Hamilton Obsessed
I am currently listening to the Hamilton soundtrack as I write this, a testament to my out of control obsession if you wish. For those of you that are yet to be acquainted with the greatness that is Hamilton, allow me to introduce you!
Hamilton is a hit Broadway hip hop musical created by the extremely talented Lin Manuel Miranda. It is based on the founding father without a father, Alexander Hamilton and is one of the most successful musicals of our time. The show premiered on Broadway last year where it received enthusiastic critical acclaim and unprecedented advance box office sales. Last month's Tony Awards saw the play nominated for a record- setting 16 nominations of which they won 11. Hamilton is more than a musical, it is a global phenomenon and here's a few reasons why.
1. The Songs:
When I first heard about the whole hysteria surrounding Hamilton, I was probably just as sceptic as you are right now reading this... How in hell could a musical about a founding father possibly be any good? That was until I gave in and downloaded the soundtrack, now I just think I need rehab or something because I listen to it everyday.
The road to Hamilton obsession starts with the soundtrack, you find yourself listening to one song then another and another and then somehow you've listened to the whole album and didn't even realise.
2. The Diversity
In theory Broadway is a particularly white-washed business, it is rare to see people of colour taking lead in theatre. However Hamilton defies that logic- The show’s only white lead is England’s King George III. Its main character is played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, a Latino who wrote the script. Other lead actors — Leslie Odom Jr. plays Aaron Burr, Christopher Jackson plays Washington, Daveed Diggs plays Jefferson and Phillipa Soo plays Eliza Schuyler — are all black or biracial.
I remember when Hamilton were first holding auditions and caused controversy by specifically asking for people of colour on the casting call, even then I was intrigued by a play that was intent on defying odds by proving ethnic minorities were not a liability.
3. The Success
“Hamilton” is on track to become one of the biggest critical hits in Broadway history. It won 11 Tony Awards, including best musical, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for drama and a Grammy Award for best musical theater album. Other awards include the Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History and theGeorge Washington Book Prize. Mr. Miranda received a “genius grant” from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
The love for Hamilton doesn't just stop at the theatre, Miranda and cast performed at the White House to the delight of the Obama's. Celebrities such as Beyonce, Jay Z, JLO, James Corden and more have also expressed their love towards Hamilton.
The success of Hamilton has been so loud that an international tour has been lined up for next year, guess who's going to try and get tickets when they go on sale later on this year. If I don't succeed, let it be known that I have failed at life :(
Skip Obama speaking and go straight to 9:00 *You're welcome*
Until next time,
Savannah
xoxo
