Typically, Broadway musicals beckon images of the American elite; pretentious old white people flaunting their cultured status. When thinking of historical musicals, high school students may be the last demographic to come to mind. However, American actor and composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda, has effectively crushed this stereotypical perception of Broadway with his smash hit musical “Hamilton”, which tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and the founding of America.
Miranda, who grew up in upper Manhattan, became interested in Alexander Hamilton after writing an essay in high school. The famous duel between Hamilton and Aaron Burr reminded Miranda of the iconic rap rivalries he witnessed growing up in New York. This inspired him to incorporate hip hop into the Hamilton soundtrack; a musical masterpiece which has received overwhelming praise from theater enthusiasts and rappers alike.
Hamilton has won 11 Tony Awards, including best musical, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for drama and a Grammy Award for best musical theater album. However, Hamilton’s most notable achievement, perhaps, is the unprecedented support it draws from the younger generation, a rarity for Broadway musicals. Sophomore Hannah Peterson recounts the first time she discovered Hamilton.
“My best friend was really into it and was constantly talking about the songs (which was really annoying). Finally, I listened to the soundtrack, and now I love it!”, said Peterson. The diverse cast of Hamilton is something that really resonates with today’s socially progressive adolescents.
“Our cast looks like America looks now, and that’s certainly intentional,” said Miranda.
Despite the inevitable critics of the musical, one thing can not be denied: Hamilton is not a conventional broadway show.
“I think it’s appealing because most of the characters are played by people of color, not old, boring, white dudes like history class describes them as.”, said Peterson.
Although some may write Hamilton off as mere entertainment, it’s hard to ignore the real life impact it has had.
While you may not be able to get tickets to the Broadway show for the next 20 years, I would encourage everyone to listen to the Hamilton soundtrack and watch any footage they can get their hands on. Who knows, you might just learn something!
