You've probably heard of the smash-hit Broadway musical Hamilton, which centers around the life of founding father Alexander Hamilton. The musical takes us through Hamilton's entire life- from his childhood in the Caribbean to his death during a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr. Hamilton's creator and writer, Lin-Manuel Miranda, also plays the title role. Hamilton has received critical acclaim and has won many awards, including a Grammy and a Pulitzer Prize.

Hamilton has made a huge impact on many people, including me. To best express this, I have composed a letter directly to the man himself, Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Dear Mr. Miranda,

Thank you for Hamilton. Your musical has changed my life.

Before Hamilton, all I knew about Alexander Hamilton was that he was a founding father (and that he disagreed with Jefferson a lot). I hadn’t been told his entire story yet.

I also wasn’t really interested in anything concerning the American Revolution. I had grown tired of the time period after being taught about it in school over and over again. The founding fathers were portrayed to me as these impressive figureheads rather than real people. History is just a constantly growing true story, and my favorite part of a story is always the characters. If the characters seem lifeless, why should I listen? The plot may be good, but characters drive the story and are what really draws you in. You portray the founders as real people who can be empathized with, which I think is why so many people love it. You managed to bring a bunch of old, dead guys to life.

You have said Hamilton is a love letter to different groups of people, including rappers and writers. As a writer myself, I can confirm that. I adore how Hamilton’s relationship with and dependence on writing is shown in the musical. I think Hamilton is a piece of art to writers because the lyrics are so beautifully crafted. I am still unable to fathom some of the lines.

Hamilton has also broadened the kind of writing I do. I’ve always told my stories through novel form, but Hamilton has introduced me to poetry and songwriting. I’d never been able to connect my love of music to my love of writing before, but Hamilton just made it click.

For a lot of people (including me), Hamilton has been the gate to the rest of Broadway. Musicals were never something in which I was interested, but Hamilton has shown me the beauty and intricacy of them, and I am grateful for that. Hamilton is something unique that Broadway has not seen before, so it makes sense that it draws in people who wouldn't usually be interested in a Broadway musical.

I think the best pieces of writing are the ones that make a person question their entire life. Hamilton accomplishes this with the idea of having a legacy being central to the show. It really makes you want to go out and do some good.

I think Hamilton was an absolute genius. He accomplished a lot and managed to make such a difference in his 49 years. You come away from Hamilton wanting to do as much and be as great as him (when you don’t want to punch him, anyway, but that depends on the song).

Thank you again Mr. Miranda. I wait with anticipation for your next musical.

Sincerely,

Carter Anderson