Hello, night owls! It wouldn't surprise me if a lot of you already know about Hamilton or have listened to the music. In case you're unfamiliar with Hamilton or you're simply wondering what all the buzz is about, well, you're about to find out.
The basics? It's a musical about the life and deeds of Alexander Hamilton, the first United States Secretary of the Treasury. The incredible Lin-Manuel Miranda (who created Hamilton's music, lyrics, and book) was inspired upon reading Ron Chernow's biography Alexander Hamilton to imagine this Founding Father's life in musical form. From that spark of inspiration grew a Broadway smash hit. It garnered well-deserved attention in 2015 and in 2016, it won 11 Tony awards (including Best Musical), the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Pretty impressive, to say the least.
But if you're unfamiliar with the show or hear friends talk about it constantly, you might be wondering, "What's so special about this musical?"
Well, here are a few points that will tell you why this is such an important production.
1. The Musical Style
Pretty much all of the music is either rap or hip hop. Quite a shocker considering the way most other Broadway musicals sound, don't you think? But no matter how outlandish the idea sounds, it actually works. In fact, with scenes containing intense debates and high-spirited political discussions, it's the most perfect musical style that could have been used. If the debate between Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson in the Cabinet meeting was done with lots of drawn-out notes and over-dramatic scores, everyone would be yawning. But by throwing in rap, you feel more like you're watching an actual debate - as though history itself is replaying in front of your very eyes. It's not just because rap is a popular music genre that it's been successful in drawing in audiences: it's because it brings a sense of immediacy and urgency to the events that unfold. That is the brilliance behind the music. If you want an example, listen to "Non-Stop" here.
2. The Diverse Casting
If you really think about it, there aren't very many Broadway musicals out there with characters of color. When you think of Broadway musicals, you're bound to think of the famous ones filmed in the 60's featuring mainly white casts. With Hamilton, however, you get diversity with a cast that is composed of actors of color. Now you might be thinking, "But weren't all the Founding Fathers white?" Of course, they were. However, the vision of this musical is supposed to reach out to all the people of America, because everyone in America has a claim to its history. By presenting the people of past America with diverse casting, you can open new, more contemporary eyes to the history and the men behind America. On top of that, it also gives many talented actors and actresses of color the opportunity to show their tremendous skills on stage as well as play characters that are complex and dignified.
3. The Immigrant's Story
One of the things I love about this show that I know many others recognize is the emphasis on Hamilton's background. In real life, he was a poor orphan who fought for education and knowledge to enable him, no matter what obstacles he faced. He was determined to make a difference in his life and this same determination took him from his home in the Caribbean to New Jersey to seek a college education. His motivation and his success make up the essence of the American dream that so many seek in the world. Instead of living out life as a clerk in some far-off island, he decided he was worth more than that and took a chance. This vision of perseverance and courage is well portrayed in Hamilton and no doubt, it will continue to inspire people for generations to strive higher. If you want a taste of that inspiration, listen to "My Shot" here.
4. Making History Cool (and Relevant)
The first time I really heard any publicity about Hamilton, it was on NPR, when they were talking about public schools getting special deals to see the show. The fact that kids want to see a show about one of the Founding Fathers says a lot about Hamilton. History can seem a tough, boring subject to many, full of dates and names that seem to have no meaning centuries later. Why should you care about a guy who died a long time ago and whose face is on a dollar bill? Put that face on stage and breath life into the character, and then you find yourself wrapped up in an exciting story about a man helping thirteen colonies unite into a country. Now all those names and dates you were forced to memorize are beginning to mean something to you. And suddenly you realize that the decisions these men made really did have an impact...not only that, but that their decisions and what they stood for still matter in this day and age. No matter how young or old, whether in school or out, the importance of our past will hit home with this musical. Not to mention, the incredible music will help the lesson stick with you long after leaving the theatre.
5. Keeping Theatre Cool (and Relevant)
You know how people say "Theatre is a dying art"? After working in theatre for a couple years, I've learned that it isn't dying: it's merely fighting to stay relevant, especially in a generation experiencing a boom of instant, electronic everything. Theatre is one of the few places I know where you can come and witness or participate in a raw, human experience. There's nothing quite like being in front of a stage up close to where the action is and I'm sure the audiences of Hamilton would agree. The tour de force that is this show explores not only our country's past, but the feelings and struggles behind it and it reminds us of how even the most heroic people are still human underneath it all. It brings us back in touch with that which modern day technology can't emulate. On top of that, it's a really cool show that can only truly be appreciated live in the theatre. People know that - otherwise, there wouldn't be sold-out performances and upcoming tours. So the next time you think, "Theatre is a dying art", look at Hamilton. It's bringing the people back to theatre and it's bringing theatre back to the people - all the people.
And there you have it! I highly recommend checking out the Hamilton soundtrack - it's incredibly good and riveting! You'll be amazed as history replays itself...
~Maud,
Official Night Owl
No comments:
Post a Comment