But let me tell you about Hamilton.
WARNING: I would usually say spoilers ahead, but come on guys. Its history.
Hamilton is a musical sensation written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, that hit Broadway in August. Not only is this show a huge hit among history buffs, but it is also popular among teenagers who are fans of Broadway (and Kat). The songs are mostly of the hip-hop and rap genre, but also has hints of R&B and pop that keeps the soundtrack fun.
Lin-Manuel Miranda is the writer and star of this award winning show and he has also written and starred in other musicals such as In the Heights, which is a fan favorite in the theatre community.
Lin-Manuel Miranda is the writer and star of this award winning show and he has also written and starred in other musicals such as In the Heights, which is a fan favorite in the theatre community.
Meet the Characters
The Schuyler Sisters and Maria Reynolds
"And when I meet Thomas Jefferson …
I’m a compel him to include women in the sequel!"
The Schuyler Sisters, Peggy (Jasmine Cephas Jones), Angelica (Renee Elise Goldsberry), and Eliza (Phillipa Soo) are the daughters of Phillip Schuyler, a United Sates senator and are most famous for their part in Hamilton's life and their efforts after he died (I would say spoilers, but come on guys. It's history). Angelica Schuyler is the oldest Schuyler sister and in the musical she is portrayed as a strong, intelligent character with a soft spot for her family and Alexander Hamilton. Elizabeth Schuyler (Eliza) is the middle sister and is noted for her marriage to Hamilton and for establishing the first private orphanage. In the show she is portrayed as a strong woman who has fallen head over heels for Hamilton. Peggy Schuyler is portrayed as a smaller character but a strong woman, nonetheless.
Each sister plays an important role in Alexander's life and helps shape his destiny individually.
Each sister plays an important role in Alexander's life and helps shape his destiny individually.
"Please don’t leave me with him helpless
Just give him what he wants and you can have me
Whatever you want"
Maria Reynolds (Jasmine Cephas Jones) is most famous for her affair with Hamilton and the immense scandal it created. The release of this information to the public caused Hamilton's family to be torn apart and was a major source of embarrassment for Eliza who had no idea that the affair had occurred. These relations lasted for three years until Hamilton was forced to admit it so he was not charged with embezzlement of government funds, when in reality he was being blackmailed to keep his secret quiet..
Aaron Burr (sir)
"Talk less. Smile more."
Aaron Burr (Leslie Odom Jr.) is most famous for his duel with Alexander Hamilton and how it ended with Hamilton's death. In the musical, however, his character is redeemed and his actions were portrayed as more justifiable. Although Burr has famously opposed Hamilton in all aspects, there are some scenes that show the two acting as almost friends. The song "Wait For It" is a song sung just by Odom and it has become a fan favorite because of the emotion behind the song and its catchy tune.
Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson
"Oui oui, mon ami, je m’appelle Lafayette!The Lancelot of the revolutionary set!I came from afar just to say “Bonsoir!”Tell the King “Casse toi!” Who’s the best? C’est moi!"
Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson play key roles in shaping Alexander Hamilton's life. Both characters are portrayed by Daveed Diggs and this theme of using the same actor continues throughout the show. This character is fun and hilarious so he keeps the audience engaged throughout the entire show. Marquis de Lafayette is a frenchman that aided the Americans in the revolution and eventually helped them defeat the British in the final Battle of Yorktown. Thomas Jefferson started off as an American lawyer and ended up having a huge hand on how America progressed as a young nation after the war.
John Laurens/Phillip Hamilton
"I’m John Laurens in the place to be!Two pints o’ Sam Adams, but I’m workin’ on three, uh!Those redcoats don’t want it with me! Cuz I will pop chick-a pop these cops till I’m free!"
Played by Anthony Ramos, John Laurens was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and he was a huge player in the early stages of anti-slavery movements. Although he died at the young age of 27, Laurens still played a key role in the Revolution and shaping Alexander's life. Ramos also plays Alexander's son, Phillip Hamilton in Act 2 of the musical. Phillip Hamilton would grow up to go to the same college as father, but meets his untimely demise in 1801 in a duel to defend his father's name against another student. "Blow Us All Away" is a song sung primarily my Phillip and it leads up to his death, making it an extremely emotional song.
George Washington
"Let me tell you what I wish I’d known when I was young and dreamed of glory:You have no control: Who lives, who dies, who tells your story."
If you don't know who George Washington is, please get help. Washington is portrayed by Christopher Jackson and he is represented as a silent but strong character. The famed first President of the United States led the US to victory during the Revolutionary War and helped the new country develop into a functioning world power. Songs such as "History Has its Eyes on You" gives the audience chills because of the emotion and passion behind the words.
King George the Third
"You’re on your own. Awesome. Wow. Do you have a clue what happens now? Oceans rise.Empires fall.It’s much harder when it’s all your call."
Ah yes. Possibly the funniest villain ever because of his aristocratic whining when America fights against England and his threats sung in a happy voice, King George 3 is definitely a fan favorite. He has now been played by three different actors. Off Broadways: Brian D'Arcy, On Broadway: Jonathan Groff, and Andrew Rannells. Each actor brings his own special flair to this tyrannical king and keeps the audience laughing with a sarcastically said, "Awesome! Wow!". King George the Third was king of England during the Revolutionary War and he opposed America's want for freedom because he wanted to keep his colonies because of the money they brought in.
Alexander Hamilton
"Alexander Hamilton. My name is Alexander Hamilton. And there’s a million things I haven’t done,but just you wait, just you wait . . ."
Played by the fabulous Lin-Manuel Miranda, Alexander Hamilton proves throughout the play that he is more than just a "bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman". In addition to being the writer, Miranda is the star of this show and brings life to the little-known founding father. Alexander Hamilton was the first treasurer of the United States and he fought in the war for American Independence. He also famously died in a duel against Aaron Burr, which up until this point, was what people remembered him for. With catchy songs, sad songs, and exciting songs, Hamilton changes the Broadway game forever. This new brand of rap/hip-hop/pop musical has gained a cult following just off of the soundtrack because of fun and educational vibe of it.
In conclusion: A++++