At this point, you’ve probably heard of Hamilton, so let’s get right into the tech. We’ll be covering the touring production, which has made its home at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre for several months during the 2021-22 season.
Starting with audio, Hamilton carries a large load. Speakers from d&b audiotechnik’s V-Series make up the main front-of-house system, with six arrays flanking the theater’s proscenium. If I were to do a rough count, there are 40 V8/V12 line array elements, six V-SUB subwoofers and four V7P/V10P point sources speakers serving as fills. Rounding out the package are four Meyer Sound 1100-LFCs subwoofers at two per side.
Delays for the balcony are handled by four V-SUBs and 10 V8/V12s split into two arrays of five, with two additional V7/V10 coupled with what appears to be two V-SUBs split per side.
Underneath the balcony, the show deploys Alcons Audio VR8 and d&b audiotechnik 12S subwoofers. EAW UB22s are scattered throughout the theater serving as fill and effects speakers.
Lighting is harder to identify based on the sheer number of fixtures. The show uses Martin MAC Vipers and GLP Impression X4 XLs, with a large grid of ETC Source Fours serving as the conventional lighting rig. Like audio, Hamilton carries a heavy load for lighting, with a large array of fixtures above and in front of the stage.
Anecdotally, Hamilton is an impressive production. Despite having seen the recorded New York production on Disney+, I still considered the live show to be among the best I’ve seen at the Pantages.
Yes, the show truly does live up to the hype. Audio fans will appreciate the tight integration of several manufacturers into a cohesive sounding system. This is even more challenging when you consider that Hamilton weaves through several different genres throughout the show. Lighting fans will appreciate the sheer number of fixtures used to create some rather unique palettes and effects. Here, lighting truly serves the show without calling too much attention to wizardry alone. Finally, production fans will appreciate how everything – lighting, audio and automation – is tied together. While the show certainly has quite a bit of technology, it doesn’t use technology to prove a point.
If you’re a fan of musicals and tech, I’d give Hamilton a watch. Oh, and the show is pretty great too.
Equipment list:
- d&b audiotechnik V-Series
- d&b audiotechnik 12S
- Alcons Audio VR8
- EAW UB22
- Meyer Sound 1100-LFC
- Martin MAC Viper
- GLP Impression X4 XL
These photos were taken on November 27, 2021 in Hollywood, California.
