Alexander Hamilton. The name that is only continuing to gain popularity. In the past it may only have brought up a vague memory of history class, however now, if you do not think of the musical, you are truly missing out.
The Beginning
Hamilton was made by Lin-Manuel Miranda on a vacation. Yes, a vacation to Mexico. After reading Ron Chernow's biography about Hamilton, he was shocked that there had not been music written about this. It took him over a year to write the first song, and another to write the second. Miranda actually performed that first rap at an evening of music at the White House in 2009 at age 29, long before it hit the stage.
Inspired by Les Misérables, and with the help of many different consultants, this breathtaking hip-hop, R&B and pop musical was born.
The Musical
When people typically think of musicals, they think of beautiful Broadway stages and heartfelt singing. Although Hamilton does not lack any of these, the presence of rapping is its most notable difference.
There are a few things to note about this show-stopping performance. First, the diverse cast. Diversity is one of the most essential aspects of the musical, choosing colored singers and cast members for the main roles. As it is a story about pro-immigration and America as a whole, this is definitely appropriate.
Hamilton hit the stage January 20, 2015. The original cast is heard in the official soundtrack, however they no longer are the ones who perform on Broadway in New York at this time. Lin-Manuel Miranda plays Hamilton, of course, followed by Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr, Daveed Digs as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton, and so many more.
The 46 songs musical was an instant hit. In 2016, Hamilton was nominated for 16 Tony Awards and won 11, including best music. It has also won many more, including the 2016 Grammy for best musical theatre album and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. You can see it live on Broadway or now on Disney Plus (with the original cast)!
The show follows Alexander Hamilton on his life journey, from his difficult past, Revolutionary war story, chaotic love life, political beef, all the way to his tragic death. Its brilliant lyrics, hip-hop nature, lovable characters, and amazing plot-line make this musical unique and worth listening or watching. I originally started my own obsession my eighth grade year in 2016. It has been five years since then, and it still shocks me each time I listen to it. I have just about every song memorized, it really is that good.
Favorite Songs (In no particular order)
I will give a run down on some favorite pieces. I have plenty more.
"Cabinet Battle #2"
We can only leave cabinet meetings to our imaginations. Lin-Manuel Miranda turns the topics into vicious rap battles between the founding fathers. In this battle, Jefferson finds himself on the hot seat while asking for American intervention in the French Revolution, while Hamilton argues against it.
Best lyric:"Should we honor our treaty, King Louis's head?/'Uh, do whatever you want, I'm super dead.’”
“Take a Break”
Act II acts as the "fall" part of Alexander Hamilton's rise-and-fall story, and "Take A Break" is the song that starts it. Hamilton here struggles with balancing to keep his difficult job and spend time with his family. He chooses to pursue his legacy and work rather than focus on what he has.
Best lyric: "Angelica, tell my wife John Adams doesn't have a real job anyway.”
“We Know”
In the midst of his affair, rumors are strong of Alexander as Madison, Jefferson and Burr confront Hamilton in order to discredit his works, but they miss the major detail. Hamilton chooses again between pride and saving his family from pain, choosing the former, again.
Best lyric: “I never spent a cent that wasn't mine, you sent the dogs after my scent, that's fine.”
"What'd I Miss"
Hamilton's Act II starts with Thomas Jefferson coming home to ruin Hamilton's day in this jazzy, joyful song. It emphasizes his relationship with James Madison, Jefferson's sidekick for the rest of the show.
Best lyric: "I guess I basically missed the late '80s."
"The Reynolds Pamphlet"
As his affair is made public on his own account, Hamilton is forced to realize he cannot write himself out of every problem. This upbeat song has everyone come together to watch his downfall, especially Jefferson.
Best lyric: “Well, he's never gon' be President now.”
"The World Was Wide Enough"
The song examines the points of view of Burr and Hamilton on the infamous duel that leads to Hamilton's death and that ends up destroying both of them.
Best lyric: "History obliterates, in every picture it paints/It paints me and all my mistakes."
"The Schuyler Sisters"
The Schuyler sisters, Angelica, Eliza and Peggy, are introduced with this number that emphasizes in particular Angelica, whose desire to be "satisfied" has struggles with her responsibility as the oldest female of her family.
“I've been reading Common Sense by Thomas Paine/So men say that I'm intense or I'm insane/You want a revolution? I want a revelation.”
"Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story"
In the final song, Eliza Hamilton continues to work on continuing Hamilton’s legacy and name. The song brings back those who had previously died throughout the musical and explores leaving behind a legacy and being remembered.
Best lyric: “You could have done so much more if you only had time”
"Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)"
This is the climax of not only of the war, but of Hamilton's role in it. The final battle of the war marks Hamilton's first turn in command, the best time of his battle story. This is the final moment of glory before a life of politics, backstabbing, enemies, affairs, and pride.
Best line: "Hercules Mulligan/I need no introduction/When you knock me down/I get the f**k back up again."
"Satisfied"
Renée Elise Goldsberry plays Angelica through tongue-tying lyrics as she watches Hamilton marry her sister. She has again chosen to put others before her own happiness and satisfaction.
Best lyric: "At least my dear Eliza's his wife/At least I keep his eyes in my life."
"Wait For It"
This is a first account into Burr’s character. Though both Hamilton and Burr grow up orphans, this song reveals how the same experience breeds separate interpretations. Burr continues to wait for his big moment, however this leads to resentment towards Hamilton’s success, and eventually his downfall.
Best line: "Death doesn't discriminate/Between the sinners and the saints."
"One Last Time"
Washington set the unofficial two-term presidency standard after his voluntary leave. This song shows this moment in history and Washington’s departure from Hamilton’s life. As a father figure, it is a difficult one for Hamilton and America.
Best lyric: "I want to sit under my own vine and fig tree/A moment alone in the shade."
Final Message
If you haven’t tried out Hamilton what are you waiting for? Its amazing themes, brilliant lyrics, dynamic music, and memorable experience are not things to miss out on.