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Hamilton (musical)

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Hamilton is a famous musical that tells a life story through song.

Lin-Manuel Miranda in Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda in Hamilton

It follows the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. The show is special because it uses hip hop and rap to tell history. It also uses R&B, pop, soul, and traditional show tunes.

Hamilton off-broadway poster
Hamilton off-broadway poster

Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote all the music, the lyrics, and the book. He wanted to show "America then, as told by America now." This means the show uses modern music and diverse actors to tell an old story. The cast includes non-white actors playing the historical leaders of America.

The musical follows Hamilton's journey in two big acts. In the first act, we see him as an orphan from the island of St. Croix. He moves to New York City and meets friends like Aaron Burr and the Marquis de Lafayette.

Hamilton at the Victoria Palace, December 2017
Hamilton at the Victoria Palace, December 2017

He helps George Washington during the American Revolution and marries Eliza Schuyler. The second act shows his work as a lawyer and the Secretary of the Treasury. It covers his political fights with Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. The story ends with a sad duel between Hamilton and Aaron Burr. It also shows how Eliza worked to keep Hamilton's memory alive.

This musical is based on a real book from 2004. The biography is called Alexander Hamilton and was written by Ron Chernow. Lin-Manuel Miranda spent many years working on the music from 2008 to 2015.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Gallery, Vega Alta barrio-pueblo, Puerto Rico 03
Lin-Manuel Miranda Gallery, Vega Alta barrio-pueblo, Puerto Rico 03

The show first appeared off-Broadway at the Public Theater in February 2015. It was a huge hit and sold out very quickly. Later, it moved to the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in August 2015. Many people loved the show right from the very start.

Hamilton has won many important awards for its talent. It won 11 Tony Awards, which is a record-breaking number.

Obama greets the cast and crew of Hamilton musical, 2015
Obama greets the cast and crew of Hamilton musical, 2015

It also won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The show traveled all over the world to reach more people. It opened in London's West End in December 2017 and won seven Olivier Awards. There have also been several tours across the United States. In 2020, a filmed version was released for people to watch on Disney+.

You might recognize the music or the style of the show. It connects old history with the music you hear on the radio today. Even though the characters lived a long time ago, their feelings feel real. The show teaches us how people remember important moments in time. It also shows how one person's choices can change history forever. Watching the show helps us see the past in a brand new way.

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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:Lin-Manuel Miranda, Phillipa Soo, Leslie Odom, Jr., and Christopher Jackson, White House, March 2016.jpg
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Phillipa Soo, Leslie...
File:Hamilton off-broadway poster.png
Hamilton off-broadway poster.png
File:San Francisco Women's March 20200118-8879.jpg
San Francisco Women's March 20200118-8879.jpg
File:Lin-Manuel Miranda in Hamilton.jpg
Lin-Manuel Miranda in Hamilton.jpg
File:Hamilton at the Victoria Palace, December 2017.jpg
Hamilton at the Victoria Palace, December 2017.jpg
The First Lady Delivers Remarks at...
File:Obama greets the cast and crew of Hamilton musical, 2015.jpg
Obama greets the cast and crew of...
Eliza musical motif in Hamilton (musical).ogg
File:Lin-Manuel Miranda Gallery, Vega Alta barrio-pueblo, Puerto Rico 03.jpg
Lin-Manuel Miranda Gallery, Vega Alta...
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