Watch out, Broadway! There is a new kid in town. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the mind and star behind "In the Heights", has struck gold again. Miranda wrote a new musical, called "Hamilton", that is taking Broadway by storm. "Hamilton" is a musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton that has become abundantly popular extremely quickly. The fact of the matter is that this musical has so much more to offer than any musical before it. It has sprung open a new realm of possibilities for musicals and has revolutionized Broadway itself.
So, why is it that "Hamilton" has revolutionized Broadway?
1. Almost every song includes rapping.
Rapping on Broadway seems completely out of the norm, and that is because it truly is. This being said, Miranda has utilized this form of music and made it work for his musical unbelievably well.
The cabinet meetings in the musical are portrayed completely by rap battles.
2. There's also a wide range of pop and hip-hop music.
The songs in "Hamilton" include a variety of music styles, which allows a larger viewing population to accumulate. Many people think of Broadway musicals as prolonged, boring shows that exhibit lengthy show tunes, but "Hamilton" positively demolishes this idea. One of my close friends had never been a fan of Broadway until she found "Hamilton". I used to walk into her room hearing all types of punk-pop music blast out of her speakers, but now I am greeted with the songs of "Hamilton" frequently upon entrance.
I am as happy as Lafayette in the GIF above when I hear "Hamilton".
3. It is accurate.
The historical accuracy displayed throughout the entire musical is what the kids these days would call "on point". Miranda was actually inspired to write the musical by the biography of Alexander Hamilton. The viewers learn a lot about the history of the United States of America through the lively musical retelling presented by "Hamilton".
Imagine acing next week's American History class test just because you had the time of your life watching a musical the previous weekend.
4. It is a lot different than other musicals.
People love when something sticks out. Thankfully, "Hamilton" sticks out in the most positive of ways. It is like no other musical that anyone has seen. There are no comparisons to be made in the way of other Broadway musicals.
I do not remember the last time I heard someone say "The musical 'Hamilton' reminds me so much of 'Wicked'!" or "Isn't the 'Hamilton' score a little bit like the music in 'Bye Bye Birdie'?"
5. The talent is phenomenal.
Currently, the original cast is performing on Broadway, and they have a lot to brag about. The Schuyler sisters, for one, can belt like no one's business. The voices of the actresses who play these sisters, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Phillipa Soo, and Jasmine Cephas Jones are all extremely strong and breathtaking.
Lin-Manuel Miranda did not only possess the talent to create the entire musical, but to star in it as well.
6. Lin-Manuel Miranda is hilarious.
Lin-Manuel Miranda maintains a large presence in the media and has portrayed a wild sense of humor. He is always thinking of better ways to present himself as a well-humored man. In every single interview, Miranda is able to bring an excessive amount of wit to the table. Since Miranda is so likable, he is able to bring in more of an audience to his musical.
He even rapped with President Obama in the White House rose garden. I've never heard of Andrew Llyod Webber or Stephen Schwartz creating that much of a stir outside of the Broadway media.
7. He is also down to earth.
Lin-Manuel Miranda connects with his fans on multiple social media outlets, including Twitter. He is a frequent poster, as well as a recurring respondent to many fan-written tweets.
His lighthearted vibe attracts many people to his work. There are not many other Broadway composers that make his or her fans feel like a family.
8. It is extremely entertaining.
It is almost impossible to finish watching the musical without a smile and even a laugh. "Hamilton" allows the viewer the perfect amount of giggles, gasps, and tears to make the experience phenomenal.
Not many other musicals are able to keep the viewers intently listening and watching on the edge of their seats for the whole show.
Obviously, "Hamilton" has created rippling waves that will change Broadway endlessly. The revolution in America that Alexander Hamilton began is completely comparable to the revolution in Broadway that Lin-Manuel Miranda started. Without a doubt, "Hamilton" is innovating the very foundation of Broadway forever.
