Shamilton is a show, from hit musical comedy improv group Baby Wants Candy, that has sold out runs in Chicago, New York, LA, and many days of the Fringe already.
Shamilton is a delight to watch. The show begins with a brief explanation of the concept, before suggestions of who the show should focus on being taken from the audience. We had suggestions as diverse as Garfield, Kanye West and Oppenheimer (this is the third improv show I’ve been to where someone has mentioned Oppenheimer). Eventually the audience chose, with riotous cheers, Kanye West. I can’t say I was particularly excited about seeing a musical about Kanye West, but as is the joy of improv, that is what I saw. And I knew it would be a joy to watch.
After Kanye was chosen, the cast discussed with the audience who Kanye is, why he is famous and who his friends and enemies are. This helps create a little bit of background and these people are used as characters throughout the show.
We were then witness to a heartfelt musical about Kanye West and his quest for happiness. His enemy, and later friend, was Taylor Swift, played well by Anna Bortnik. As soon as it was decided that the show would be about Kanye, I hoped that we may get to see Bortnik play Taylor Swift. As a Taylor Swift fan, this added some interest for me and the character worked well as a foil for Kanye West.
The show blends new music with Hamilton hits and the occasional recognisable Swift tune and lyric (maybe also Kanye West music, however I cannot be sure). The live band are, like the cast, supremely talented. I can’t imagine how quick of a thinker you must be to create and improvise music. Similarly, the lyrics that the cast create are hilarious, fit well with the music and even often rhyme. The knowledge and ability that is needed to create a show like this is staggering. The dance routines are also incredibly impressive, and the way the cast are able to communicate with each other non verbally to decide their next moves.
Shamilton is a fantastic, hilarious and extremely enjoyable watch that I highly recommend checking out during its Fringe run. Get thinking of who you want to see a musical about now.
Shamilton! The Improvised Hip Hop Musical is on at 5:20pm at Assembly George Square Studio One every day until 27 August. Tickets are available here.
Image provided to The Student as press material.