So you may’ve seen this album debuting in iTunes “Hot New Albums” section; or perhaps at #9 of the Billboard top album charts. And you were probably like, “What’s that? Hamilton? An American Musical???? A musical soundtrack? On the charts? What is going on?”
Well, what is going on is a hip-hop and R&B album about the “ten dollar founding father” Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton has been making a splash since last January when it debuted at The Public Theater and since its move to Broadway in August; its notoriety has only grown. Book, music, and lyrics by Lin Manuel-Miranda, the musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, his wife, his friends, his foes, and his scandals from the beginning of the American Revolution in 1776 to his death in 1804. The show is “Rooted in hip-hop, but also encompassing R. & B., jazz, pop, Tin Pan Alley, and the choral strains of contemporary Broadway, the show is an achievement of historical and cultural reimagining.” [New Yorker]
Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and other caucasian historical figures are portrayed by black and Hispanic actors. Miranda, who also plays Hamilton said in July interviews with The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter “Our cast looks like America looks now, and that’s certainly intentional,” he continues “It’s a way of pulling you into the story and allowing you to leave whatever cultural baggage you have about the founding fathers at the door. We’re telling the story of old, dead white men, but we’re using actors of color, and that makes the story more immediate and more accessible to a contemporary audience.”
The only word I can think of to adequately describe this musical is “genius.” It is quite literally one of the smartest things I’ve ever heard with fast paced lyrics and an unlimited number of secrets, allusions, and hidden references. I have been listening to nothing but this album for 2+ weeks since it was released early on NPR on September 21st. A few days later the album was officially released and immediately began to tear up the charts. Winner of 27 awards this year including eight Drama Desk Awards this musical is sure to dominate the Tony Awards this year.
If you are interested in seeing Hamilton good luck, they are 100% sold out until January 2016. Visit their website for more information.