Hamilton Is Not Throwing Away its Shot
By Courtney Wentz | Observer Contributor
Hamilton, a musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and produced by Jeffrey Seller, is the most popular, unique, and important show currently on Broadway.
Hamilton is about the life of founding father, Alexander Hamilton, told in the point of view of the man who shot him, Aaron Burr, with the exception of one song.
Victoria Chadbourne, raised in Phillipston, is now an Arts and Entertainment Management major at Dean College in Franklin, MA, where she has stage managed three shows, was an assistant for four, and has been in ten shows. Chadbourne has been passionate about musicals all her life and had some comments to make about the impact Hamilton has on the audience. Chadbourne said, “The music is diverse enough that everyone could find a song they like, the story is incredible, and you might just learn something without having to read a 600 page book.”
Hamilton is important because it makes those who see or listen to the musical more aware of one of our founding fathers, who is just as important as figures like Washington or Jefferson, which students hear the most about. One was the first president and the other wrote one of the most important documents in our history, but what about Alexander Hamilton? He founded the U.S. Coast Guard, The New York Post, our financial system, and did a lot of things for our country and the people. The musical says, “America forgot him” and “every other founding father story gets told.” Alexander Hamilton should be taught in more depth, and Hamilton provides that in the most unique way through hip-hop songs that are catchy, tear-jerking, and satisfying to the ears.
This musical not only opens people’s eyes to history, but this is “an American musical,” like the cover art and playbill shows. The musical itself shows it with a cast that represents every race that we have in the United States. Chadbourne said, “Hamilton is also presented as a color-blind cast which is unusual for a ‘historical’ play, and I find that the difference in people makes the show more reflective of the diverse American culture we are so proud of today.”
At the beginning of Hamilton, they call Alexander Hamilton, “a bastard, orphan.” Alexander Hamilton pushed and worked, worked and pushed for his ideas to be accepted by the other founding fathers who disagreed greatly with these ideas of his. As it is sung in the show’s opening song “Alexander Hamilton”, he “didn’t back down” and he “overcame” these obstacles that were thrown in his way. Chadbourne said, “This musical inspires me to follow my passions and to work through whatever challenges life throws at me no matter what happens.”
Hamilton makes you laugh, gasp in surprise, you can feel the emotion from the characters just from listening to the songs, and it will definitely make you cry, but you will not regret listening to or seeing the two hour and forty minute musical. It makes you think about and question things you thought a musical wouldn’t make you think of. Chadbourne commented, “Questions I draw from this musical are often why have political beliefs and opinions changed so much since Hamilton’s time? Also, why is dueling people illegal now? I feel that is good way to solve problems.” Obviously, she is joking about that last one, but she does have a point. It would be entertaining if the death part wasn’t involved. Maybe people could use foam swords?
Hamilton can be purchased on iTunes or seen at The Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City, but tickets sell out in advance and are very expensive. The best way to experience Hamilton is to buy it on iTunes, sit back, and let the songs wash over you.
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