"Hamilton" took the world by storm. If you haven't heard of it, go look it up. You've been living under a rock and I feel sorry for you. I cannot recall another musical that has gotten so much of the world's attention in my lifetime, particularly for my generation.
Going to the theater is an experience unlike any other and I can't quite describe the unique, wonderstruck feeling you get seeing live actors move across the stage in front of you. On top of that, "Hamilton" is unlike any other Broadway show. It mixes history with hip-hop, humor with tragedy, and infuses diversity into a white-dominant history.
After years of waiting, I was finally able to get tickets for the touring show in Portland. I could gush for hours, so it's best for everyone if I just sort my thoughts into a list.
Here are all the reasons "Hamilton" is the best and only show you need tickets for this year:
1. Tickets are not always as expensive as they may appear.
Sure, it's a splurge. But if you're diligent with StubHub, and do all your research to make sure you're getting the best deal, you can get decent tickets for less than you'd pay for a big-name concert. I got seats on the floor for less than I paid to see Taylor Swift. And, sorry Taylor, but if I had to, I would choose Alexander Hamilton over you. I'm sure she understands.
2. It will completely change your perspective on American history.
Honestly, I was a terrible U.S. History student. I found it boring, unfair, and by the time I graduated high school, I was fed up with it. Until I got to the show on Saturday! I thought of the story in a whole new way, and had a newfound appreciation for the guts and risks of our Founding Fathers (though, I still recognize their flaws and harmful actions).
3. You will laugh a lot.
"Hamilton" is funny. Like, laugh-out-loud, out of breath, having to stop myself from giggling in the car on the way home funny. It doesn't take itself too seriously and often pokes fun at the sheer irony and hypocrisy of the events being portrayed. From slang-meets-colonial terms to rap battles in cabinet meetings, Lin-Manuel Miranda writes in just enough humor to remind you it's okay to enjoy such a serious subject matter.
4. After it's over, you'll feel like you have a big group of new best friends.
Walking out of the theater and congregating outside while everyone took photos with the infamous silhouetted signs, I felt instantly connected to my fellow theater-goers. It was as if we had all just come out of the room and bonded for life by the genius that was "Hamilton." I'm sure that if I meet someone down the road who also saw the show, we'll chat happily over coffee, reminiscing about our magical days.
5. You'll be singing along to the soundtrack in the car for months.
I'm listening to it as I write this. If you haven't heard the album, go download it now. You'll be glad you did. Even if you don't typically like musicals, give it a try. Lin-Manuel Miranda did not at all stick to typical show tunes. If you still want a modern flare, check out the Hamilton Mixtape, which includes songs from the play remixed by current popular artists. Both are amazing in their own ways, and you can expect to see me jamming to "Helpless" for months to come.
6. The set is beautifully crafted.
When we got to our seats, I stopped to take it all in. We were close enough to the stage to see the intricate details of the set. I felt my breath catch in my throat when I first saw the complex woodwork that covered the stage. With multiple staircases, furniture, and balconies, the "Hamilton" set succeeds in its versatility. It felt seamless, and like everyone belonged right where they were on the stage.
7. The show transcends racial and gender biases.
Lin-Manuel Miranda once described the show as "America then, told by America now." This to me perfectly sums up the casting decisions he made. America today is beautifully diverse, and people of all different backgrounds hold all different types of positions. America back then was mostly white, except for slaves. In "Hamilton," Lin-Manuel Miranda imagines a world in which today's diversity is present in the founding of our nation.
Characters weren't cast according to their historically accurate race, but rather to what Miranda thought would best represent the play. Though these depictions raise some questions and criticism, it is important to remember the playwright's goal: to allow young people of all backgrounds to be able to relate to the story of America's founding, regardless of race or gender.
8. There's a seriously strong feminist subplot.
The Schuyler sisters are a force to be reckoned with. (Spoiler alert!) After Hamilton's death, Eliza opens an orphanage. Angelica stands by her sister without fail and fiercely protects her family. Women are portrayed as soldiers, and I couldn't help but fall in love with the way the show depicts women as strong, capable, and caring.
9. In addition to the fascinating history and politics, the plot is thrilling and dramatic.
I kid you not, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I reached over and dramatically gripped my boyfriend's arm every time Angelica and Hamilton were in the same scene. The complex relationships between family, friends, siblings, and spouses had me audibly gasping several times during the show.
10. You can feel Lin-Manuel Miranda's heart and soul being poured out on stage.
It goes without saying that he felt incredibly passionate about this project, but to see it for yourself is something entirely different. Even though he wasn't on stage, his presence was evident throughout the night. The work, time, and love he put into the show proved to be clear with every detail: from the set design, to the costumes, to the lyrics and choreography. He had a hand in every last aspect of the production, and that made it all the more enjoyable.
11. You'll feel like you're on a Hamil-high for days.
I don't know if that's a real thing or if I just made it up right now, but I'm pretty sure I'm still feeling it. It's like post-concert depression, but a good thing! I can't shake the euphoric feeling of sitting down in the cushy red seats and taking in all the details of the set. It's all ingrained in my mind and I hope I never lose the fond memories of the night!
There are so many more reasons why "Hamilton" is amazing, but a list can only be so long, so I'll stop there...for now. Don't be surprised if another "Hamilton" related post by me pops up in the future. I'm not sure how long my Hamil-high will last, after all.
Before the tour ends, find out which show is closest to you, and grab the cheapest tickets you can find! I drove to another state to see it and would have gladly driven across the country if I had to.
Trust me, it's just that good.