This past week I had the chance to see Hamilton in Chicago, and I'm still not over it. After months of listening to the soundtrack and watching all of Lin-Manuel Miranda's interviews and rap sessions, I finally got to see the show live, and, let me tell you, it really does live up to expectations.
1. Alexander Hamilton himself.
Call me biased, but I definitely think that Alexander Hamilton is one of the most underrated figures in history (well, maybe not anymore). An immigrant who comes over to the United States at the young age of nineteen makes a name for himself by anonymously publishing articles in newspapers, and then grows up to be the creator of the banks, the first Treasury Secretary, and also the creator of the coastguard. Remember the Federalist Papers back in middle school? Yeah, he wrote those too. It's hard to believe that before this musical, many people knew him just as the guy on the ten dollar bill.
2. Its ties to history.
I was never a history buff. I trudged my way through AP U.S. and AP Euro history without much interest, but thanks to Hamilton I know so much more about America's past. And, get this, I'm actually interested in it more. I've never picked up a biography but, surprise, I'm now reading Hamilton's biography (that the musical was based on!). History got ten times more interesting once Lin added in a few raps and musical numbers to it.
3. The characters.
A tailor who serves as a spy for the revolutionists? Hercules Mulligan. A woman fighting for women's rights way back in the late 1700s? Angela Schuyler. The first president of our nation? George Washington. This musical takes these amazing historical figures and transforms them into people we can really relate with.
4. The acting.
Wow. Just wow. We've heard so many great things about Leslie Odom Jr., Lin, and the rest of the cast being absolutely phenomenal in the New York production, but the Chicago production was amazing as well. I had extremely high expectations since I had religiously listened to the original soundtrack time and time again beforehand, and those expectations were met, if not blown out of the water completely. The actors made the story seem so real, and the emotions were so raw. They truly brought Hamilton's story to life. (Also, as a big How I Met Your Mother fan so seeing Wayne Brady as Aaron Burr was a real treat.)
5. The music.
This music is not your normal musical score, and that's what makes it great. This music is in-your-face, upbeat, revolutionary hip-hop music. What better way to tell the story of the revolution than with music that defies anything that's been done before?The music relates to younger people better and gets them more interested in history and musicals, of course. It's also fun to try and rap along with the cast, even if you don't always know the words.
6. It deals with relevant political issues while staying true to its roots.
Alexander Hamilton is an immigrant who was able to vastly improve our country. Angela Schuyler, a female in the 1700-1800s, wrote to Thomas Jefferson to express the need for women's rights. John Laurens criticized slavery decades before slavery was made illegal and drew attention to how important equality is. These political issues are relevant in our society today, and by showing them in the past it makes it even more important for our future. These characters inspire us to work towards a better tomorrow.
7. Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Before Hamilton, I didn't know who he was, but now I feel like I know everything about him. I've never seen someone so passionate about a project as Lin-Manuel is about Alexander Hamilton and his life. After Hamilton, I listened to In the Heights and his talent is truly show-stopping (pun intended). Lin is able to weave rhymes together so well and create a story out of any event or prompt. His interviews are filled with so much passion and love for his projects, and without him, there would be no "Hamilton." His worldview is also so inspiring, and he never fails to try to be a voice for the voiceless.
8. It shows that anyone, at any age, at any time, can achieve their dreams.
Alexander Hamilton was able to become one of the founding fathers thanks to his hard work and ambition. He didn't use violence, but instead used the power of words. He serves as a role model to children and proves that you can achieve your dreams if you work hard and are passionate about your cause. Anything is possible, and Hamilton proves just that.
Alright, you get the point. Hamilton is amazing and if you get any chance, any chance at all, to see it, take the opportunity and run. Or, for now, listen to the soundtrack on repeat. I won't judge.
