For those of us lacking Broadway connections, plane tickets or thousands of dollars for theater tickets, the dream of seeing "Hamilton" live on Broadway is pretty slim. That's why I decided to put together how you can still experience the worldwide phenomenon without breaking the bank (but also without seeing the actual play). Here's how you can go ham for "Hamilton" without ever stepping outside your house.
See where it all began...
Seven years ago, a young and ponytail-free Lin-Manuel Miranda walked onto the stage during the White House Evening of Poetry and announced he was making a mixtape about the historical figure he thought was the embodiment of hip-hop, Alexander Hamilton. The Obama's, as well as the rest of the audience, responded with nervous laughter, not quite sure how he was going to pull it off. As the song continues, however, the laughter turns into admiration and astonishment that would foresee just how much of a success this "mixtape" would evolve into.
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Download the soundtrack...
What many consider to be the closest way you can experience the musical without actually being at the show, the original Broadway cast recording of "Hamilton: An American Musical" will take you through the full story of the musical; all you have to do is sit back and listen. Available on iTunes and Spotify, I recommend that you listen to it while doing something that needs a distraction, such as working out, cleaning or mowing because let's face it, nothing needs distraction quite like manual labor.
Be a part of Ham4Ham...
If you aren't aware of what Ham4Ham is, then here's what you need to know. Each "Hamilton" show has a lottery where 21 killer tickets will be sold for a mere $10 each for those who are drawn from a digital lottery to celebrate the success of the musical. Obviously, this is scary competitive, and basically as hard to win as the actual lottery, so in addition to the tickets, the cast and special guests offer digital and live performances so everyone can be satisfied.
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An adorable classic of Lin Manuel-Miranda and Jimmy Fallon comes to us from backstage at "The Tonight Show," where Jimmy sings "You'll Be Back" (a.k.a., King George's breakup ballad) with an array of musical artist impressions. Even though Jimmy clearly doesn't know all the words, it's still a hilarious video.
There's nothing quite like two grown men dancing around to the instructions of a song to make you smile. This Ham4Ham features Jonathan Groff (think magical performances in "Spring Awakening," "Glee" and now "Hamilton") as well as Lin-Manuel Miranda and other cast members of Hamilton in a live skit sure to entertain.
Was "Hamilton" not your first Broadway love? Did you cry to "I Dreamed A Dream" and thought Anne Hathaway did a bit too much sniffling in the live-action version of "Les Miserables"? Check out Lin as he visits his Broadway neighbors and makes a special voice cameo on the barricades of France as the "Loud Hailer" in "Les Miserables Broadway."
Tune in vai Facebook Live...
I think we can all agree there have been plenty of Facebook updates that have been clogging up and shaking around our News Feeds. One update that has been welcomed, however, is Facebook Live, and with that we have the amazing chance to see "Hamilton" live (kind of). Many of the cast members have broadcast just what it's like to get ready for a show on their Facebook accounts, right up until the curtains come up. Part inside view and part Q&A, Facebook Live is an amazing way to get another dose for a "Hamilton" fan.
Go behind the scenes with the stars...
Broadway.com has made this amazing series titled “Aaron Burr, Sir” where Tony award-winning actor Leslie Odom, Jr. gives behind the scenes looks on what it’s like to be a part of "Hamilton." Filled with plenty of guest appearances and full "day in the life" content, you feel like are really in the greatest city in the world.
See when Hermione meets Hamilton...
There's nothing quite like it when role models from the past clash together with role models of the future and not to mention become friends. That's exactly what happens when Emma Watson of the "Harry Potter" series and beyond interviews Lin-Manuel Miranda for her UN HeForShe Arts week. From discussing how
"Harry Potter" inspired scenes in "Hamilton" to Emma attempting to beat box, this glorious 45-minute interview makes you feel like you are sitting down in a gossip session between two (intensely famous) friends.
Hopefully all these ways to enjoy "Hamilton" without actually seeing the musical will leave you "satisfied" until the show comes to a city near you.
