There is a reason everyone has been talking about the American musical, Hamilton, thought up and written by the ever-so-talented Lin-Manuel Miranda. All of the hype is backed by countless awards and titles, including 11 trophies at the 70th Annual Tony Awards, one of which being the biggest of them all--Best Musical.
The thought-provoking musical, depicting the life and eventual demise of one of the most influential Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton, utilizes a mix of humor and creativity that takes a dry subject and makes it soar to insurmountable measures.
Miranda has perfectly crafted songs that are uniquely witty to combat the darkness and struggle that the musical also portrays. That balance has been a large key to Miranda’s success.
Hamilton takes a new spin on tradition by incorporating rap in the majority of the songs with a cast composed of mainly Hispanics and African Americans. Hip-hop flare is evident in every scene, from arguments to love songs, while actual rap battles take place over cabinet meeting discussions between Thomas Jefferson (Chris De’Sean Lee) and Alexander Hamilton (Miguel Cervantes).
Although the musical is moving in itself, I am most impressed by the widespread influence it has had. People have gained interest in the history of the Founding Fathers. I doubt very much that I am the only one who looked up more information on Alexander Hamilton after seeing the musical.
History is memorable if it is told as a good story, which Miranda has done seamlessly.
Alexander Hamilton underwent a dreary early life but made a name for himself by advising General George Washington, becoming a major author of the Federalist Papers, and becoming the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury.
He was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, who blamed Hamilton for his troubles getting elected and did not have a very friendly relationship with Hamilton.
One of the most moving songs on the soundtrack, “Wait For It,” is sung by said Aaron Burr (Joshua Henry). As in all of his songs, Lin-Manuel Miranda writes to not only get the story across, but actually dig deeper into life and the frustration that arose when the men who knew the laws forward and backward could not figure out how life itself could be so ungovernable.
Aaron Burr (Joshua Henry) belts out the words, “Death does not discriminate between the sinners and the saints-- it takes and it takes and it takes and we keep living anyway.”
I highly recommend anyone and everyone see this musical if the chance arises. Until then, look up the music, or delve into the life of Alexander Hamilton yourself. You may have songs stuck in your head for a couple of days, but you surely won’t be disappointed.
One word to describe Hamilton: brilliant.
