Joining us today to give their reviews of the trending new musical" Hamilton" are the folks the musical is based on-George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, sir, Angelica Schuyler, and of course the man himself Alexander Hamilton. Ben Franklin was here earlier, but took offense and left when he found out he was not cast in this play about the founding of America.
First off, thank you all for joining me here today. This was a difficult interview to schedule.
AH-Of course. It's time someone acknowledges what I did for this country.
It's also a great way to educate today's youth about the founding fathers. This musical is written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also wrote a 700-page book on Hamilton. Miranda portrays you in the musical as well, Mr. Hamilton.
Here is a photo of the cast. From left to right we have Thomas Jefferson/Marquis de Lafayette, James Madison/Hercules Mulligan, George Washington, Aaron Burr, Maria Reynolds/Peggy, Angelica, and Eliza Schuyler, and John Laurens/Phillip Hamilton. Many actors in this play had multiple roles.
AB- No complaints here. I might be the villain in this play but at least I look fly.
TJ- Why is my character grabbing his, you-know-what and why am I not important enough to have my own actor?
AH- If this play is all about me, why am I not in this photo?
AS- It's definitely...a different look, especially for me and my sisters. But I like it.
Okay, moving on. The cast was able to sing for the current president and here is a clip of them performing "Alexander Hamilton". Oh, and there is some cursing in this musical so be warned.
GW- We might be from a different generation, but expletives are nothing new.
(Awkward silence) So...what do you think?
AH- I like it!
TJ- Only because it's all about you. What...what kind of music is this?
It's called hip-hop. It's what's "in" now. A combination of rapping and singing. (Everyone looks confused). Oh, right. Rap is a style of music in which someone speaks rhythmically and often rapidly over a constant musical beat.
GW- So kind of like poetry. I quite enjoy it! What's next?
The next clip is the introduction of the Schuyler sisters.
AS- I am in awe. This is so amazing.
AB- Of course you love it, Angelica, but how is these women's rampage relevant to the story line of the revolution?
AH- Be careful how you address the lady, Burr. Or would you like to duel again?
AS- (sarcastically) My hero. In case you forgot my dearest, it didn't turn out well for you the first time.
GW- Do you see what I had to deal with? And you wonder why I stepped down when I did.
That was actually a really important scene because it highlights equality. Equality is something America has always claimed to stand for, but it's not longer just about privileged white males. Everyone should be equal, no matter the race, sexual orientation, or gender.
Speaking of freedom, this next clip shows the end of the Revolution (performance starts at 2:16).
GW- Very well put together. Though I must say our efforts were not as coordinated as these performers.
AB- You do realize Hamilton didn't win the revolution by himself, right? What could anyone actually learn from this?
TJ- He was important, just like the rest of the founding fathers, which you are not one of. Yet you were in all those clips, Burr, while I have yet to be mentioned.
Chill, President Jefferson, you're in the next one. This deals with the issues a new America faced.
GW- Why did you have to dredge up those old issues again? Please tell me the government's found a better way of dealing with conflict in the last 200 years.
I wish I could. But today a bipartisan executive and legislative branch can't even agree on a potential Supreme Court Judge, let alone deal with the elevated gun violence issues. And one of these two will most likely be our next president.
AS- A woman?! Finally!
I know, right? But, back to Hamilton. Final thoughts?
AH- I love it. Not just because someone (finally) gives me the recognition I deserve, but it's a great story about the founding of America. 10/10
GW- I agree. Well done. 9/10
TJ- I think it would be better if I were in it more. And perhaps cast in a better light. 7/10
AB- You're one to talk. But, at least I look fly. 5/10 for casting Leslie Odom Jr to portray me.
AS- I appreciate the diversity and that women are highlighted in this story, even though we might not have been given powerful roles in the early American government. Especially how it portrays Eliza and myself. Can I give it a 20/10?!
History has it's eyes on "Hamilton," that's for sure. Also, in case you haven't guessed it, an actual interview with the founding fathers, Burr and Angelica is impossible and this has just been my interpretation of how this conversation would go. They lived, they died, and now I've tried my best to tell their story.