Lin Manuel Miranda has been having his moment for at least seven years since his hit musical “Hamilton” debuted in 2015—a fact not lost on Gerard Alessandrini, creator of the inspired “Spamilton: an American Parody,” which cleverly spoofs both the musical and Lin-Manuel Miranda himself.
Continuing at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center through April 10, seven spirited “Spamilton” performers seem to have a rolicking time using “Hamilton” tunes to make fun of Miranda and Broadway musicals—all in 80 minutes and without missing a beat.
Wilkie Fergusson III provides the sole instrumental accompaniment on piano, impressively moving from one musical score to the next—not only from “Hamilton” but other Broadway shows like “The Book of Mormon,” “West Side Story” and “Annie,” plus Stephen Sondheim numbers—all perfectly timed with the often fast-paced performers’ comings and goings.
Directed and choreographed by Gerry McIntyre, the seven performers rotate on and off the stage, behind a screen prominently featuring the iconic “Hamilton” star, for 25 songs that tell Miranda’s story and his impact on other Broadway shows.
Performer Dedrick Bonner brings exuberance and an audience-pleasing singing range to all his parts—including a hilariously timed appearance as little orphan Annie, comically donning her iconic red dress and hair over his commanding frame.
The other six performers also excel in singing, comic timing and lively choreography, including CSULB Theatre alumnus Andrew Puente as Miranda and lithe Cal State Fullerton grad Marqell Edward Clayton. Cornelius Jones, Jr., who also serves as dance captain, brings a solid yet fluid stage presence.
Two vocally talented women add feminine dimension to the cast—Summer Greer embodying all the “Hamilton” women at once (with the help of hand puppets) and Trisha Rapier, taking believable turns as Patty Lupone, Liza Minelli, Barbra Streisand and even a droll Julie Andrews, bitter about Mary Poppins being played by Emily Blunt in a recent film.
Rounding out the cast, Jason Graae—who performed in the original “Spamilton” production off-Broadway—steals the spotlight with appearances as both King George from “Hamilton” and Harry Potter from the musical “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”
Graae told the Signal Tribune that King George functions similarly in “Spamilton” as he does in “Hamilton,” literally stopping the show to comment. But instead of poking fun at America’s nascent independence, this show’s King George emphasizes how “Hamilton” changed things on Broadway, especially for gay performers.
“It’s a pretty hilarious song,” Graae said, adding that the lyrics even comment on how it sounds like the Beatles’ “Penny Lane.”
Graae also captures the youthful Harry Potter, though he notes it was hard to learn the Latin-based incantations he has to sing, which fans take very seriously.
“If I say them wrong, I get more notes from the crew backstage, who seem to know all the spells,” he said amusedly.
Like many performers, Graae noted that he is “ecstatic” to be back on stage again instead of performing via recordings for “no audience” during the past two pandemic years, which he called “soul sucking.”
“On opening night at the Carpenter Center—hearing the laughs—I was weepy coming off stage,” he said.
Though Graae won’t be able to perform during the show’s final weekend—Matt Merchant will take over his roles—he said “Spamilton” at the Carpenter Center has a much more “grandiose” feel than when he took a turn as King George off-Broadway.
“I like doing it on a big stage,” Graae said. “It’s lampooning ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Hamilton’ is such a big, spectacular extravaganza.”
Alessandrini updated the show for this production with references to Miranda’s work on Disney+’s animated film “Encanto” and last month’s Academy Awards. For the funniest and most entertaining tribute to “Hamilton” and the rest of Broadway—its talented, energetic cast not afraid to ham it up—don’t “throw away your shot,” as Alexander Hamilton might sing, at “Spamilton” through this weekend.
Musical Theatre West’s “Spamilton” continues at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St. on the CSULB campus, through April 10, with performances Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Tickets are $22 to $96 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 1-562-856-1999 or visiting musical.org. The box office offers $15 student rush tickets 30 minutes prior to showtime, with ID. Masks are no longer required for those fully vaccinated.
