For the past few years, I have been a recreational musical lover. I've dabbled in Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, appreciating a good show-tune when I hear one. When Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton was released in September 2015, I heard the buzz about it. My Twitter feed was filled with adoring listeners, and I couldn't escape the singing covers and discussion videos about it that subsequently showed up all over YouTube, my second home. So this past weekend when I finally entertained the idea of sitting down with the lyrics and giving the musical a complete run-through, I was welcomed into loving arms by the community which has lovingly labeled itself "Hamiltrash."
My initiation was quick and simple. After one listen, I was a changed person.
Hamilton is a production centering around Alexander Hamilton (shocker!) told from the perspective of his enemy, Aaron Burr. It follows Hamilton's immigration to America and his roles in forming American government, as well as his home life with his family and comrades. But for those already falling asleep, it has a twist-- the musical is predominantly rap. Congress sessions are told in rap battles. Actual wars are rap battles. The juxtaposition of fancily dressed men and women from the 18th century and the rhymes they spit is what makes the musical so interesting.
Some-- including myself-- were skeptical about listening to a musical without seeing the action in front of you. Isn't the point of musicals to watch a stage production? Isn't the music just background noise? I put off listening to Hamilton for so long because I was confused and didn't think it would be enjoyable if you couldn't see the action occurring. But the music itself is the storyline. Sure, it would be great to see the production because of its humor and the fact that the entire cast is diverse, but the music itself stands alone brilliantly.
The songs are so upbeat and snarky that they're impossible to not want to learn. The first time you listen, I recommend pulling up the official booklets on the official Hamilton website to read the lyrics as you go along. With full commitment to the words (and being able to comprehend who's speaking), the experience is so much more entertaining. No one needs to be a history nut, or even an American, to enjoy this story about the founding fathers.
I went from head-bopping at 2 a.m. to sniffling at 2 a.m. Besides the fact that the music is really catchy and now it has been constantly stuck in my head since listening, it also tugs on your heartstrings. Any musical that makes me laugh and makes me cry is an A+ in my book.
Hamilton is available on a plethora of platforms, including Spotify, Amazon Prime, and iTunes. If you have the two hours and twenty-two minutes to devote to sitting down and listening, I would highly recommend the rest of us who forever will be unable to face a ten dollar bill without lyrics of Hamilton invading our minds.
