Most of you have probably heard about the musical "Hamilton." It has the greatest music ever because Lin Manuel Miranda is just that awesome and talented! He even played Hamilton himself! The musical follows Hamilton during his life and during the Revolutionary War.
More on the musical itself, it was a musical that changed Broadway. Hamilton was the first musical that featured a cast of almost entirely BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color). There are 47 songs in the musical. This is significant because he lived until the age of 47. Lin Manuel Miranda read Hamilton's letters and works and visited important American Revolution sites in New York City to learn more about Hamilton and the history. He studied books about Aaron Burr to grasp his character and Affairs of Honor by Joanne Freeman to understand the dueling code at that time. He also wrote parts of the musical at Morris-Jumel Mansion, which was George Washington's headquarters during the Revolutionary War.
In addition to historical research, Miranda drew inspiration from musicals and rap. He got musical influences from shows like Jesus Christ Superstar and Les Misérables. Some of the things he got inspiration from were The Notorious B.I.G., Mobb Deep, The Pirates of Penzance, Beyoncé, the musical Mamma Mia, Biggie's, Eminem, and musical The Last Five Years.
Is Hamilton historically accurate? Most of it is, but some parts are fictionalized for the sake of Broadway. Some examples of historically inaccurate things in the musical are:
In the song “Satisfied.” In the song, Angelica says that since her father has no sons, she’s the one that has to find a rich guy to marry. The lyrics are, “My father has no sons so I'm the one who has to social climb for one.” In reality, her father had 3 sons. This song was sung during the wedding of Eliza and Hamilton, but Angelica wasn’t even in America when they had their wedding.
In the song “Take a Break.” In the song, his son, Phillip says, “I have a sister but I want a little brother.” Hamilton actually had 8 children, 3 daughters and 5 sons. Phillip already had a little brother by that time.
In the removed song “Congratulations.” Angelica says, "I languished in a loveless marriage in London.” In reality, she had a very happy marriage with John Baker Church. She even eloped with him!
In the song, “Ten Duel Commandments.” There were actually 25 duel commandments. Despite the number difference, the song covers the basic concept of the 25 commandments.
In the song, “Aaron Burr, Sir.” The song says, “I may have punched him…You punched the bursar?” Hamilton never punched the bursar.
In the musical, Thomas Jefferson is shown as very outspoken and confrontational. In real life, he was known for his quietness, sensitivity, and careful thought when it came to political decisions. He also wasn’t that big of an enemy of Hamilton as he was portrayed in the show. There were many times that the two agreed and supported each other.
In the song, “The Adams Administration.” The song says, “Adams fires Hamilton.” Hamilton wasn’t fired by John Adams, he resigned.
Personal opinions
(Cynthia) Personally, I believe that Hamilton was an amazing Broadway musical. It is also helpful for when you have a test about the American Revolution in social studies! The catchy songs helped me memorize the dates of important events such as the Battle of Yorktown. To be honest, I do not have a “favorite song.” This is because all of the songs in Hamilton were just so wonderful. I see myself listening to them “non-stop” periodically. I also enjoy the symbolism that Lin Manuel Miranda puts into every song.
(Elisa) I haven’t watched the musical yet, but I like the songs! THEY ARE SO GOOD. Especially “Dear Theodosia.” That was the best one. Some songs were taken out, like “Dear Theodosia-Reprise” and “Congratulations.” They were both so good! I want them to be put back in. I also really like the actors Daveed Diggs and Renee Elise Goldsberry. How dare Mr. Ng say that Hamilton is old and nothing’s special about it. I, for one, would pay to go see it live on Broadway. For shame, for shame! (That was from a song by the way).
(Michelle) I love musicals, it is what got me into musicals in the first place. Personally, the catchy songs, the writing, and the fact that it could be considered, in a way, educational, is very impressive. I also like its use of allusion, in the song “Burn,” it states, “She said, ‘You've married an Icarus. He has flown too close to the sun.’” Which I thought was clever. Having gone to see the musical myself, I can say it was an experience worth remembering.