Hamilton has become a cultural phenomenon. A show that once started as a hip-hop concept album about the life of Alexander Hamilton has come to redefine the definition of a Broadway musical. After concluding a sold-out 16-week, off-Broadway run, the show opened in the Richards Rodgers Theater on July 13th. To say that tickets have been challenging to obtain might be a bit of an understatement. The musical has been notoriously sold out in the box office. Tickets available through Ticketmaster and other resale sites retail anywhere from $500 to $1,500. Last October, the musical’s original cast album debuted at the number 12 spot on the billboard chart, making it the highest-ranking Broadway album since 1961. In the months that have followed its release, the "the most addicting album ever," as described by Popular Science, has garnered many accolades, having been named Billboard’s second best album of 2015, in addition to winning a Grammy.
For the rare few of you who haven’t discovered, and subsequently fallen in love with, the musical that has been transforming musical theater, Hamilton follows the life of Alexander Hamilton, starting from his arrival in New York, his involvement in the Revolutionary War, his political career and culminates in his fateful duel with Aaron Burr. The musicals' opening number was stunningly performed during the Grammy's. Here's a link to any of you who may have missed it.
Hamilton delivers undeniable creative innovation, style and substance to sold out audiences every night. The show’s factual, historical accuracy is hugely informative to audiences and has been used by educators to teach about the founding of the United States. Nevertheless, the show offers more than lessons on late 18th century politics. Hamilton tackles a number of social and political issues, just as relevant today as they were in the America's earliest years. The plot is rife realizations, introspection and motivating lessons, all told through hip hop by a beautifully diverse cast. As students emerge from college, young, scrappy and hungry to establish themselves into adulthood, many of these lessons are particularly poignant.
Work.
Much of Alexander Hamilton's greatest successes can be attributed to superhuman work ethic. Channel the founding father's intense drive as you strive to develop your career, but don't forget to take a break on occasion. It will keep you refreshed and can prevent you from burning out, and ending up in really unfortunate situations due to sleep deprivation.
Be willing to pay your dues as you ascend the ranks.
Like many of the most inspiring historical figures, Alexander Hamilton started with nothing. The bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman grew up to become a brilliant political force ready to take the nation by storm. Still he started by working his way up until he became George Washington's right hand man eventually becoming the Secretary of State. Although he remains insistent for a battalion to lead, despite near constant refusals from George Washington, Hamilton is still willing to serve as Washington's aide. Although his real counterpart threatened to resign if he was not given a battalion after five years with Washington, Hamilton was willing to devote half a decade to paying his dues to establish himself. Much like Alexander, today's college students are embarking on adulthood with nothing. In order to seek the success they aim for these students knowledge that taking jobs that may seem beneath them is the best way to establish connections at a company they love, or a field they're interested in.
Take a stand when it really matters.
A vast portion of the musicals' plot is based on characters choice to rise up and to fight for what they believe in. Although some of these choices are more effective than others, acknowledging when something is worth fighting for, and possessing the courage to do so serves as a center for both the musical, and the history it's based on. Don't be so caught up in other's perceptions that all you can do is silently sit back and smile, after all look how that ended for Aaron Burr.
Accept that you may not always be right, and apologize accordingly.
Many of the greatest tragedies in the show could have been avoided if characters had been willing to accept that they were wrong, and to apologize accordingly. Acknowledge that you may not always be the smartest person in the room, and that whoever you're interacting with may be able to bring additional skills and viewpoints that can help improve any situation.
Know when you've had enough.
Whether it's with your work, friendships or romantic relationships, know when to erase yourself from the narrative. One of the most compelling parts of the musical occurs when Eliza acknowledges that her husband takes more from the relationship than he is willing to give and reacts accordingly. No one wants to be King George III offering to do whatever it takes, from murdering friends and family to sending armed battalions in order to win over your loved ones. Accept when enough is enough and be willing to sit back as needed.
