If you haven't heard about the broadway game-changer "Hamilton" you may be living under a rock, or at least a rock where broadway doesn't exist. For those who do not know, "Hamilton: An American Musical" is about the life of Alexander Hamilton, a founding father and the creator of America's financial system. Although the tickets are very difficult to acquire and if lucky enough to be acquired, may cost a small fortune, it's a must-see experience. Even if you can't see the musical, there is so much to engage with, from the soundtrack to social media and so much more. Here are 10 reasons (although there are so many more) why you should love "Hamilton."
1. The Music
When you think of musical theater, the music of Hamilton is probably not the music that comes to your head. The music of Hamilton is a mix between hip-hop and traditional musical theater, making it unique and different from nearly all musicals that have come before it. From cabinet rap battles to beautiful emotional ballads, even if you aren't into musical theater or hip-hop, the music of Hamilton will have you singing.
Take a listen to Hamilton's opening number, "Alexander Hamilton"
2. The History
Did you know that Alexander Hamilton wrote 51 of the Federalist Papers? History buffs should love Hamilton for its retelling of American History. The story follows founding father Alexander Hamilton through his life and work as the right-hand man to George Washington during the American Revolution and as the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury. There is so much history packed into one musical, that it may even prompt you to read Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, the book of which the musical was based.
3. The Story
Alexander Hamilton had a rather dramatic life, which is depicted in Hamilton. The show leads the audience through revolution, the building of a new nation, and ends with asking, "Who tells your story?" The story will make you laugh, cry, and make you look around at how lucky you are to be alive right now.
4. The Characters
There are so many complex and interesting characters in Hamilton that you'll have trouble picking a favorite. Characters range from, obviously, Alexander Hamilton, his counterpart Vice President Aaron Burr, and the reason this musical exists today, Eliza Schuyler.
5. The Diversity
One of the most unique parts of Hamilton is the diversity. All the characters, with the purposeful exception of King George III, are played by people of color. The casting was done as a way to have a reflection of America today telling the story of America then. Although you may think a story about America's founding fathers would be filled with songs sang by only old men, much of the musical is filled with wonderful female led hip-hop tunes and powerful ballads.
6. Lin-Manuel Miranda & The Cast
Hamilton was composed by non other than Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda also composed the 2008 Tony Award winning musical In the Heights. Miranda brings his own special twist to every project, and also has an online presence on Twitter and Tumblr. He's constantly talking to fans and tries to connect with them on a personal level. The cast of Hamilton also has a strong media presence, bringing Broadway further into popular culture. The cast also has a bowling team called the Hamilpins, which occasionally plays against other broadway casts.
7. #Ham4Ham
Something that is completely unique to Hamilton is it's pre-show, Ham4Ham. This is a five minute show that occurs weekly before the lotteries of selected shows. These can be anything; the cast singing just songs from the show, outside groups, or a special guest. Hundreds of people group outside of the Richard Rogers Theater to see this great, free taste of the show.
Click here and here for some examples of fun Ham4Ham shows!
8. Setting a Precedent
Hamilton is changing the rules of Broadway, showing that something as innovative as a hip-hop musical about the founding fathers can become so popular that tickets sell out months and months in advance. This musical about America's history is also becoming a great part of it, and what isn't there to love about that?
