at what Broadway mavens consider the most inventive, dynamic and relevant work of musical theater to command the stage in two decades. Winner of 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for drama, “Hamilton” plays at the Tulsa PAC for three weeks, Aug. 20 through Sept. 8.
Inspired by Ron Chernow’s book by the same name, “Hamilton” is the masterwork of Lin-Manuel Miranda. Before “Hamilton,” Miranda created the musical “In the Heights,” which played several years ago at the Broken Arrow PAC and will be released as a film in 2020.
Despite being frequently described as a rap or hip-hop musical, “Hamilton” combines those musical styles with R&B, operetta, blues, jazz and pop to tell the story of America’s fledgling years via the travails of the brilliant statesman Alexander Hamilton. The historical figure was born out of wedlock in the West Indies. His father abandoned him, and his mother died when Hamilton was only 13. He came to the U.S. to make his mark and succeeded in not only being a major player during America’s war for independence, but becoming the first Secretary of the Treasury, and the founder of the U.S. Coast Guard and the “New York Post.”
America, the land of opportunity, is celebrated through “Hamilton’s” driving musical narrative. Jefferson, Washington, Lafayette and King George II all weigh in at some point. Everyone has his say, and through lyrics that are smart and fun. During the intrigue and gamesmanship of American Revolution, Hamilton gained admiration for his political savvy, but distain from Aaron Burr, the man who ultimately bested him in a gun duel. The musical propels the main character toward the fate that awaits him, but not before the audience is thoroughly enthralled and entertained.
“Hamilton” isn’t the only game in town, however. At the Hard Rock Casino, Aug. 17, enjoy ventriloquist Terry Fator, winner of “America’s Got Talent,” Season 2. He is talented enough to have a theatre named for him at The Mirage in Las Vegas. Fator has 15 puppets that sing and impersonate famous singers or celebrities. Donald Trump is a relatively new puppet.
Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot Summer Tour electrifies The Joint at the Hard Rock on Aug 22. A three-time Grammy winner and well-known Stray Cats guitarist, songwriter and vocalist, Setzer will appear as part of a foursome of musicians playing drums, piano/guitar and bass.
Making music together for more than 30 years, Spin Doctors slam into the Osage Casino Skyline Event Center on Aug. 17. Still retaining four of its original members, the rock band from New York City has explored a range of styles over their three decades together and are planning a new studio album.
Timed to coincide with the release of their new album, “DNA,” The Backstreet Boys will bring their biggest arena tour in 18 years to the BOK Center, Aug. 28. The group has been setting and breaking records in Las Vegas for more than a year.
It’s great to see the River Spirit Casino up and running like they never dropped a stitch. Whoa. They’ve booked the Canadian band Nickelback on Aug. 16; Oklahoma’s country music star Vince Gill on Aug. 17; crooner (“Wicked Game”) and guitarist Chris Isaak for Aug. 22; and the truly incomparable Mary J. Blige, Aug. 23.

I came to appreciate Mary J. Blige late in her career. If you don’t know her music, check out her 2014 studio album “The London Sessions.” It was number one on the R&B charts. I downloaded the album after hearing one song. Blige has been nominated 32 times for a Grammy and won nine. She has eight multi-platinum albums and 80 million albums sold. Her life hasn’t been a piece of cake. She can sing about pain and heartache like no one else.
Ballet is back in late August with TBII’s “On Your Radar.” As you may know, TBII is Tulsa Ballet’s ultra-talented second company of dancers. Slated for Aug. 23-25 are three fresh and riveting contemporary works. A joy to experience in the intimate Studio K, this program is always one that I leave saying, “I am so glad I saw that.” Upcoming is a world premiere by Daniel van de Laar titled “This Must be the End,” along with Ma Cong’s “Melodia” and “Watercolor” by Jimmy Orrante.
A singer/songwriter who doesn’t sing about all the pain he’s endured in his life, but could, is Rob Thomas. Along with penning songs for his Matchbox Twenty band, he’s written for Willie Nelson and Mick Jagger, among many others. The song “Smooth” that he wrote verses for and sung on Santana’s major comeback album in 1999 won Grammys for Best Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Pop Collaboration. He told “Rolling Stone,” “My songs are more famous than I am, and I’m okay with that.” His sixth studio album, “Chip Tooth Smile” was released in April 2019. Thomas appears in concert at the Brady Theater on Aug. 30.
That’s a wrap for summer entertainment, and there’s plenty to look forward to in the performance season ahead.