Amazing Santa/Rudolph parody of Hamilton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7sm49fHlyI
Just saw this 2 nights ago. Hands down the best show I have ever seen , and I have been seeing shows on Broadway for 50 years. If you can , go. ( Will Ferrell was sitting right behind me--very well heeled audience , I must say )
10
I am obsessed with Hamilton. Did you like the music? I memorized every song! This is the biggest thing for teens I've ever seen!
6
This looks like it was conceived by the schemers in the Producers- make something so atrocious that it is bound to fail. Springtime For Hitler In Germany Raps! Yo!.
to quote Billy Joel:
"I've seen the lights go out Broadway
I saw the Empire State laid low"
I'll take a pass on this one.
to quote Billy Joel:
"I've seen the lights go out Broadway
I saw the Empire State laid low"
I'll take a pass on this one.
7
It's clear from your comment that you haven't heard a single song from the soundtrack to this incredible work of art. The verb you used--"looks"--gives you away as one who has judged the project without even bothering to engage it in the medium—sound—in which it is intended. Even your quote from Billy Joel is all about seeing not listening. Look it up on YouTube; it's all there. Then get back to us.
27
Agreed, just listen to "wait for it" or Schuyler Sisters or the like. It's indescribable.
7
Not worth it.... Concept is interesting, however its way over rated and over priced. Yet, THEY claim inclusion for ALL...?
2
This is at its heart a musical about diversity and in that respect it feels like a direct descendant of South Pacific, Dream Girls, and Rent. And it probably does as much as all of those shows put together in reinvigorating the genre of the American musical. The cast and production are superb, but the star is the incredible material itself (book, lyrics and music) that will almost certainly have a long, long life in road shows, regional theaters, even high school productions, it's that good and accessible. It was really thrilling to witness this kind of genius.
7
What the show lacked was an emotional moment that compares to Tony's death in West Side Story, or Fantine's ghost in Les Mis, or the trek out of Anatevka in Fiddler, or the pulling off of The Phantom's mask, and on and on for every great show. There wasn't a moment that brought on a tear, a gasp, a cheer - none of that catharthis that makes you withhold telling others about a moment you want them to experience first hand when they go to see the show. This show is a sort of documentary lacking emotion. Great writers wrap history around a human story. The main attraction here is the novelty and irreverence, and yes, great production numbers.
5
I'll have to disagree woth you on that. I bought the soundtrack, I haven't managed to see itbsine I don't live in New York, but Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story destroyed me. Twice.
21
I guess I'd like to see this musical - some day. I'm a big fan of Hamilton and keep a copy of Chernow's book. But, so far, only saw the snippet performed on the Academy Awards. Lot's of drama, I suppose - but where's the music?
1
The whole thong is sung, or at least almost all of it. The cast recording is over two an a half hours long. It's different from standard musicals because of the heavy rap and hip hop influences. But there are also more traditional songs. Listen to One Last Time.
5
I saw the performance on the Grammy's and loved it, so I bought the cast recording. I've been listening to it for about a week. It's superb. I don't know if I can wait until the show comes west next year. I may have to take out a loan and go to NY to see it!
12
i bought tickets for todays Matinee...my daughter and her Valentine
paid 1800 ....my pleasure to see her smile
paid 1800 ....my pleasure to see her smile
8
Believe the hype, and ignore those who feel it "is changing history." Hamilton is an moving show, and respects Broadway traditions while moving the genre forward. Miranda has done an amazing job of focusing on the humanity of the founding fathers. I wish more people would. Spend the money and see this while the principles are still in it. You won't see something like this very often.
13
cant wait for it to come to the bay! (SF)
2
I am going to see this show on Aug 1. I bought the tickets in Oct for my daughter's 18th birthday. It is a very special occasion and I did buy my tickets on the official site, and they are re-sale tickets. Amazingly i paid approx $200 each (I dont' remember the exact figure). At least I know they are real since I took advantage of the official site.
2
This show is everything you read and hear about it and more. Genius on display.
It's just upsetting that only people with the ability to pay a LOT of money for tickets are able to see this show. But that's the way the world turns.....
It's just upsetting that only people with the ability to pay a LOT of money for tickets are able to see this show. But that's the way the world turns.....
8
why worry? the run in NYC will go on for years, 4 more production companies are starting up - announced today - Sept. in Chicago (?), next spring in San Fran. etc., etc....soon virtually EVERY high school (ESPECIALLY inner city) will be mounting productions....I understand Miranda was a school teacher at one time, & it looks like a perfect meld of teacher's motivations and theatrical insights....
3
Bought a ticket last summer, waited 5 months. Saw it last night. Lin was sick, Javier was sick. 1200 disappointed people saw the understudy. Crushed.
4
Was the understudy good? It sounds as though the show should be the thing, not one particular actor in the show.
11
I guess its not their fault though
1
I haven't seen it, but I get really irritated at a play or show when I can't understand what the actors are saying or singing, and given the price, I'm not likely to see Hamilton, spectacle or not.
4
Our ears are older and not used to the fast pace of rap so we listened to the soundtrack before going and became familiar with the lyrics. That did the trick.
If you have the opportunity, go see it. You won't be disappointed.
If you have the opportunity, go see it. You won't be disappointed.
19
Haven't seen it but cannot stop singing the soundtrack, humming the soundtrack, dancing in my chair to the soundtrack. It's absolutely clear to my ears, and I'm pretty old.
19
Out of dreadful necessity I was forced to take an actor's "stay alive" j-o-b for the holidays so I am serving drinks at the Rogers Theater where they are performing this production, Hamilton. At first I wasn't too interested but after about my eighth or ninth shift I finally, out of boredom and curiosity stepped in and sat down to watch. It is quite stirring. While I am not too in love with hearing the word "motherf^cker" sung on stage I have begun to overlook it (trying to) and found this musical is most certainly all the reviewer here says it is. My feeling when I joined the tourists and travelers from across America and beyond is that despite the costs of coming to NYC and buying theater tickets (not to mention pricey drinks and snacks) was that they are most certainly getting their money's worth. The talent and setting is absolutely overwhelming. It is an unforgettable and enriching experience, it is great, great entertainment so if you can, I say do. "Rise up - rise up.."
14
Even at $500 a ticket? I really want to see it but I can't help but think anything would disappoint at that price.
It is absolutely worth it to see the original cast in my humble opinion. I was fortunate enough to buy tickets in July before it opened on Broadway. I had read the reviews from the Public Theater production having become a fan of Mr. Miranda's after seeing "In The Heights".
I am just so happy that I saw the original cast. They are all amazing but Mr. Odem in my opinion brings the house down every night with In the Room Where It Happens.
I am just so happy that I saw the original cast. They are all amazing but Mr. Odem in my opinion brings the house down every night with In the Room Where It Happens.
5
My original comment, written after attending the first preview on July 13, 2015 (and is still among the only FOUR designated NYT Picks) didn't go into the individual songs, but ever since that night, I've been telling skeptics who can't believe there's a genuine showstopper in "Hamilton" that they haven't lived through "The Room Where It Happens" yet. I'm so pleased you chose to single out the otherworldly experience that this production number provides an audience hungry for a centerpiece early in Act II. (How many musicals can we honestly say get even better in the second half?) I couldn't wait for the cast album to come out just so I could re-live this spine-tingling moment. My favorite sequence on the album is on the ACT II CD which whisks us from "Say No To This"--which I wish was longer--and tumbles headlong directly into "The Room Where It Happens"--one of the best big production numbers ever staged (which is in the style of honky tonk, not rap). Because of Odom's desperate delivery playing Aron Burr in this song, it wouldn't surprise me if he, and not Miranda, won the Lead Actor Tony Award. Now that Hamilton is staying on the $10 dollar bill, this makes "Hamilton" arguably the most influential Broadway show ever to be produced. CLICK, BOOM!
1
Saw this astounding production this past weekend and I'm streaming the soundtrack now.
A band of "young, scrappy, hungry" revolutionaries and the women who loved them narrating in rap and hiphop the story of our country's origins - it's right-in-your-face history come alive. To their credit, even from the mezzanine, I understood just about every word they sang - in fact, the couple next to us had amplifying devices but took them off after a short time.
60 Minutes had a piece on Lin Manuel Miranda Sunday night, and I watched it online. After his Tony win for In The Heights, Miranda was invited to the White House in 2009 to perform for the president. He told his audience he was working on a new musical - the story of Alexander Hamilton, told in rap. You could hear the nervous laughter in the audience. Well, once he started to sing an early version of the title song, no one was laughing!
When tickets went on sale for Sept/Oct 2016, I bit the bullet and bought a pair. An extravagance, I know, but I have to see it again.
If anyone is interested in seeing the 60 Minutes piece, it's on the CBS site here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hamilton-broadway-musical-60-minutes-charlie...
A band of "young, scrappy, hungry" revolutionaries and the women who loved them narrating in rap and hiphop the story of our country's origins - it's right-in-your-face history come alive. To their credit, even from the mezzanine, I understood just about every word they sang - in fact, the couple next to us had amplifying devices but took them off after a short time.
60 Minutes had a piece on Lin Manuel Miranda Sunday night, and I watched it online. After his Tony win for In The Heights, Miranda was invited to the White House in 2009 to perform for the president. He told his audience he was working on a new musical - the story of Alexander Hamilton, told in rap. You could hear the nervous laughter in the audience. Well, once he started to sing an early version of the title song, no one was laughing!
When tickets went on sale for Sept/Oct 2016, I bit the bullet and bought a pair. An extravagance, I know, but I have to see it again.
If anyone is interested in seeing the 60 Minutes piece, it's on the CBS site here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hamilton-broadway-musical-60-minutes-charlie...
14
Performance was great. Rap unintelligible. Hip Hop understandable. Energy great. The problem is that Hamilton, as a play, is a political revisionist statement designed to denigrate the Founding Fathers and ridicule their reputations. Jefferson as a costumed fop? Really? The man who ridiculed Supreme Court judges wearing powdered wigs is portrayed as an effeminate boor. disgraceful! Lyrics stating as a fact the falsehood that the second amendment was written to protect slave owners from slave rebellions is a flat out lie. Glorifying Hamilton's "Immigrant" status gets applause, but doesn't mention that Everyone was an immigrant in 1776. Too bad that thousands of high school students are being subsidized to see distorted history instead of the true greatness of the characters the play gratuitously insults.
14
But it's just these inaccuracies that make "Hamilton" the teachable moment that it is. If it were perfect (and no piece of art--especially a Broadway musical--is perfect), what would there be to talk about? When people insist on total accuracy at the expense of dramatic license, what a boring array of shows we'd have to choose from.
3
I haven't seen the show but plan to when it comes to LA in 2017. I've listened to the music many times. Many times.
We romanticize our founding fathers but I can imagine the play in feeling, might be closer to what it was like in those times than the stiff and sanitized version that school kids are force-fed through textbooks approved by the Texans. No wonder kids call history boring.
How do you know, by the way, that the second amendment didn't have as a side-purpose the protection of slave owners?
If you can make high kids excited about history, it's a good thing. At least they are listening and might be inspired to seek out the Chernow book and others on how this country of immigrants go to be the strongest country in the world, for good and for bad.
We romanticize our founding fathers but I can imagine the play in feeling, might be closer to what it was like in those times than the stiff and sanitized version that school kids are force-fed through textbooks approved by the Texans. No wonder kids call history boring.
How do you know, by the way, that the second amendment didn't have as a side-purpose the protection of slave owners?
If you can make high kids excited about history, it's a good thing. At least they are listening and might be inspired to seek out the Chernow book and others on how this country of immigrants go to be the strongest country in the world, for good and for bad.
2
The U.S. claims to be #1 in many things.
Its true #1 is in making claims that are no longer true.
Of course, every country does it.
The U.S. just outdoes all the other countries
when it comes to blowing smoke up its citizens butts.
Guess the citizens like it.
Its true #1 is in making claims that are no longer true.
Of course, every country does it.
The U.S. just outdoes all the other countries
when it comes to blowing smoke up its citizens butts.
Guess the citizens like it.
This show is spectacular. I was fortunate to see it just this weekend with no understudies (but with Andrew Rannells as a replacement for Jonathan Groff). Everyone was excellent. It was exciting and much like Baz Luhrman's "Great Gatsby," the rap music serves as a channel to signal the newness, the excitement, and the intensity of what the revolutionaries were doing. And as Lin Manuel Miranda has said in interviews, it's the music of writing one's way out of poverty. I never knew an economics argument in a presidential cabinet meeting could be so fun. Sure, this will be dated in 20 years, but now it's hip and cool and the best thing out there to show the craziness of Enlightenment ideals brought to life against stodgy old monarchies.
8
i fear that this review represents a mellower but still dangerous kind of racism: the notion that this show is great because 'they're black! and latin!" is the same kind of condescension that is actually belittling in just a modern way. I saw this show and warmed up to it in the second half, but that's because any group of young talented people putting such gusto into a show is worth applauding. but it's not because there's any value per se in telling a story in a newer vernacular, unless that very process creates/expands an artistic truth. there is no such achievement in this show, just as deciding to tell the story of Gandhi via country music or Chairman Mao via rap would not a prior be great either. ie, it's great if you make it great. I'd offer that the fact that this show is getting such rave reviews reflects society's current infatuations, which sees gender and race in everything, even where it doesnt exist or where other issues might predominate.
19
Glad to see that others are asking the same questions I am about this performance. My curiosity was regarding who's story we are telling and from what perspective are we telling it from? Why are Latino and African American people singing this story when their ancestors were enslaved during this era of history. I feel confused waiting for someone to clarify this Broadway show....
3
I disagree heavily with you. Lin-Manuel Miranda is very forthcoming about his reason for choosing rap and hip hop as the main genre for the musical. The genres are all about writing your way in and out of your circumstances, which is so fitting for Alexander Hamilton's abilities and life story. It's not trying to be edgy. It's trying to be appropriate.
15
Well let me know when they actually cast Latinos as Latinos and blacks as blacks and Asians as Asians and Indians as Indians instead of having white people play pharaohs. Tell me why Katniss Everdeen, a character described by the author as being "olive skinned" is played by a white woman. The reality is--and this wasn't necessarily true in 1776--that the US was built by minorities and whites alike even though we don't care to acknowledge that.
9
Think it's one of (if not THE) most phenomenal musical to hit Broadway in years and will definitely to sweep the Tony Awards in 2016! Embarrassed to say this, but I wish I had read up on my american history more in advance as I think it would have made the story and lyrics easier to follow and I would have gotten more out of the show. But overall I thought the show, costumes, story, dancing, stage and everything else were spectacular. If you're having trouble finding tickets, look for 'obstructed view" seats, since nothing is really obstructed and you can get some good deals. www.nycinsiderguide.com
8
Hamilton is nothing less than grand operatic. In fact, every dull opera that has ever been composed could use the Lin-Manuel Miranda treatment.
9
I did have one minor complaint. I don't think King George needed to be Disneyfied that much. He did his utmost to kill the young nation in the crib and with his successor, tried again and again until the Civil War almost did what his country couldn't do. He should have either been left out altogether or portrayed for the ruthless monarch he was. Look up Impressment for the length the king went to deprive the young nation of the skilled immigrants it needed to grow.
1
But George III was a foppish lunatic, they think he was poisoned by mercury and that is what made his behaviour very erratic. He was childish, petulant and extremely vain.
So I think his portrayal is spot on.
So I think his portrayal is spot on.
11
I also like that, if you notice, George III's little inserts become shorter each time he appears. It's almost like anything he may think is losing relevance to the Americans . . .
9
Congrats to Lin Miranda and all the creators of this beautiful musical. For those that have read the comments about not hearing, or not understanding, may I suggest you download the lyrics which are available on the Hamilton website. I also suggest you buy the download ( trust me, you will want to hear this glorious score many, many times) or in 2 weeks the CDs because knowing the music ( and the history, I read the Chernow book in advance too) will greatly enhance your enjoyment of this miraculous work. I did. I saw the show this week and still was totally in awe of it all. Get tickets NOW.
7
First, props to the doubters and contrarians here who dared offer anything other than gushing praise for this show. It's important to keep a zeitgeist in check.
I saw Hamilton last night and am very glad -- dare I say relieved -- that I did. For the most part, Hamilton is everything everybody says it is. I had misgivings; I get it now. What I did not expect is how densely intelligent the concept an staging, and above all the writing, truly are.
To label it "rap" is almost misleading. Almost.
As I find with most Shakespeare I attended, it took my ears many minutes to acclimate -- and even then there was a great deal that I missed. Again, like Shakespeare.
So the accolades I give this show (and I do) come with a qualifier: theater goers of a cert age, prepare to work. Intelligent though it is, it's a lot of rap to digest.
I saw Hamilton last night and am very glad -- dare I say relieved -- that I did. For the most part, Hamilton is everything everybody says it is. I had misgivings; I get it now. What I did not expect is how densely intelligent the concept an staging, and above all the writing, truly are.
To label it "rap" is almost misleading. Almost.
As I find with most Shakespeare I attended, it took my ears many minutes to acclimate -- and even then there was a great deal that I missed. Again, like Shakespeare.
So the accolades I give this show (and I do) come with a qualifier: theater goers of a cert age, prepare to work. Intelligent though it is, it's a lot of rap to digest.
14
Why are the designers and managers now left out of the credits?
2
I just saw Hamilton this evening. I'm not good enough a writer to find the words to describe this production. All I can say is, my jaw dropped, as it does whenever I'm confronted with genius. It's not even possible to single out a single aspect of why this is so good. I took in the staging, lighting, dancing, singing, lyrics, and glorious music as a single element. If nothing stands out, it's because everything stands out. The talent of the performers and the accomplishment of Mr. Miranda really cannot be separated. Pure brilliance.
30
This play seems both groundbreaking and silly. The concept is almost like a satire of the traditional Broadway production (let's take a dry historical topic and turn it into a rap ballad to make it relatable to millennials!), but it's done so well that you do have to give credit where it's due.
No matter how well executed, though, it still seems like it's a silly, overwrought production emblematic of our diminishing ability to focus sustained attention on things that aren't "cutting edge" and "modern." What's next, Thomas Jefferson drafting the Declaration of Independence in the Notes app on his iPhone?
No matter how well executed, though, it still seems like it's a silly, overwrought production emblematic of our diminishing ability to focus sustained attention on things that aren't "cutting edge" and "modern." What's next, Thomas Jefferson drafting the Declaration of Independence in the Notes app on his iPhone?
11
well… the show still takes place in 1776 through about 1810 so no…. Jefferson wouldn't have an iPhone. In fact, they have Burr/Hamilton and others do their writing with quills…. just because the music and choreography represents music of the last 30 years doesn't make it silly and they're not trying to be modern or cool. LMM has done his research and studied this more than any of us have… listen to him talk about American history and it'll blow your mind. So just because it's mostly hip hop/rap does not make it "cutting edge"… it's a stylistic choice that actually works extremely well.
9
its not silly at all. Its a very smart show. might even get the Pulitzer
16
If you think that Alexander Hamilton, his life and times, are a 'dry historical topic', you are ill-read and ill-informed. At the very least, dive into Ron Chernow's amazing book for the latest and most accessible portrait of some of the most passionate, complex, heroic, multi-faceted players in our nation's history.
10
I purchased tickets back in April based on the gushing reviews of both Chris Hayes and Charlie Rose. I feared that the hype was too much and that there was no way the play could live up to it.
I was wrong. If anything, it's even better than I expected it to be. My wife and son (who's 14) loved it, too, and after the show, when I was quizzing my son to see if he was paying attention, he thrilled me when he answered my questions correctly.
And to those who say they couldn't hear what was being said, may I gently suggest you get your ears cleaned? I heard every lush word, and we were sitting in the next-to-last row of the front mezzanine.
Sitting in the theater, I felt, "This must be how people reacted when they saw 'West Side Story' for the first time in its opening run."
"Hamilton" is energetic, inspiring, hopeful, heartbreaking, and the more than 2 1/2 hours go by, well, in a New York minute.
Thank you, Mr. Miranda and everyone involved in the production, for raising the bar and giving us an unbelievable theater experience.
I was wrong. If anything, it's even better than I expected it to be. My wife and son (who's 14) loved it, too, and after the show, when I was quizzing my son to see if he was paying attention, he thrilled me when he answered my questions correctly.
And to those who say they couldn't hear what was being said, may I gently suggest you get your ears cleaned? I heard every lush word, and we were sitting in the next-to-last row of the front mezzanine.
Sitting in the theater, I felt, "This must be how people reacted when they saw 'West Side Story' for the first time in its opening run."
"Hamilton" is energetic, inspiring, hopeful, heartbreaking, and the more than 2 1/2 hours go by, well, in a New York minute.
Thank you, Mr. Miranda and everyone involved in the production, for raising the bar and giving us an unbelievable theater experience.
12
ok...here comes the standard old guy thoughts for which I hate myself. The NYT critic probably seated in the best seats in the house and having read a script in advance or having seen a number of performances, tells us how great and important the words are.
BUT...
The NYT video crew can only make about 1/2 the lyrics comprehensible to this listener. I hate to think what my hundred bucks in the balcony will bring me when I try to understand what is being said in this sung-through musical performance.
BUT...
The NYT video crew can only make about 1/2 the lyrics comprehensible to this listener. I hate to think what my hundred bucks in the balcony will bring me when I try to understand what is being said in this sung-through musical performance.
3
I sat in the mezzanine and heard 95 percent of the show. And I could hear every word in that video….
5
Since I live far from NYC, the ticket price is a small part of the reason I may not catch this production. (Hope for a film--at least I live in a city big enough for touring companies.)
But I've purchased the cast album & the lyrics are quite clear. Why not listen first? Especially if you, like me, came of age before Rap & Hip Hop? (Which work quite well--along with the other styles used.)
But I've purchased the cast album & the lyrics are quite clear. Why not listen first? Especially if you, like me, came of age before Rap & Hip Hop? (Which work quite well--along with the other styles used.)
5
A Musical for the people, with top 1% prices... cheapest orchestra seats are $167-$199 (not to mention premium seating)... how can they charge this?... it seems to undermine everything the shows is trying to say... except maybe greed.
4
I mean every show is going to have hundred dollar orchestra seats IF the show is doing well. That's what it costs to run a show on Broadway now. Rent, payroll etc…. it's expensive. You can find cheaper seats but you have to sit upstairs which in some cases I actually prefer. Opening night I sat F-108 front mezz and I enjoyed the show more than the first preview where I sat in V off the aisle in the orchestra. Granted I had a women with a giant head sitting in front of me so that was a factor! :)
2
I had $89 rear mezzanine seats, and I heard every word. But I had a man-bun in front of me that could have qualified for an "obstructed view".
2
The tickets are incredibly expensive, but Lin Manuel Miranda has made sur ethst even if we can't affors it we'll still get to see Hamilton. The entire show has been recorded and will get sone kind of general release.
Agree some dialogue may be missed. I saw this last night. My decision to read the book, (much of it not all) helped me understand much of what is being "discussed." As for "hearing" it is true there are some harder sections, however, much of the play is fully understandable, there are several times where there is no way, even with 15 year old ears performing at super-hearing level that you can keep up with the pace of delivery. Yes see it. Yes perhaps wait for the lyrics to be published, or if you can skim the book (or even read all 700 pages) and you will be in a position to enjoy this wonderful, unique, ground breaking play a great deal more.
1
Agreed. However, I think people have to realize that because the nature of hip hop is so fast paced, you can't go in expecting to understand all the lyrics in those fast paced sections but understand that the show does such a good job of story telling away from those parts, that it's really ok that you don't understand some of it.
1
The problem with "not hearing" is not the words themselves, it's the lack of involvement and development of the characters and the action of the play that gets lost. The art of theater is "involvement"... to make the audience care... to have something "at stake"... not just showoff.
3
I'm pretty sure the audience cares…. I mean at least after the 4 times I've seen the show. The development of the characters is there. We see Burr's jealousy right from the beginning when Washington picks Hamilton instead… we are made aware of Hamilton's lack of satisfaction early on when Angelica says it several times and later on when not only is he unsatisfied with his writing, but cheats on Eliza as well. We see Eliza's longing for Hamilton to be a father and a good husband and that despite Hamilton's lack of salary, all he needs to be is loving. So I'm not sure where you missed the character development but I got that after 1 performance. And I still cried several times after the 4th.
2
Now this is a discussion!
Too bad the current Presidential sleeper couldn't generate as much passion.
Too bad the current Presidential sleeper couldn't generate as much passion.
2
What the Hello??? I love anything to do with Hamilton and Washington (well almost anything obviously after this) and am even studying in college about these men as well as all history from the American Revolution era. This however is just silly. hip-hop and what else Rap to tell of Hamilton's life?? I just stared in slack jawed horror at even the images of this little own the demoralization of the time period. Individuals wiggling across the floor on her back like that one girl was not to mention the dance routine's period. Gah!! Thank you guys so much for posting this. Now I have to go back to class and tell my professor that I've been bombarded by images of an ignorant rendition of history. The only, ONLY thing I can say is at the least IF they are being true to Hamilton's history then maybe American's can finally see one of the greatest men of our country, who made the bank, and fought his was from nothing to be Washington's right hand man in the war.
8
As someone who is trying to claim some sort of intellectual superiority, insinuating that a play is "ignorant" without even having viewed the play... you sure do have a lot of typos.
9
This is comment is amazing.
1) You haven't even seen it.
2) Ignorant? Why? Because black and hispanic people are portraying white people. Do you know how ridiculous it sounds to call it ignorant?
3) Not only does Hamilton present Hamilton's accomplishments but also his fallacies and his downfall… something you failed to mention in your comment so you clearly don't know as much about American History as you claim to think.
I suggest you come see this show and if you still hate it, fine, but at least you can have a legitimate opinion, not some ridiculous comment based on nothing.
1) You haven't even seen it.
2) Ignorant? Why? Because black and hispanic people are portraying white people. Do you know how ridiculous it sounds to call it ignorant?
3) Not only does Hamilton present Hamilton's accomplishments but also his fallacies and his downfall… something you failed to mention in your comment so you clearly don't know as much about American History as you claim to think.
I suggest you come see this show and if you still hate it, fine, but at least you can have a legitimate opinion, not some ridiculous comment based on nothing.
4
Not sure why NYT chose that particular clip but here is a more comprehensive one from youtube which might change your mind.
https://youtu.be/xyVtvLy6qiY
I am a history buff and i read Chernow's Hamilton and the amount of detail and accuracy that was incorporated in this musical was amazing. All Americans should watch this play to appreciate the founding of our country and why she is so special, warts and all .
https://youtu.be/xyVtvLy6qiY
I am a history buff and i read Chernow's Hamilton and the amount of detail and accuracy that was incorporated in this musical was amazing. All Americans should watch this play to appreciate the founding of our country and why she is so special, warts and all .
6
I cane from Chicago with my wife and two adult daughters to see Hamilton at the end of its preview run.
It was excitingly different and enormously energetic and we enjoyed it very much. However we yearned for subtitles or a libretto. Notwithstanding our great seats in the fourth row, two thirds of the dialogue was unintelligible to me in the first act and maybe half in the second act. Age was no doubt an impediment for me and my wife, but our daughters, who are fully "with it" said they fared only slight better.
My advice is to wait for publication of the text before spending a bundle on tickets.
It was excitingly different and enormously energetic and we enjoyed it very much. However we yearned for subtitles or a libretto. Notwithstanding our great seats in the fourth row, two thirds of the dialogue was unintelligible to me in the first act and maybe half in the second act. Age was no doubt an impediment for me and my wife, but our daughters, who are fully "with it" said they fared only slight better.
My advice is to wait for publication of the text before spending a bundle on tickets.
7
Agree. I saw this last night. My best help was reading the book, that helps understand much of what is being discussed. As for "hearing" it is true much of the play is fully understandable, but there are several times where there is no way, even with 15 year old ears performing at super-hearing level that you can keep up with the pace of delivery. Yes see it. Yes wait for the lyrics to be published and read them. And if you can skim the book (or even read all 700 pages) and you will be in a position to enjoy it a great deal more.
1
Hamilton hightlights;
https://youtu.be/xyVtvLy6qiY
https://youtu.be/xyVtvLy6qiY
It's funny, I understood every single word.
There is a word in Italian - "prevenzione" it means bias but also opposition. When one is not receptive and closed off to something. The diction and cadence was perfect, clear and highly intelligible. I suggest you set your "prevenzione" aside and re-listen with an open mind.
There is a word in Italian - "prevenzione" it means bias but also opposition. When one is not receptive and closed off to something. The diction and cadence was perfect, clear and highly intelligible. I suggest you set your "prevenzione" aside and re-listen with an open mind.
3
" the American musical is not only surviving but also evolving in ways that should allow it to thrive and transmogrify in years to come."
Translation: There isn't a single tune you can whistle as you leave the theater.
Translation: There isn't a single tune you can whistle as you leave the theater.
7
Funny, that's what they say about Sondheim too. And I can sing - and do - his songs just as frequently as I can "In the Heights" or "Hamilton."
8
That's ridiculous. That's all I've been doing since the opening.....
7
I saw this in January and it's still stuck in my head.
Work on your whistling.
Work on your whistling.
11
I love cinema more than Broadway theatre(dated and boring to me). I'm mesmerized by all the clips I've seen of Hamilton. I can't stop watching his initial performance he presented to President Obama in 2009(absolutely superb). Can't get that song out of my mind. And can't stop humming "my shot' from the show. Never felt so compelled and desperately anxious to see this musical. I haven't felt this way since the release off Star Wars when I was just a little child. Lin Manuel Miranda seems like a theatre genius and has become(in my view) the most significant person of the year when it comes to entertainment and American history. Willing to pay up to $300 dollars just to see the show(once I get my finances in check). Broadway has become hip and relevant because of Miranda!
8
Hmm. So I guess we're to understand that history, as it occurred, as thoroughly documented as it's been, and by as extraordinary historians as the performers on this stage are, is not to be legitimately 'enough' anymore. Oh, but it can be so much more 'modern'! And and 'fun'! And 'relatable'! With minority performers! and blasting a genre of music that's often misogynistic, crass, vulgar and basic!...(and in this play - largely incomprehensible too. But who cares, right? There's minority performers and rap on stage! Yay!) Super. But I guess this play and it's director is emblematic of the society we live it and has giddily bowed to it's surface allure...there's so much 'noise' and raucous inauthenticity today that if you're of a disposition to employ gimmicks at any cost, you'll be more likely to be seen in the fray. This strategy does not interest me. When I consider the great accomplishments in history, and how they've quietly and honorably functioned to shift the culture into growth and new ideas, I do not see tactics like this play.
13
Too bad for you, I guess.... Your loss!
11
As a young woman studying history over the American Revolution I agree wholeheartedly. It is ignorant looking.
7
Indeed, I was inspired by the production, proud to be American and in awe of the brave young men who founded our nation, fought for it, shed blood for it. Wrote for it. Sheer genius!
4
Dear All doubters:
Watch this!
http://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/lifestyles/2015/08/6/ny1-theater-rev...
And tell me you don't want to run out and see this brilliant show immediately!
Your Welcome,
Everybody
p.s. Complete with video of the show showing very clearly understandable singing!
Watch this!
http://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/lifestyles/2015/08/6/ny1-theater-rev...
And tell me you don't want to run out and see this brilliant show immediately!
Your Welcome,
Everybody
p.s. Complete with video of the show showing very clearly understandable singing!
3
I know I don't understand these people who claim they can't understand the artists, but then again being american, unfortunately I do understand.. their bias and opposition with anything penned, authored or executed by ppl of color.
Sigh...
Sigh...
2
Go Wes!
6
This is a refreshing show but for a 70 year old woman with exceptionally good hearing, the words were a blur. If I had not read about Hamilton's life and times before seeing the play, I would have understood very little, especially the first act. Maybe younger people are able to follow the dialogue because of their familiarity with rap but I was with a thirty year old and she was more baffled than I. Opera overcomes this problem with supertitles. That is what this production needs. I cannot recommend this play to anyone unless they take a libretto along with them.
13
My 81 year old father says otherwise.
5
Also.... I didn't know much about Hamilton prior to seeing the show but I learned more in 3 hours from this than I did in high school. You can't go in expecting to understand all the rap lyrics but the show does such a good job of story telling away from the fast lyrics. They introduce the characters and what they believe in before they do their thing. So you should recommend it because your argument is invalid.
8
chapeau!
It is so much more than a rap musical, and I don't mean costumes. It is musically diverse, e.g., Eliza Hamilton's ballad is heartbreaking show-stopper. And as mentioned, Groff's King George III is a Britpop performer. It could not sustain as a rap show. Even in the "rap songs" there are Broadway-style melodies. Think of it as a founding father opera with some updated "recitative."
Whatever you do, do not miss this show based on the 30 second "elevator pitch" that it's a rap musical. So much more.
Whatever you do, do not miss this show based on the 30 second "elevator pitch" that it's a rap musical. So much more.
8
For those that with some time on their hands and a lot of luck - here is how the $10 tickets are sold -
LOTTERY POLICY
Two-and-half hours before each performance patrons may enter their name outside the theater for a chance to buy up to two $10 front row tickets. Winners' names will be drawn two hours before show time. Entrants must present photo ID, and the winners must pay with cash at the box office.
LOTTERY POLICY
Two-and-half hours before each performance patrons may enter their name outside the theater for a chance to buy up to two $10 front row tickets. Winners' names will be drawn two hours before show time. Entrants must present photo ID, and the winners must pay with cash at the box office.
2
I am tempted by the review but I am still scarred from Brantley's gushing review of "It's Only A Play." That was a dreadful experience....actually half experience. I couldn't put myself through the second half.
3
Then listen to all the other reviews and everyone else instead! (I don't recall Brantley's review of "It's Only A Play" being a rave, more like sitting on the fence--but I could be wrong.)
Saw both. It's Only a Play was meh. Hamilton is the best show I've seen in over 40 years of theater-going.
2
In a companion piece on Hamilton, a colleague of Mr. Brantley's cites conservatives' love of the show which is ironic, given Mr. Miranda's strong emphasis - intentionally so - on the role played by immigrants and slaves in building America - debates that are still burning today.
4
From what the review indicates, it seems that "Hamilton" was perhaps influenced intentionally or unintentionally by "Amadeus", where Burr is Salieri and Hamilton is his Mozart. In any case, the success of "Hamilton" has not stopped our current, seemingly historically ignorant, Secretary of the Treasury, from demoting Hamilton from pride of place on the $10 bill.
6
That's a very interesting angle, the Salieri/Mozart comparison. (I found it odd that no one else noticed that--to me anyway--Thomas Jefferson, at the opening of the 2nd act, turns into GEORGE Jefferson! For a great number anyway.) And it is definitely a bad choice to take him off of the $10--why not do away with Jackson from the $20 and give the newly elected first woman on our currency that spot?
1
It actually might have. I read an article recently that said that they've decided to replace Andrew Jackso. With Harriet Tubman instead.
I saw HAMILTON downtown and out of curiosity again on Broadway - to see if they fixed the problems. I can report that it moved. But the same problems persist. Act I is long and emotionally dry. Too much information and little to root for. Act II is better, because it's personal and emotional. Not too late... but late. The music rap/hip hop is aggressive but ops for rhyming rather than clarity and its rhythms become monotonous. The best song in the show is sung by King George... Funny, witty, beautifully performed. And the audience loved it. Why? Because they could understand it. The choreography has a limited vocabulary repeated over and over again - more Vegas than Broadway. Overall the performances were solid. There was a lot of sweating but sweat does not a great performance make. HAMILTON was entertaining... and different... but not game-changing. Is it a hit? Yes. Is it worth seeing? Yes.
14
Agreed, the first act could benefit from more clarity in the delivery of the lyrics and the larger motifs (I want to "see" the greatness of Hamilton's "shot" before he wastes it, and he comes across as a bit rushed and muted in Act I). Someone here suggested supertitles, I second that.
Still a superb production (Eliza and Angelica could fill out a musical all by themselves).
Still a superb production (Eliza and Angelica could fill out a musical all by themselves).
Lin-Manuel Miranda is a multi-talented inspiration to the young, hungry generation... and a much-needed kick in the pants to the older status quo.
Kudos to him, and to the entire cast.
Kudos to him, and to the entire cast.
14
I hope more talented and diverse creative minds kick the older status quo - hard.
Rap is great music. Like the blues an entirely indigenous genre. You who are so sure its awful, learn something about it. Listen to it with open ears and exploration. It's lasted and largely taken over the place once occupied by rock n roll because it's good. I'm cross with those who dismiss a whole genre of music from a position of ignorance.
7
Most people I know who don't like rap don't consider it to be music. Rather, it is rhythmic talking with percussion. Can most rap "songs" be musically notated?
3
Sure it can be musically notated.... Ever seen a drum chart before?
7
As a mother of a jazz drummer, I thank you Azenj951 for your reply to J.O'Kelly.
2
I'm glad this production is good. It's been more than a generation that young people in this country have been discouraged ( especially minority youth) from studying the greatness of our founding fathers and the remarkable feats they achieved. Yes, they were white, they were great, they were brilliant and it is good that actors of different races get to see that and try on these roles.
It will probably be the first time younger people in our country are given the chance to see the story of the these men and women, their actions, faith, courage, and humanity in a positive light.
Their first real history lesson, in fact. Maybe it will give them all a greater appreciation of the United States.
It will probably be the first time younger people in our country are given the chance to see the story of the these men and women, their actions, faith, courage, and humanity in a positive light.
Their first real history lesson, in fact. Maybe it will give them all a greater appreciation of the United States.
7
What "younger people" do you mean? I went to see the show last Thursday, and the audience was largely older and white.
1
A generation of young people have been discourage from studying the Founding Fathers? Seriously? Young people have not stop learning about the Founding Fathers. Yes they accomplished great things, but they were like most humans greatly flawed, young people need to know both sides.
1
I went last night and the audience was quite mixed age wise and race wise. There were a lot of young adults on their own as well as families of all ages, perhaps because it was a Friday night/weekend show. I thought it was rather nice to see this as opposed to the usual older theater crowd.
1
Urged by a young colleague who is a musical theater geek, I got tickets for HAMILTON at the Public, despite being 65 and not a rap or hip-hop fan. Five minutes into the show I was hooked: the rhymes and rhythms of rap are the perfect way to convey the huge amount of historical information crammed into this remarkable piece.
But make no mistake: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical theatre credentials are as good as his rap credentials and his knowledge and appreciation of musical theatre are abundantly clear throughout HAMILTON. Yes, there’s rap, but the show is filled to the brim with gorgeous songs that reference, mine and enhance the musical theatre canon.
HAMILTON was one of the most engaging, exhilarating, exciting and moving evenings I’ve spent in a theater in my lifetime. I hope that the hype and the hip hop will entice thousands of young people to see HAMILTON and that, thanks to Mr. Miranda, they will also go on to fall in love with Gilbert and Sullivan, Rodgers and Hammerstein and the other current genius of musical theatre, Jason Robert Brown.
But make no mistake: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical theatre credentials are as good as his rap credentials and his knowledge and appreciation of musical theatre are abundantly clear throughout HAMILTON. Yes, there’s rap, but the show is filled to the brim with gorgeous songs that reference, mine and enhance the musical theatre canon.
HAMILTON was one of the most engaging, exhilarating, exciting and moving evenings I’ve spent in a theater in my lifetime. I hope that the hype and the hip hop will entice thousands of young people to see HAMILTON and that, thanks to Mr. Miranda, they will also go on to fall in love with Gilbert and Sullivan, Rodgers and Hammerstein and the other current genius of musical theatre, Jason Robert Brown.
39
Bullseye, Beth. "Hamilton " is a masterpiece. Your short synopsis is precise, refreshing and on target. My only quibble is your self-effacing phrase "despite being 65", an inaccurate referent. You're a hip, young revolutionary whose perspective blooms with the depth that only a full life can offer. Can you accompany my reluctant teen to this show?
11
Well said! I loved it too. <3
1
It's a good gimmick, but the out of towners aren't interested n U.S. history.
Is that why the musical "1776" was such a hit?
1
Disagree. Trying to fit in a trip cross-country should I be able to score tickets.
4
We bought tickets Immediately after my 78 year old mother-in-law called us on the west coast and said it was the best show she had ever seen--and this from discerning, at-times hyper-critical theater-goer. We saw it in preview on Broadway on trip last month. My advice: pay what you have to and fit it into your trip. See it, HEAR IT, with this cast. You won't regret it!
Oh, and use the amplification headsets you can get in the lobby--another stern tip from mom. There are so may words rapped, sung, chanted, spit out and lovingly caressed in "Hamilton's" vibrant songs and dialogue the amplification made them sharp and crisp.
Oh, and use the amplification headsets you can get in the lobby--another stern tip from mom. There are so may words rapped, sung, chanted, spit out and lovingly caressed in "Hamilton's" vibrant songs and dialogue the amplification made them sharp and crisp.
1
I do not listen to rap all that much. I'm not really into that genre of music. However, what Hamilton provides is so sophisticated and is such an interesting perspective on history that all of my tastes are thrown out the window. I've been lucky enough to have seen a reading of it, a performance at the public, the first preview and opening night and I can tell you that this is worth the effort. I laughed, cried and learned something all in one Broadway show. Don't listen to these naysayers who's concerns are frankly just not valid. It truly matches the level and theatrics of the great Broadway shows before it. Also.... 34 mil with just one performance as an open broadway show speaks for itself.
10
Bah! This is practically a carbon copy of Brantley 's review of The Book of Mormon. That show, while a polished production, is terribly disappointing and relies on easy put-down cracks for punch and did nothing to advance musical theatre artistry. While watching it unfold I kept thinking what a missed opportunity the production tossed away. Yet then, as now, Brantley breathlessly informed us that the American musical had been saved! Nope.
Subsequently, although not a musical, the subject was far better handled in Hand to God.
The point is, massive ticket sales are no indication of quality.
Subsequently, although not a musical, the subject was far better handled in Hand to God.
The point is, massive ticket sales are no indication of quality.
1
Sure it is. the money it's made is mostly based on word of mouth. The show doesn't need to advertise because of this. Most of its earning is solely based on what peolle have heard about the show. And when they go and see it, the chain continues. I know this to be a fact. And I could care less if I sound like Brantley's review of Mormon. I didn't read it.... But I loved Mormon. As a musician, I found the music quite good. I appreciated the attempt to go back to an older Broadway sound while having a unique plot. If you were disappointed by it, that's your opinion but the numbers don't lie. People want to see Mormon and people want to see Hamilton.
2
I love this new focus on our founding fathers and making them human. There is also an AMC show called Turn that focuses on the Revolutionary War period. It makes you realize just how amazing what they did was. For any time period.
It's interesting, too, because this may be a way forward for us as a country. There is no denying that the founders of this country were extraordinary men and women who lived in extraordinary times. They were not as ethnically diverse perhaps as we are now, but they did come from a wide range of backgrounds. And they were able to see a common cause worth fighting for.
Conservatives want to put them in a museum never to be touched. And liberals want to denigrate them for sins like slave-owning.
But this play shows how even the most flawed human beings can come together to do amazingly historic things. It's a lesson we need to remember today. It's easy to criticize, to destroy, to sneer. It's much harder to build, to create, to elevate.
It's interesting, too, because this may be a way forward for us as a country. There is no denying that the founders of this country were extraordinary men and women who lived in extraordinary times. They were not as ethnically diverse perhaps as we are now, but they did come from a wide range of backgrounds. And they were able to see a common cause worth fighting for.
Conservatives want to put them in a museum never to be touched. And liberals want to denigrate them for sins like slave-owning.
But this play shows how even the most flawed human beings can come together to do amazingly historic things. It's a lesson we need to remember today. It's easy to criticize, to destroy, to sneer. It's much harder to build, to create, to elevate.
29
I completely agree! John Adams by HBO is also must see!
7
Anyone who owned slaves should be denigrated.
4
We have tix for Aug. 29th... I wish it was for tomorrow! Can't wait to see this spectacle for myself!
3
The show is all too much. The overwhelming no. of African Americans at the time opposed the Revolution and sided with the Brits. This approach is rather like saying the Russian Revolution was supported by business men, the French revolution by aristocrats and Obamacare by the Tea Party and Donald Trump.
Will the new and improved " Jesus Christ Superstar" have Mohammed and Mother Teresa as two of his 14 Disciples and be hailed by Broadway as an interfaith breakthrough of appeal to young non-believers?
Will the new and improved " Jesus Christ Superstar" have Mohammed and Mother Teresa as two of his 14 Disciples and be hailed by Broadway as an interfaith breakthrough of appeal to young non-believers?
8
I'd see THAT in a heartbeat.
12
Love your reply! Right on.
Missed the metaphor, Sam, and its contemporary resonance:
people of color--you know--immigrants, strong, vibrant life-force to create change.
Life affirming and evolutionary. That 19th century revolutionary Mr. Darwin would agree.
people of color--you know--immigrants, strong, vibrant life-force to create change.
Life affirming and evolutionary. That 19th century revolutionary Mr. Darwin would agree.
1
Proposed definition, Chanticle: A hip-hop production that purports to be a musical.
4
I'm hoping the popularity of this play will remind TPTB of Hamilton's place in American history and end the silly plan to remove him from the ten-dollar bill.
21
This musical might just save him; can't hurt that the president is a fan.
1
For those of you who want a bit of a taste of the show and Lin-Manuel Miranda, look up his commencement address at Wesleyan this past year on youtube. It is also an interesting look into the musical and Lin-Manuel's life.
7
I'm glad that people love Hamilton, and may it run forever. Everyone says it's transcendent, and I believe them. But rap, in a Broadway musical? I can't. I won't.
8
It did and it was awesome!
9
You in 1955: "I mean, what's next, rock and roll in a Broadway musical???"
4
You'll miss the opportunity to grow.
2
I've had the good fortune to see Hamilton multiple times from when it opened downtown at the Public theater to last night for its first showing at the Richard Rodgers. The show really is as good as everyone says- and that by itself is an amazing achievement.
The principal leads, the ensemble, the orchestra, and the crew are all top notch masters of their craft. I would particularly note that Javier Munoz, Mr. Miranda's matinee sub, is not one bit less astounding as Mr. Miranda in the title role. Mr. Munoz was chosen to perform for President Obama and creates a Hamilton different yet just as intriguing as Mr. Miranda's version.
It is a mistake to categorize and diminish "Hamilton" as a rap musical- it is truly so much more. Miranda incorporates elements of rap, pop music, ballads, and more genres seamlessly into the show- each character has their own distinct musical style and melody which further distinguishes them and advances the character development. Miranda is a tremendous fan and scholar of both hip hip and Broadway classics- and it shows during every minute of this performance.
Tickets are hard to acquire but they are worth it! Go see this show however you can you will not be disappointed. The daily lottery gives out the entire front row (21 tickets) to lucky winners for only $10 a ticket. Even if you don't win the cast comes out every day to sing, dance, and entertain the lottery hopefuls during their Ham for Ham.
Hamilton is a once in a generation opportunity.
The principal leads, the ensemble, the orchestra, and the crew are all top notch masters of their craft. I would particularly note that Javier Munoz, Mr. Miranda's matinee sub, is not one bit less astounding as Mr. Miranda in the title role. Mr. Munoz was chosen to perform for President Obama and creates a Hamilton different yet just as intriguing as Mr. Miranda's version.
It is a mistake to categorize and diminish "Hamilton" as a rap musical- it is truly so much more. Miranda incorporates elements of rap, pop music, ballads, and more genres seamlessly into the show- each character has their own distinct musical style and melody which further distinguishes them and advances the character development. Miranda is a tremendous fan and scholar of both hip hip and Broadway classics- and it shows during every minute of this performance.
Tickets are hard to acquire but they are worth it! Go see this show however you can you will not be disappointed. The daily lottery gives out the entire front row (21 tickets) to lucky winners for only $10 a ticket. Even if you don't win the cast comes out every day to sing, dance, and entertain the lottery hopefuls during their Ham for Ham.
Hamilton is a once in a generation opportunity.
41
Yes, once in a generation opportunity!
1
Beautifully-written review, Mr. Brantley...as usual. Too bad you too have been snookered by the hype--and what seems like the incredible need of old-line critics to appear "hip" (to use a now-ancient cliché)--about what is in actuality a rather poor show. But I suppose "everyone who must see everything," and the tourists with big bucks, will keep it going for years. As a student of Revolutionary-era history, I believe this show makes a mockery of the people, events, and issues that guided our nation at its birth. I can only imagine the damage this show will do to knowledge of this historical period among young people, and many ignorant adults, who will fall for this foolishness.
11
Have you seen the show?
7
Yes. And I'd recommend it for its energy and chutzpah.
4
Did we see the same show? As a student of American history/politics for almost 50 years, I have never been as deeply moved by a depiction of the messy and brave struggle that was the founding of this country as I was by the production I saw last week. What "mocks' the people, events and issues struggled over (there certainly was not a consensus about guidelines for nation building) are attempts to put past events in plexiglass-like context where they have no life or relevance.
As people left the theatre they were excitedly talking about both the actors and the historical figures they played. Brilliant, Mr Miranda, and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
As people left the theatre they were excitedly talking about both the actors and the historical figures they played. Brilliant, Mr Miranda, and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
18
This show is a work of genius. The cast is representative of what are country is now, and will continue to be, a hodgepodge of striving and ambitious immigrants. The music is fantastically energetic, as is the dancing, and the story...who ever thought that American history could be both compelling and sexy? Everyone needs to see this show, especially young people. I've never felt more energized, thrilled and engaged by a truly American story.
44
Well stated! Perfect.
1
Really loving all of the negative comments to the effect of "I haven't seen the show, but I am convinced that it is terrible based on how it played in my imagination." I have seen the show, and Mr. Brantley's review is spot on. Finally, for those who think ticket prices are too high, front row tickets are 10 dollars with a bit of luck.
30
What do you mean by this? I can't bring myself to pay $500 for two tickets. I would be happy to lean heavily on luck if you tell me how to do this.
1
Pay the $500. A sporting event can easily be the same and this musical, rap, lyrical, show stopping, sung, spoken, hip-hopped, slammed, contemporary operatic ballet of language and dance is unlike anything I have ever seen. It was immensely satisfying and thought provoking.
Ron Chernow's Washington (half-way done reading) notes Washington's concern for his troops in 1776 New York (population 20,000 or thereabouts): "More difficult to supervise were men frequenting the Holy Ground, the notorious red-light district near the Hudson River where up to five hundred [in a city/town of 20,000] prostitutes congregated nightly on land owned by Trinity Church. Venereal disease raced through several regiments, threatening to thin their ranks before the enemy arrived. As William Tudor of Boston wrote home, 'Every brutal gratification can be so easily indulged in this place that the army will be debauched here in a month more than in twelve at Cambridge' [p. 230]."
Miranda's Hamilton is ingenious and I can't wait to see the B-way musical, but not so very surprising. AND Chernow's two masterful biographies of Hamilton AND Washington must always receive the praise they deserve. Thanks to that fateful day when Lin-Manuel Miranda picked up Chernow's Hamilton!
Miranda's Hamilton is ingenious and I can't wait to see the B-way musical, but not so very surprising. AND Chernow's two masterful biographies of Hamilton AND Washington must always receive the praise they deserve. Thanks to that fateful day when Lin-Manuel Miranda picked up Chernow's Hamilton!
6
I've heard the music, seen the out-takes and choreography – there is nothing special here other than the flood of online postings that attempt to pump up this pedestrian show. It is certainly no "Rent" or "Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk".
Since when has boogie-woogie numbers been fresh!? Geez!
Since when has boogie-woogie numbers been fresh!? Geez!
8
But you haven't seen the actual play?
9
I had the pleasure of seeing Hamilton during its run at the Public. I can see how you might get the impression that it is "pedestrian" from the clips, but this show is greater than the sum of its parts. Noise/Funk was a great show, but it was a dance concert. I think Hamilton compares favorably to Rent, and I think it will have a similar impact (if not as many ticket sales).
Oh silly PM-Much easier to criticize w/o actually seeing!
3
Lots of sour grapes in the opinion forums today following what seems so far (I've only read about five or six reviews, but it's still early) unanimous raves. The same things--overhyped, overpriced, for the tourists, etc.--were said about "Wicked" (which John Lahr called an utter mediocrity), and that's still playing to full houses after a decade.
5
Saw Wicked hated it and still don't understand the appeal, it's very 80's sounding and not in a good way. Awful.
3
My ears live in an old-fashioned world, and I don't think I can ever resign myself to hip-hop on Broadway or off. All beat and declamation, no melody. Not for me.
Styles change with the times, and I suppose it a good thing that this musical will bring a new and younger audience to Broadway.
Styles change with the times, and I suppose it a good thing that this musical will bring a new and younger audience to Broadway.
6
It's a misconception that this show is all hip-hop. There's classic musical theater songs throughout. The rap mentioned is in a lot of the dialogue. I left humming a lot of tunes, so that should tell you there's a lot more to Hamilton than rap.
3
Have you seen it? You can make the case after you do--It was a wonderful show and the music & lyrics were great!
I worried about that too. I am 61 years old and believe that show music has not been the same since Rogers and Hamerstein or maybe Sondheim. I saw Hamilton on July 18th, the same performance that the President and his daughters attended. It was amazing. The type of music genres go from hip hop (yes, you can understand the words) to boogie to acapella. The scenes where Hamilton and Jefferson are debating via hip hop in the cabinet meetings are amazing. If the tickets were more reasonable I would go again. To everyone who does not want to give Hamilton a try because you don't like hip hop or think you are too old for it, please put your fears aside and take a chance.
My suggestion to the producers, however, is that you take the show on the road to the schools or have special matinee audiences for school kids, particularly from low income neighborhoods like Papp used to do with his Shakespearean plays. Not only would kids appreciate the performance and the history it would be good for them to see, as is stated in another NYT article, that the term "Great White Way" does not describe the casts of plays.
My suggestion to the producers, however, is that you take the show on the road to the schools or have special matinee audiences for school kids, particularly from low income neighborhoods like Papp used to do with his Shakespearean plays. Not only would kids appreciate the performance and the history it would be good for them to see, as is stated in another NYT article, that the term "Great White Way" does not describe the casts of plays.
18
An earlier article mentioned that Dick Cheney went to see this. For some reason, every time I see a photo from the production or watch the excerpt, I envision him watching, smirking. I wonder if he worries he'll be portrayed in a hip-hop idiom somewhere ages and ages hence?
5
LMM's father tweeted a welcome to the only other vice-president to shoot his friend :)
4
I was lucky to be able to see it last week. It's a must see show, and I can't stop thinking about it. The energy on stage is not to be believed. The lyrics not oy tell
The story of them but speak the language and message of today. This show will be on Broadway for many years to come. Go see it!
The story of them but speak the language and message of today. This show will be on Broadway for many years to come. Go see it!
3
Saw it at the Public and as soon as tickets went on sale I went and bought 5 for my family to see it on Broadway in 2 weeks. The tickets were $150 each, not $300, and a big investment for us but I wanted my children to share this. Lin Manuel and the producers are also trying to make it possible for schoolchildren to come and see it. The theater is a wonderful Broadway house where you can see from anywhere. This show makes me so proud to be an actress and part of the theatrical community. Thank you, thank you to all involved in this moving, hilarious, mind blowing production. Can't wait.
8
thanks so much Liz How old are your children? Does it work for an 11 year old?
I got two of the absolute last three seats (not together) for a mid-October Saturday evening performance. Many performances are already totally sold out. Miranda is a musical theater genius. Since I was not there to see the original Oklahoma or South Pacific (but have seen fabulous recreations) now I am watching something entirely new and wonderful come to life in my own here and now. I also saw Heights, which was the beginning. I am glad, however, that Mr. Brantley writes that it was OK to spend a small fortune on my tickets, which I did. Now I need to read Chernow's book, which is rather forbidding on the shelf.
2
A friend got discount tickets (!) to Hamilton at The Public many months ago, so I went along without knowing what it was about. When I read it was a hip hop musical - about Alexander Hamilton, no less - and that it was nearly three hours long, all I could think about was how to leave early to catch a train home. Then, the play opened, and in the first minute, I was captivated. I marveled at Lin-Manuel Miranda's creativity and vision of blending contemporary language with history and making it work so brilliantly. When it was over, all I knew was that I had to see it again, with my sons. The long wait is over, and we'll be going next week. In a Broadway with so many lackluster and formulaic musicals, this one is creative, refreshing and simply perfect. Can't wait!
25
I think its awesome, but the ticket prices are sick. Not in the way kids use the word "sick;" the tickets are insanely priced. This production just pushed ticket prices on Broadway to new heights. That, I'm afraid, is very sad. Totally undemocratic.
43
Oh, but Hamilton would approve.
1
The show isn't meant to be for charity and to help culture people. It is entertainment plain and simple. There needs to be nothing "democratic" about it.
Wait for the movie to the come out or go do other activities that are more in line with your budget. Sure everybody would love to have a private jet and exotic cars.
Wait for the movie to the come out or go do other activities that are more in line with your budget. Sure everybody would love to have a private jet and exotic cars.
Depends on how you look at it. How much does a family spend on cable tv subscriptions? 2k a year? On ice cream, candy, junk food? On beer, cigaretes? On fido's doggie treats, etc.
This is a once in a lifetime experience. It's worth it.
This is a once in a lifetime experience. It's worth it.
2
It's too bad that most people won't be able to afford to see this show.
16
True that most won't be able to see the show right now, but it appears this will be around for a long time and eventually will tour. An exceptional theater performance is appreciated whenever one can experience it, even long after the "shiny new thing" label wears off.
It's bad and a sign of the times.
Rap just ain't for me, so I won't see it. But I'm glad it's a hit for those who do get into rap.
10
This is not a "rap musical." There is tons of music, a lot of it classical musical theater. It's so much more. People have this idea of "hip-hop" as bling, cursing, and shout outs to products. No! A lot of the dialogue is in rhyme, with a beat, yes. But then it flows seamlessly into songs that have exciting choreography, beautiful melodies, and strong singers. Don't dismiss this show because of "rap and hip-hop." I know people in their 60s, 70s, and beyond who love this show, and, I'm sure, own zero rap records.
4
I thought the same thing before i saw it. I was totally wrong. . It's part hip hop, not rap. There is also diversity of genres including jazz and traditional broadway musical elements.
I enjoyed it so much i am going to see it again and bringing my nieces and nephews. All Americans should see imo; a civic lesson in 3 hours of the founding of our country.
I enjoyed it so much i am going to see it again and bringing my nieces and nephews. All Americans should see imo; a civic lesson in 3 hours of the founding of our country.
1
Marketing for the out of towners.
9
Ron Chernow's brilliant book appears to have come to life in a wonderful way.
Thanks for the review and clip.
Thanks for the review and clip.
3
And how much does this show owe to Savion Glover's Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk? Now that was something new & utterly compelling.
3
Those two shows are completely unrelated... It owes nothing!
3
I have not seen it, and won't for years; I live in the hinterlands and the idea of paying $300 for a ticket to ANYTHING is so laughably impossible that it isn't worth discussing.
I have seen bits from it on TV, and I think the over-all idea (a musical about Alexander Hamilton) is intriguing. I have no doubt it is entertaining, nor that rap music speaks powerfully and directly to young people.
However: I am not opposed to race-blind casting, but this seems ridiculous. Would you make a play or film about the Emperor of Japan and cast a black guy as Hirohito? In the 18th century, the only black people around were slaves. They had no ability to be part of our newly forming government (to our shame; but frankly it is the truth). There were no people of hispanic origin involved AT ALL.
What kind of understanding will the young people who see this -- and who have nothing else (but dry, boring-beyond-belief school textbooks), take away from this? that our government was formed by a coalition of blacks and hispanics? No white folks were involved? Where the only white actor (as far as I can tell) is playing the King of England, implying that we feisty black/hispanic Americans broke away from big mean old whitey?
It's an interesting fantasy, but the exact opposite of historical truth...I suppose that makes lefty liberals "feel good about themselves" and maybe that's all it needs to be about to succeed.
I have seen bits from it on TV, and I think the over-all idea (a musical about Alexander Hamilton) is intriguing. I have no doubt it is entertaining, nor that rap music speaks powerfully and directly to young people.
However: I am not opposed to race-blind casting, but this seems ridiculous. Would you make a play or film about the Emperor of Japan and cast a black guy as Hirohito? In the 18th century, the only black people around were slaves. They had no ability to be part of our newly forming government (to our shame; but frankly it is the truth). There were no people of hispanic origin involved AT ALL.
What kind of understanding will the young people who see this -- and who have nothing else (but dry, boring-beyond-belief school textbooks), take away from this? that our government was formed by a coalition of blacks and hispanics? No white folks were involved? Where the only white actor (as far as I can tell) is playing the King of England, implying that we feisty black/hispanic Americans broke away from big mean old whitey?
It's an interesting fantasy, but the exact opposite of historical truth...I suppose that makes lefty liberals "feel good about themselves" and maybe that's all it needs to be about to succeed.
26
It transcends race. You recognize it at first and then you forget all about it. And this is coming from someone who has seen it 4 times.
39
Hopefully the understanding of young people who see this will be:
History is fascinating! It is real! It is the story of US. OUR past, OUR future. History is colored and brought alive by the people who seize and tell the story... Principles, character and ideals shine bright through the ages... We can build on the good of our past and cast away the bad.... We must continue the struggle to forge a Nation based on fairness, justice and equality... Today is the history of tomorrow. It's up to US!
History is fascinating! It is real! It is the story of US. OUR past, OUR future. History is colored and brought alive by the people who seize and tell the story... Principles, character and ideals shine bright through the ages... We can build on the good of our past and cast away the bad.... We must continue the struggle to forge a Nation based on fairness, justice and equality... Today is the history of tomorrow. It's up to US!
34
I think you may be missing the most important piece about the casting: it's purely meritocratic. I have no doubt that the creatives would be open to casting anyone who could do the roles justice. It just so happens that the majority of actors who have the skills that Lin, Chris, Leslie, Renee, and especially Daveed bring to the table - which are demanded by the material, and hugely drove the show's development - are not white.
Wouldn't it be great if we could all say that our achievements stem from our abilities, and not the color of our skin.
Wouldn't it be great if we could all say that our achievements stem from our abilities, and not the color of our skin.
17
"...the rise and fall of Alexander Hamilton (this country’s first secretary of the Treasury)..." Mr. Brantley after seeing this play, surely you realize that Alexander Hamilton had significant multiple roles in our nation's history. An "etc." should be after the phrase "first secretary of the Treasury". Just sayin'.
6
I had the privilege of seeing Hamilton last Sat. night. The first act was nearly perfect. An outstanding cast with music, costumes, staging to complement created a wondrous theatrical event. While the second act became a bit static with less group numbers, excepting the fabulous opening number with Jefferson's return, if one knows the story of Hamilton's life, it is not going to end well. My only real complaint is the rest of Eliza's story, which deserves a full musical treatment in itself, felt wedged into a final 2 minute song. Go & get tickets now. Bravo & Encore!
8
Yea Sue in Rockville! I saw it last Wednesday from the top level, something I never do and was still amazed and overjoyed by this show. As someone mentioned above, this is a show that, decades hence, we will say we had the good fortune to see and others will be jealous. Yes, people, it's that good.
5
Huge fan of Hamilton - the man. Incredible. To quote Ron Chernow, whose book was Mr. Miranda's inspirstion for the show.
“Let us pause briefly to tally the grim catalog of disasters that had befallen [Alexander Hamilton and his older brother] between 1765 and 1769. Their father had vanished, their mother had died, their cousin and supposed protector had committed suicide, and their aunt, uncle, and grandmother had all died. James, 16, and Alexander, 14, were left alone, largely friendless and penniless. At every step in their rootless, topsy-turvy existence, they had been surrounded by failed, broken, embittered people. Their short lives had been shadowed by a stupefying sequence of bankruptcies, marital separations, deaths, scandals, and disinheritance. Such repeated shocks must have stripped Alexander Hamilton of any sense that life was fair, that he existed in a benign universe, or that he could ever count on help from anyone. That this abominable childhood produced such a strong, productive, self-reliant human being—that this fatherless adolescent could have ended up a founding father of a country he had not yet even seen—seems little short of miraculous.“
To think. The government wants to replace this great man’s image on the ten dollar bill with that of someone less accomplished so folks who don't care to read and understand our history can feel better.
“Let us pause briefly to tally the grim catalog of disasters that had befallen [Alexander Hamilton and his older brother] between 1765 and 1769. Their father had vanished, their mother had died, their cousin and supposed protector had committed suicide, and their aunt, uncle, and grandmother had all died. James, 16, and Alexander, 14, were left alone, largely friendless and penniless. At every step in their rootless, topsy-turvy existence, they had been surrounded by failed, broken, embittered people. Their short lives had been shadowed by a stupefying sequence of bankruptcies, marital separations, deaths, scandals, and disinheritance. Such repeated shocks must have stripped Alexander Hamilton of any sense that life was fair, that he existed in a benign universe, or that he could ever count on help from anyone. That this abominable childhood produced such a strong, productive, self-reliant human being—that this fatherless adolescent could have ended up a founding father of a country he had not yet even seen—seems little short of miraculous.“
To think. The government wants to replace this great man’s image on the ten dollar bill with that of someone less accomplished so folks who don't care to read and understand our history can feel better.
46
Hamilton is not being replaced. Hamilton will continue on the $10:
"Alexander Hamilton isn't going away. The first Treasury secretary played a leading role in developing the nation's financial system, and has been on the $10 since 1928. And there he'll remain, either on the reverse side or in a separate series of bills.", according to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, quoted in USA Today.
"Alexander Hamilton isn't going away. The first Treasury secretary played a leading role in developing the nation's financial system, and has been on the $10 since 1928. And there he'll remain, either on the reverse side or in a separate series of bills.", according to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, quoted in USA Today.
I saw it at the Public and LOVED it! Plan on seeing it again on Bway. And I normally don't like musicals. See it!
2
I saw Hamilton in March at the Public and immediately bought tickets for the Broadway run so I could take my son. Miranda has created a play with the ability to charm the most stolid of old-school theatre-goers as well as newcomers to the form. Congratulations to cast and crew!
4
Let's see, a review of "Hamilton" that never tells us about the manner in which the first Secretary is characterized. The banking cartel has been doing its darnedest to rewrite history and make Hamilton out to be a hero when, in fact, he was a traitor, selling the nation down the river (with the so-called "First Bank of the U.S.") to the same folks whose mercenaries the revolutionaries fought, while "Bloody Andrew Jackson" is taking it in the shorts for telling the banksters where to get off.
3
I'm pretty sure he's taking it in the shorts more for the brutal murder of Native Americans than standing up to the banks.
1
I saw it on Monday--and agree with Brantley. Miranda's brilliance is to give flesh and bones, rhythm and dance, to American history--to remind us that history is made by people, and that with our energy, our own "lyrics" and love of life, we can make it too. We (people of all races) need to claim our own values and take our part in history to make the world a better, freer place. BTW: I loved the show's line about immigrants (like Hamilton): "We get the job done!" Happy congratulations to writer, cast and crew. And thank you.
10
I nominate any of the performers in this show for President over any of the imbeciles who were in Cleveland Thursday evening.
Of course, anyone in this show would naturally belong to the other party...
Of course, anyone in this show would naturally belong to the other party...
10
Alexander Hamilton did many great things which lead to a stronger federal government with a robust central bank. Still, his political life was RIFE with venom of the first order. If one can tear away from the Broadway show for a moment and read "Concerning the public Conduct and Character of John Adams, Esq., President of the United States" which he authored, one might be SHOCKED by the words that he uses to describe his adversaries. As a great admirer of our second President, John Adams (who was, to make matters worse, a member of the same political party as Hamilton), in his successful attempt to deny Adams a second term, he describes him as, among other things, "hermaphroditical". Seriously? The fact that his life ended in a duel is the icing on the cake. He was an able administrator but a VILE person who should not be venerated at all and THAT is all I have to say about "the character of Alexander Hamilton, jerk".
10
Adams gave as good as he got, calling Hamilton a 'creole Bastard' and referring to Hamilton as born to an 'Original both contemptible and infamous'.
2
While I think Lin Manuel-Miranda and Ron Chernow have more generous ideas about Hamilton than you do, the musical hardly portrays him as a saint. A genius and a patriot, yes; but he is also impulsive, ruthlessly ambitious, grudge-happy, and capable of devastating betrayal - as his abandonment of the French cause, and his affair both illustrate.
John Adams also features very lightly in the show, which makes me wonder if Miranda is more of a fan than Hamilton was. Jefferson is positively eviscerated by comparison.
John Adams also features very lightly in the show, which makes me wonder if Miranda is more of a fan than Hamilton was. Jefferson is positively eviscerated by comparison.
4
Bravo! Its gratifying to see exciting new approaches to the musical succeed. History is a dynamic and invigorating it with fresh ideas, diverse casting and contemporary dialogue is long overdue. History like theater belongs to everyone not just the old white men.
9
I'm just happy the American theatre is still alive and kicking a*s.
And please leave our creole first Secretary of the Treasury on the $10 bill.
If the nation wishes to replace some male on our currency with a woman, how about Sojourner Truth on the $20.
And please leave our creole first Secretary of the Treasury on the $10 bill.
If the nation wishes to replace some male on our currency with a woman, how about Sojourner Truth on the $20.
43
How is Hamilton a creole? Despite being born on the island of Nevis, his parents were white, one if them from Scotland.
1
He was a creole because of being born on the island. The original meaning of creole was "born in the colonies, of non native stock". He was of European ancestry, but born on the island, as opposed to a person of European ancestry who immigrated to the island.
If the terminology had been used on the North American mainland, then Tom Paine (born in England), would have been English, and George Washington (born here) would have been creole.
You are no doubt thinking of another meaning of the word - mixed. It can be used of people (mixed race) or of the creoles spoken in various places resulting from the contact between two different languages.
If the terminology had been used on the North American mainland, then Tom Paine (born in England), would have been English, and George Washington (born here) would have been creole.
You are no doubt thinking of another meaning of the word - mixed. It can be used of people (mixed race) or of the creoles spoken in various places resulting from the contact between two different languages.
2
Nowadays the term "creole" refers to multiracial individuals born in the New World colonies, but in the 18th & 9th centuries it was also used to refer to anyone born of European (white) parents in the Atlantic colonies. That's why Edgar Degas' mother also is called "creole."
2
Portraying historical events in ways that make them feel to us that they were current at the time is a good idea. It's not unlike colorizing photos...while it's often done poorly, it tends to make a photo or video less remote.
But the musical language here? The suggestion is that rap is the the defining musical language of our time that makes something current.
Wrong. It's A musical language of today. It is NOT the defining musical language. It's a mistake to use one language in a show today to make a historical moment seem current.
But the musical language here? The suggestion is that rap is the the defining musical language of our time that makes something current.
Wrong. It's A musical language of today. It is NOT the defining musical language. It's a mistake to use one language in a show today to make a historical moment seem current.
15
Please read Mr. Chernow's bio of Hamilton and then reconsider if rap might not have been the best choice... artistically, emotionally, musically.
7
I love everything about this show. Miranda is a genius, and so was Hamilton. I go to the theatre hoping to be thrilled, surprised, and changed. Ron Chernow's biography is brilliant and enlightening. It's a tribute to Miranda that he included Chernow in the process from the beginning, and the history is true. I saw it early at the Public, and will see it again and again. HAMILTON is a gift to us all.
2
Rap and Hip Hop aren't the only styles of music utilized in Hamilton. It also makes use of Jazz, Britpop, and Broadway Musicals to name a few.
Next up, an all women cast.
And the gimmick marketing will continue to thrive.
And the gimmick marketing will continue to thrive.
25
Yikes. Being Latino and/or non-white is a gimmick? Are we gonna insist that the only actors allowed to portray George Washington actually have authentic wooden dentures instead of teeth? Jefferson portrayed by natural redheads?
18
How would you feel about a white actress portraying Rosa Parks in a biopic or musical?
1
It has nothing to do with color of the actors. A gimmick is a gimmick, a cover-up of failed art.
1
Ben Brantley's review didn't do it justice - it was even better!
10
My new best friend took me to "Hamilton" on the first preview. The buzz in the audience was so electric it felt like a transformer was going to burn out. I'd never felt excitement quite on this level before. The performance came at the end of one of the best all around days of my life, having been to the observation deck of the new World Trade Center only a few hours before among other highlights. "Hamilton" will go down in history the way the production of it has come up in history.
33
Still want to take him off the money?
If we need to replace someone's likeness on our money it should be Kennedy's on the 50 cent piece. It's terrible what happened to him but he really didn't deserve it based upon his meager record of accomplishments.
If we need to replace someone's likeness on our money it should be Kennedy's on the 50 cent piece. It's terrible what happened to him but he really didn't deserve it based upon his meager record of accomplishments.
6
Says the Reaganite republican, who started discussion on civil right? Who stood up against the Russians in the Cuban Missle Crisis. He was also WWII war hero. The list of his achievements are endless
7
This comment by Yankee fan 'Mike' has nothing to do with "Hamilton." ????? Or the theater, or bringing forth thoughtful discussion about the content and reactions to the musical.
Why is it here ????
Why is it here ????
4
Saw HAMILTON last week and was underwhelmed. The 'newness' of it doesn't work for me. A musical with Latino and African American actors playing white characters singing in a contemporary manner? Didn't Mr. Brantley see (or know about) Two Gentlemen of Verona in the 70's? It won the Tony Award for Best Musical forty years ago! Granted it wasn't with rap music, but it was Shakespeare with rock music and that was the rap music of the time. The New York Shakespeare Festival began casting 'blind' decades ago. As for the history in HAMILTON, I'll give Mr. Brantley that. It is a good story. But Jonathan Groff steals the show, which is why it's criminal that he and the other principals don't get their own bows at the end. What are the creators afraid of, bigger applause for some and not the others? C'mob, that's show business!
7
You obviously, totally, missed the point! It's not about blind casting! It's about appropriating American History from the white guys, the way we whites have appropriated black/Latino culture, but in a much more important way, the ideology and promise of this country. It's such an important statement in the current climate of our country.
10
Besides being true to history, this show is nothing short of genius.
True Verona was worthy, but to take the formation of this nation and presenting it with today's style is brilliant!! You being underwhelmed is why there are rainbows. It would be a drag if we all liked the same color!
True Verona was worthy, but to take the formation of this nation and presenting it with today's style is brilliant!! You being underwhelmed is why there are rainbows. It would be a drag if we all liked the same color!
8
I am not one for musicals, but when I saw this show at The Public, I started crying. It really is amazing, and as I tell my spouse, this is the future of theater in America, if theater in America wants to see another decade or two. Gone are the days of long ballads. In the Internet age, the world is smaller, more complex, more diverse and everyone is moving at lightning speed. We do not need to hear how Anna "tamed" the King b/c that story is dated and racist, even if the music is amazing!
6
I dislike this play for their loud fire works late on a weeknight.
1
I love the concept of changing the "typical" caliber of a broadway show. This will broaden the audience. As in, their ages. It makes the show more exciting and, more relatable. It is also teaching the audience history. This is a great way to teach, also. I feel as if that was what the writer was trying to do, teach today's youth history, in a fun advanced way. By adding the new language and making the sow more accessible to students, I think this is an amazing idea!
4
A show like this one comes along only once in a long while. The story is so intriguing that it forces one to want to know more.....how many shows this creative and entertaining have ever done that?
14
Attended yesterday's matinee (much praise to standby Javier Muñoz in the title role). We so need theater like this right now, especially in the wake of this evening's other big political entertainment, the Republican debate in Cleveland—though I can't imagine the upcoming Presidential election will be even half as vital, smart and entertaining as "Hamilton."
26
Thomas, I was in the audience with you and I agree wholeheartedly with your comment. I was bound and determined to see this game changer of a play before opening night to the point of standing off in a corner of the tiny lobby on the far change of scoring a cancellation ticket! Got one!
The rest is true (Broadway) history!
The rest is true (Broadway) history!
I bring student groups to NYC specifically to see the wonderful theatre productions and the exquisite museums in New York. However with the price of Hamilton tickets, and with the unwillingness of the Broadway producers to make the show more accessible to student groups other than those who attend school in NYC, I find many student groups shut out of buying tickets. I find this deplorable. No matter how wonderful and educational this show might be, there will be many who will never have the opportunity to see it.
73
I don't know of many schools in California that have the budget to fly their students to New York for cultural nourishment, but I suspect that they are very expensive private schools indeed. Regardless, how many students could possibly see this show in person, even under the best of circumstances? It would be a miniscule number. A much more realistic goal is to have a high-quality recording of the show made through the good offices of PBS or a similar organization. After Aida and Wagner, Hamilton should be a cinch.
86
The "Hamilton for a Hamilton" program actually gives out $10 tickets every day in a lottery. My friend went the other day, and said they gave out 23 tickets at the drawing. Mr. Miranda did the lottery drawing himself, and gave a short performance to those waiting to find out if they won.
11
This play would cost as much as the plane tickets from LA.
There are other plays that they could see, although getting a block of tickets to any play for a group is a challenge.
On the other hand, this musical, as well as "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" (especially with its garage band), could be performed by a high school drama department.
Students who couldn't afford a field trip to Manhattan would be able to experience it. Sure, the sets wouldn't be as wonderful, but, the play's the thing.
There are other plays that they could see, although getting a block of tickets to any play for a group is a challenge.
On the other hand, this musical, as well as "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" (especially with its garage band), could be performed by a high school drama department.
Students who couldn't afford a field trip to Manhattan would be able to experience it. Sure, the sets wouldn't be as wonderful, but, the play's the thing.
1
I am DYING to see this play! I read all 700 pages, twice, of the biography "Alexander Hamilton" by Ron Chernow (who also signed my copy) and I have been a HUGE Hamilton fan ever since. I couldn't believe they made a play about him (I almost sound like a groupie, but the guy was amazing) and this version sounds so fresh and unique, Hamilton himself would have been thrilled...and quick to point out there is no play about Jefferson!
14
You won't be disappointed. I attended the first preview after a very long day and a very long flight. I was exhausted, but I remember so much of the show, that says a lot. It's one of the most exciting things to ever happen on Broadway.
5
Well, Jefferson was one of the main characters in 1776.
I saw this at the Public in Feb. Hamilton is pure genius. Get your tickets ASAP.
16
Ben wasn't kidding about mortgaging the house. I check a couple of dates in September and August and orchestra seats for Hamilton - not great ones - were over $600 each! Metz prices were a little less $500+. Yikes!
38
I was at the matinee yesterday because my partner won the last ticket in the lottery and so because he got in for $10, we could splurge on a full price ticket for me. Perhaps because it was not Mr. Miranda in the role, there were a lot of premium tickets available just before show time. I was dead center and had a better seat than Bob Mackie or Teller (sans Penn) who sat further to my right. It is AN INCREDIBLE experience but my partner and I both had great seats for well under $200. It took some luck and I am grateful for it but you can get in without selling a semi-necessary organ.
2
"Hamilton" is in my favorite theatre on Broadway. It's not large. There isn't a bad seat in it--and I've sat at the last row of the mezz on the wall before. Hint: (Rear orchestra is better than FRONT orchestra).
3
Not because LMM was not in the role! Javier Munoz is an exceptional performer, and was announced playing matinees by Mr. Miranda. In fact, President Obama saw him, not Miranda.
3
It's an amazing show (we saw it 7/31), and they squeeze an incredible amount of history into it, even a little lip service reference to the Whiskey Rebellion.
5
I saw this show yesterday, excited to see something that had garnered so much excitement and praise during the run at the Public. I have to say that I enjoyed the show, but thought several issues warranted some acknowledgment. To begin, much of the rap was too garbled to be clearly understood. The words Mr. Miranda uses are so important to understanding the characters and the story that they simply must be understood. But it was simply too much. Words were lost, and with them, important information on who the characters were and what their motivations were. Daveed Diggs' portrayal of Jefferson seems to be inhabiting another play - the character simply isn't acting in the same time, place, or story as the other characters. The character of Maria Reynolds has no motivation, and seems to appear out of nowhere, with very little context or history for Hamilton's philandering. The ensemble appears to be selected from a Benetton ad, and the choreography is simply distracting, with one or two jerky motions paired together in random sequences. However, I will say that I found the music to be universally amazing, appropriately exciting, beautiful, haunting, inspiring. I would see Phillipa Soo, Renee Elise Goldsberry and Jonathon Groff do pretty much anything if it involved them singing, acting, or merely standing on stage. Overall, the brilliance of the show cannot be denied. However, it certainly wasn't, to me, the perfect, flawless theater that Mr. Brantley experienced.
16
Well, Mr. Brantley... when you're right, you're right.
11
I cannot overstate how amazing this show is, in equal parts fresh innovation and loving obeisance to the American musical theater tradition. The high I was on after seeing the first preview off-Broadway lasted for weeks, and the show's only gotten better since then. Congratulations, Lin and the rest of the cast and crew - this one changes everything.
39
Very elated that "Hamilton" has survived, and yes!-- even surpassed its move to Broadway! New hope for a whole generation of young and older theatre-goers. Provided, of course we can still get tickets!.. Congratulations and BRAVO!!!!!!
5
I hear all the buzz. I read this review. I read the original review. It sounds glorious. And then I see the clips...and am disappointed to the point of wanting to rub my temples. Someone explain to me how what I see and hear for myself translates to the lavish praise. In my own audiovisual experience, I ain't feelin' it.
26
As someone who's seen the show (and found it utterly remarkable), I thought the clip used in this article doesn't come close to doing it justice. The audio doesn't come close to capturing the phenomenal groove that the live orchestra produces, and the song they chose for this clip happens to be one of the few in the show that isn't utterly astounding, lyrically.
I promise you, the clips don't come close to doing it justice.
I promise you, the clips don't come close to doing it justice.
22
I totally agree with this. The clip here is really not representative of the show. I was so excited to watch it (because I can't wait to see Hamilton again!) and was disappointed to find that it didn't recreate the magic of the play on stage.
3
I had trouble making out the words, which are singularly important.
Are there any songs in this show that will be sung 5 years from today? 10 years? 15 years? 25 years? 50 years? You know, like "Some Enchanted Evening."
50
Silly question: have you seen the show?
11
Wow Jimmy, Anything to bash Obama then?
Hopefully your opinion is based on the fact that you actually saw Hamilton. And of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, your comment explains to me why Texas has elected Rafael Cruz and Rick Perry.
Hopefully your opinion is based on the fact that you actually saw Hamilton. And of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, your comment explains to me why Texas has elected Rafael Cruz and Rick Perry.
19
The group I saw it with have been singing at least four numbers from Hamilton since we saw it - once - in February. So yes, I'd say it has some staying power.
17
Is it good history? Or more feel-good history, like "1776" etc.?
2
Well, it's based on a very good biography. And it adheres well to a book I read, "The Age of Federalism" by Elkins & McKitrick.
10
It's the real deal Joe. I was exhausted the night I saw it (the first preview) and I remember so much of it, it still amazes me. Better than "1776" and is not ALL rap and hip hop.
6
Not only is it based on an award-winning biography, but Miranda actively sought comments from the author of the biography on several drafts of the script and on several workshop and rehearsal performances. Ron Chernow even gets a program credit. The show's insistence on historical accuracy makes it a bit longer and more complicated than a more conventional musical might have been.
Most significantly, the show ends with the cast, singing in unison, urging the audience to consider three issues: "Who lives. Who dies. Who tells your story." In other words, the show makes history by asking how history is made.
Most significantly, the show ends with the cast, singing in unison, urging the audience to consider three issues: "Who lives. Who dies. Who tells your story." In other words, the show makes history by asking how history is made.
10