" Hamilton: An American Musical" has taken over the world with it's catchy tunes and fast raps. Winning 11 Tony awards, the musical took Broadway by storm in 2015. This smash hit has almost caused the musical theater community to forget all about "Shrek: The Musical," which also took the world by storm in 2009 (though I remember the hype coming in around 2014). There was a point in my life where I got annoyed hearing people saying to "Let Your Freak Flag Wave." Now, a few years later, I wish people would use that in conversation, instead of constant reminders to "Wait for It" or that Burr shot first. Don't get me wrong, I love "Hamilton," but maybe the world would be a little wider if everyone chilled out for a few minutes. So, here are a few things that Shrek and Alexander have in common.
At the open of both shows, the company introduces the lead of each show by giving some background on their life. In "Shrek," it opens with him being 7-years-old and having to leave his family, explaining that most people will hate him and that he will live alone forever. This is similar to the tune "Alexander Hamilton" because it also shows the past of Alexander. It explains who the story is about, telling us who he is, and shows that he is going to have a tough time establishing himself. Those points are expanded in the following songs, telling the listeners that the only way for people to climb socially are through wars. Shrek and Alexander both have to overcome obstacles to be satisfied with who they are and where they are in their life.
As each show continues, Shrek and Hamilton make friends and establish relationships and enemies. Donkey is Shrek's best friend, he accompanies him on his journey to save Fiona and eventually pushes him to discover who he is. In "Hamilton," this can be compared to the relationship that Alexander has with George Washington. Washington helps Alexander establish himself and teaches him that everyone has a place in the world, showing Alexander that he can be who he wants to be. Those themes can be seen in "History Has its Eyes on You" and "One Last Time." Shrek's growth can also be seen in his relationship with Fiona, who shows Shrek that he can be loved and that he isn't a terrible monster like everyone tells him he is. This is also seen with Alexander's relationship with Eliza. Sure, Alexander ultimately hurt Eliza, but he cared about her. If it wasn't for this relationship, Alexander would have gone about his life without ever learning to love people. Finally, Burr and Lord Farquaad both make endless attempts to hurt the heroes. Burr, eventually shooting Alexander, and Lord Farquaad ultimately using Shrek to get Fiona.
Continuing to look at supporting characters, Fiona and Eliza hold many similarities in their personalities. Fiona is blinded by the fact that she would be marrying Lord Farquaad and breaking her spell. This can be compared to Eliza being blinded by Alexander's love, shown in the song "Helpless." That song can be compared to "Morning Person" in "Shrek." This comparison can continue into them both looking for love rather than letting it stumble into their lives. Fiona needed her prince to find her, however did not care who or what he was. Love was unimportant in Fiona's life because she knew that was just how the story went. With Eliza, she was eager to fall in love, as soon as she saw Alexander, she knew he was it. She went to the winter's ball with the intention of finding a man.
Finally, the songs "Build a Wall" and "Hurricane" are very similar. They show both characters planning how they are going to approach the ridicule they are getting. Shrek, by saying he will build a wall around himself and hide from the world. Alexander, by writing the Reynolds Pamphlet and telling the world about his affair. Both of the songs are some of the most eye opening songs for the listeners into the characters of Shrek and Alexander, showing us that they will not stand to be treated like fools.
Of course, the ending of the shows are terribly different. "Shrek" ends on a happy note with a wedding and happily ever after, "Hamilton" ends with six boxes of tissues and everyone dead. I would try to find a similarity between the two finales, but I'm afraid there just aren't any.
