Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway Show, Hamilton, has been exploding all over social media. A modern take on one of the most overlooked Founding Fathers can only be described as one word: brilliant. You don't have to be into theater or history to fascinate over this piece of art. However, if you are anything like me and don’t have a thousand dollars to throw down on a musical, at least listen to the soundtrack. That alone is life changing.
1. The music
Have you ever seen rap music in a Broadway Show? Not only is this style of music rare in Broadway, but it also isn't "traditional" American music.
2. Lin-Manuel Miranda
Not only did Lin-Manuel Miranda write the entire play and the entire soundtrack, but he also stars as Alexander Hamilton himself. This man is possibly one of the theater's most talented. How could you not pass up the opportunity to see him?
3. It's based on a true story
Based on the biography Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, obviously, the musical is non-fictional. But on top of watching the unfamiliar tale of the youngest Founding Father, you are also getting a history lesson (shh).
4. It's award-winning
Hamilton broke Tony's records in 2016, with a total of 11 awards, including best musical. This musical is making history (ha, get it).
5. Obama approves
Although Alexander Hamilton was never elected into office, Barack Obama attended the show with his family during the first week and even gave a standing ovation.
6. The unique cast choice
You may have noticed the multi-racial cast playing characters such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, all of whom were white. Miranda purposely chose to recreate history with a modern twist and with modern Americans. This extraordinary choice makes the musical all the more original.
7. It shows both sides
Many people see Hamilton as the young one who wrote the Federalist Papers. They also see Aaron Burr as the guy with anger issues who shot Hamilton. The beauty of the show is that the audience gets to see who these historical figures were and what our history books don't tell us.
8. Cabinet rap battle
Yes, you read that correctly. It's no secret that there was much debate over the making of the US Constitution, but it has never been told in this way. Watching Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson spitfire is a must see.
9. It's scandalous
He's married. She's married. Who wouldn't want to witness one of America's first sex scandals? It's juicy.
10. The mixtape
If you weren't convinced to see the show yet, at least listen to the mixtape. With artists such as Alicia Keys, Usher, Kelly Clarkson, and Chance the Rapper, you will not regret taking the time to listen to this work of art.
