The subtext in Hamilton The Musical on Broadway is “The hiphop narrative is writing your way out of circumstances”. This is what Lin-Manuel Miranda told CBS Sunday Morning. This is how Lin-Manuel Miranda envisioned the life story of one of the founding fathers of the United States. And it is one of the riskiest ways to present a musical. How can you present history and still make it relevant. It doesn’t stop at the music. You’d be thrilled to read about that. But more on that later.
Written and starred by Lin-Manuel Miranda himself. Hamilton The Musical on Broadway was first performed off-Broadway. That was at New York’s Public Theater. His reason behind writing this for the stage was simple. Why hasn’t anyone thought about writing this as a musical?
Every founding father of America has an interesting life story to tell. But if not for Miranda getting a copy of Ron Chernow’s book entitled “Alexander Hamilton”. He would not be inspired enough to take his song “The Hamilton Mixtape” into a full blown hiphop musical. No wonder the anticipation for Hamilton The Musical on Broadway is on feverish pitch.
Now it is very obvious that Miranda managed to merge 2 of his passions. His love for hiphop music. And his adoration for Hamilton. “This is the story of American then told by America now. It looks like America now.” The songs would remind you of hiphop songs that are not too fast. Not too slow either. Just audible enough to let the audience know that this is less about rap speed. And more about presenting a story.
Imagine a debate between Hamilton and the other founding father, Thomas Jefferson. It is presented as a rap battle. 60 seconds for Jefferson. 60 seconds for Hamilton. Hamilton presenting the need for more federal control. Jefferson taking the side of state rights. When was the last time that you ever saw a rap battle on the Great White Way? Hamilton The Musical on Broadway just made that dream a reality.
It is about a story that people today need to know. Americans take pride in their founding fathers. But taking it to the mainstream can be very challenging. There is little wonder why Miranda found success in presenting it here. It’s the kind of mainstream entertainment that you would expect here on Hamilton The Musical on Broadway.
Now Hamilton The Musical on Broadway, in the words of Miranda “looks like America now”. This is where he pushes his artistic license in the casting. The Schuyler sisters looked like a multiracial mix. Music-wise, they would remind you of the defunct R&B group Destiny’s Child. The President, Thomas Jefferson, was played by a black actor, Daveed Diggs. Hamilton’s fiercest political rival, Aaron Barr, was played by Leslie Odom, Jr. He’s one of the best musical theater performers included in Hamilton The Musical on Broadway.
According to Miranda “Hiphop music is the music of the revolution”. He made it evident in Hamilton The Musical on Broadway. This is in direct reference to how hiphop served in the past that he is familiar with. The time when youths expressed their rebellion best through poetry set to beats. It gives a stylish panache with how the lines are delivered. It made sense as to why some kids would put emphasis on rhyming the words.
The only deviance from the hiphop theme in Hamilton The Musical on Broadway was King George III. In the current run, he is played by Jonathan Groff. He doesn’t sound hiphop because, well, he’s not American as a character. If ever he gets a song number where he can express his thoughts about letting go of his colony. It would be in the vein of British pop music. The disparity between the genres resonate on the music too. Such auditory treats indeed.
Hamilton The Musical on Broadway is presented with music, lyrics and book all by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Tickets are selling well and fast. Click here to immediately buy a handful for you and your friends. Explicit language is expected. Viewers’ discretion is advised.
Broadway is up and running. And Hamilton The Musical on Broadway really served as a vital shot in the arm for musical theater innovation. And there would be more to come only here at Musicals Online. So might as well subscribe to our online newsletter and get updated straight to your inbox. To cover all bases, follow us on our social media accounts too. Like our official Facebook page, Musicals Online. And follow us on Twitter @musicalsnews. Thanks for reading.
