Dear Lin-Manuel Miranda,
There is so much the world has to say to you, so much the world owes to you, and so much the world wishes they could repay you for. It only seems fitting to thank you for your work through the written word, a letter if you will.
Over the past year, you have revolutionized the world all from the Richard Rodgers Theatre. It's no secret that "Hamilton: An American Musical" is one of the biggest and best things to happen to Broadway, to theater, and to people all over America and the world. Those who consider themselves an active part of the theatrical community are no stranger to your name, as you have contributed gem after gem to different shows that have hit the Great White Way, most notably the hit production of "In the Heights." Little did we fans know back in those days, that the whole world would soon know your name. "Hamilton," the catapult that launched you and your talented friends to stardom, has been more than just another show. It has been the world's most fascinating history teacher to children and adults everywhere. It has been a breath, or rather a gust of fresh air for patrons of traditional Broadway theater. It has been a shocking surprise to people who would have never pictured themselves getting a show tune stuck in their heads.
"Hamilton" has also run deeper than this. It has been a beacon of light, hope, and joy, for many at a time when the world we live in can seem dark, hopeless, and sad. It has left lessons of forgiveness, determination, and bravery in our minds and hearts, inspiring us each to take our shot, no matter from who or where we came. It has served as an example of unity and beauty through the brilliance of its casting. At a time when people of color might feel scared or only see that they are "different," they can see "Hamilton" and watch a rich, smart, sassy socialite (with killer pipes and a Tony award) be played by someone who looks like them, or they can see a founding father laying the foundation for this great country, again being played by someone who looks like them. This is a gift and an image that no history book or documentary can give to people who might feel underrepresented, or even missing from parts of our history. It is something you have given to them. And when the show is over, when the words have been spoken, and when the brilliant leader has taken his final bow, the music and words never take a curtain call. They continue to live on in our heads, in our hearts, and in our headphones.
You have even gone above and beyond "Hamilton," becoming a leader in the wake of national tragedy, singing out loud that "what the world needs now, is love, sweet love," and you stand tall reminding us that "love is love is love is love is love." Simply by standing up, by speaking out, by singing out loud, you have made our lives and our itunes libraries richer than we could have ever imagined. Though you did indeed take your final bow as Alexander, we know you have not yet finished using your gifts and talents to make the world a little brighter. You have upcoming projects with Disney and have sparked several plans for "Hamilton" to travel past the Richard Rodgers, touring to bring the magic across the country and beyond. Your morning tweets could really substitute for anyone's daily cup of coffee, as they serve as little tidbits of encouragement for us to take on the world every day. We can only hope that we bring the joy right back to you, that you know how grateful we are for your work, and that you know we can't wait to see what you do next.
Love, The World
