The Broadway hip-hop musical" Hamilton" is taking the nation by storm. And I was not immune. Since the first time I listened to the soundtrack, I’ve been obsessed. I listen to it constantly. I look up interviews with Lin-Manuel Miranda, the writer and star of the show. I dream of the day ticket prices are below $1,000 and I actually get to see it. The show recently broke the record for sixteen Tony nominations. And for those of you who haven’t experienced the beauty that is "Hamilton," here is why you should.
1. A Story Of Perseverance
Alexander Hamilton started from the literal bottom. He was an orphan from the Caribbean who saw poverty and death all around him. But through his wit and his passion, he was able to work his way to the United States and into the Revolutionary War. He became the right-hand man of George Washington and a Founding Father of our great nation. How more motivating can you get? It’s hard not to listen to the opener “Alexander Hamilton” without wanting to do something important with your life.
2. A Strong Female Lead
Hamilton’s wife Eliza is a force to be reckoned with and I love her so much. When she is done wrong, she stands up for herself. But instead of becoming bitter, she forgives. She makes her life better herself. And after the death of her husband, she doesn’t become swallowed up in grief. She founded the first private orphanage in New York City and helped with the creation of the Washington Monument.
3. The History Nerd In Me Is Having A Party
I love history so much. I love stories, and history is made up of stories. I love learning new things, and everything I learned through this musical was new to me. For me, it’s so much fun to hear about the past from a non-textbook perspective. History tends to paint Alexander Hamilton as an arrogant jerk, and though that’s not completely wrong, it’s really cool to hear his side of the story.
4. Hilarious Historical Retorts
Lin-Manuel is a genius. He can make you cry one minute and laugh the other. There are so many lines that make me laugh every time. My favorite is during "Cabinet Battle Number 2" (yes, debates in rap battle form):
"We signed a treaty with a King whose head is now in a basket
Would you like to take it out and ask it?
“Should we honor our treaty, King Louis’s head?”
“Uh… do whatever you want, I’m super dead.”
Though a little morbid, you can’t help but laugh at Hamilton’s comebacks! And there are so many throughout the show!
5. Redemption
Hamilton does some pretty awful things. And he has to pay for what he has done. But he still finds forgiveness and redemption. Before he dies, he is able to make amends with his wife. We can always be reminded that whenever we wrong people we love, redemption is possible.
6. Catchy Songs
This is the last reason because it has to be the most important reason. These songs are insanely fun! You want to listen to them because you can sing along and even dance (if you’re into that). I will warn you that they will get stuck in your head. But that’s the fun of it!
