Alexander Hamilton is a well-known name in history classes, but now it’s spreading around Broadway too. According to Playbill.com, “Hamilton: An American Musical” made $30 million just in pre-sale tickets, making it the second biggest box office hit, right behind “The Lion King.” The musical first took a bow on Broadway with previews in July 2015 and opened for consecutive sold-out showings in August.
Part of of the acclaim surrounding “Hamilton” comes from its divergence from typical Broadway acts. The soundtrack, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, relies heavily on hip-hop and R&B influences. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Rap Charts in Dec. 2015 following its release in September of the same year. The original cast recording has also been nominated for a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.
Another revolutionary element is the cast, which is made up almost entirely of black and Hispanic actors. Miranda told The New York Times this was a deliberate choice to represent America as it is now: “It’s a way of pulling you into the story and allowing you to leave whatever cultural baggage you have about the founding fathers at the door.”
The musical itself is separated into two acts. Even though there is little dialogue in the play itself, the story progresses through musical numbers. Act I has an intense, almost frantic energy as it portrays Hamilton’s climb from nothing to his position as one of the most powerful men in the country. The opening number, “Alexander Hamilton,” introduces all the characters, including the title character himself, and begins with his history as an orphan. The first act also features Hamilton’s beginnings in politics in “My Shot,” and his wedding to Eliza Schuyler in “Satisfied,” a song that is heart-breaking and empowering at the same time. The final scene sets up the increased tension between Hamilton and Aaron Burr, who is envious of Hamilton’s success and “Non-stop” work ethic.
Act II is no less intense than the first but far more tragic. The act follows the progression Hamilton’s life as he falls victim to his own hubris. The first inkling of turmoil comes in “Take a Break,” when Hamilton stays behind to work during his family’s vacation. The marriage gets worse when Hamilton begins an affair in the next scene. There is even more strain on Hamilton and Eliza when their son, Phillip, dies following a duel in a heart-wrenching performance during “Stay Alive (Reprise).” The scene also foreshadows Hamilton’s own downfall during a duel with Burr, who laments Hamilton’s death in “The World Was Wide Enough.”
In the song, Burr worries that he will be marked as the villain in history for killing Hamilton, however, it is possible to read Hamilton as his own antagonist. Everything bad that happens in the play is a consequence for his own mistakes. On the other hand, Hamilton did make help revolutionize the country. He made great strides in politics and could be seen by many as a hero. Thanks to Miranda, “Hamilton” is making history of its own.
Top Tracks: “My Shot,” “Satisfied,” and “Wait For It”
Grade: A
Verdict: A classic underdog story with a tragic end, “Hamilton” gives history a fresh face. Miranda’s touching lyrics help bring the man from history textbooks to life. It is a refreshing deviation from typical Broadway musical style, though, at two and a half hours long, it does get a little long-winded.
