Musical Spotlight: Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda (2016)
Description
The Pulitzer website summarizes Hamilton as "a landmark American musical about the gifted and self-destructive founding father whose story becomes both contemporary and irresistible."
What excites me the most about Hamilton, I think, is that it was Lin-Manuel Miranda's first major musical after he penned a stage-version of Bring It On. I mean, c'mon!
In 2009, Miranda performed a demo at the White House during "An Evening of Poetry, Music, and the Spoken Word." Watch the now-cherished clip here. Seven years later the show catapulted into the global spotlight. I remember seeing headlines about it on the front page of papers in London when I went on a short trip.
The musical chronicles Alexander Hamilton's life. The catch, of course, is that the genre of music is predominantly Hip-Hop. Additionally, the historic figures are portrayed by individuals from non-white descent. The show not only reveals the romantic and tragic life of Hamilton, but also surveys the creation of America.
The Pulitzer website summarizes Hamilton as "a landmark American musical about the gifted and self-destructive founding father whose story becomes both contemporary and irresistible."
What excites me the most about Hamilton, I think, is that it was Lin-Manuel Miranda's first major musical after he penned a stage-version of Bring It On. I mean, c'mon!
In 2009, Miranda performed a demo at the White House during "An Evening of Poetry, Music, and the Spoken Word." Watch the now-cherished clip here. Seven years later the show catapulted into the global spotlight. I remember seeing headlines about it on the front page of papers in London when I went on a short trip.
The musical chronicles Alexander Hamilton's life. The catch, of course, is that the genre of music is predominantly Hip-Hop. Additionally, the historic figures are portrayed by individuals from non-white descent. The show not only reveals the romantic and tragic life of Hamilton, but also surveys the creation of America.
Candid Reaction
- I listened to this album while taking a walk outside . . . and then I realized the album was LONG. I got a good walk that day!
- My first thought was honestly that it was so reminiscent of In the Heights. When I was done listening, I just hoped that those who adored the show would take the time to listen to In the Heights-- a show that has the best ends of acts I have seen.
- "Satisfied" gives me all the Destiny's Child vibes I was not expecting.
- The Tony performance gave me chills, although I was hoping they would do a montage of a bunch of songs.
Top Two Aspects/Reasons for Winning
1. Lin-Manuel Miranda is William Shakespeare
He really is our Shakespeare. Yes, Stephen Sondheim is the most influential American musical theater writer, but Miranda is Shakespeare. Miranda and Shakespeare both wrote about the history of their homelands (profiling political figures). They both wrote in the current language. They both performed in their plays. They both eventually gained global mega-stardom due to tuning in to universal, human themes.
2. Diversity and Reflecting American Values
The show cast individuals of all races and creeds as historical, white political figures. While the show has multiple messages, the message of the casting is perhaps the loudest. Hamilton broke stereotypes and confirmed that musical theater is meant to be an all-inclusive environment.
Classroom Implications
Each song could be dissected. The show perfectly embodies one of Sondheim's mottos: "Content dictates form."
He really is our Shakespeare. Yes, Stephen Sondheim is the most influential American musical theater writer, but Miranda is Shakespeare. Miranda and Shakespeare both wrote about the history of their homelands (profiling political figures). They both wrote in the current language. They both performed in their plays. They both eventually gained global mega-stardom due to tuning in to universal, human themes.
2. Diversity and Reflecting American Values
The show cast individuals of all races and creeds as historical, white political figures. While the show has multiple messages, the message of the casting is perhaps the loudest. Hamilton broke stereotypes and confirmed that musical theater is meant to be an all-inclusive environment.
Classroom Implications
Each song could be dissected. The show perfectly embodies one of Sondheim's mottos: "Content dictates form."
Personal Takeaway
It is an honor to be alive when Lin-Manuel is writing.
Ranking
TBD
Ranking
TBD
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