“Hamilton: An American Musical” made its Broadway premiere on August 6, 2015 at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York. The musical, based on Ron Chernow’s biography, chronicles the life of Alexander Hamilton and his impact on American history. 

The play made huge waves when it came out, despite controversy about its possible success. The musical and filmed version became a financial blockbuster, taking in $30 million of ticket sales before its official opening on Broadway. It became an international success and a massive pop culture influence. Hamilton received a record-breaking amount of awards and recognition for its diversity, lyricism, and storytelling. 

To celebrate 10 years of this musical’s epic tradition, it returned to theaters for a limited time only. When the news broke, the internet exploded. Fans from all over the world cleared their schedules and headed to the movies. 

What made this return to theaters so unique was the audience participation it inspired. Viewers showed up to the movie dressed as Hamilton or other characters, complete with drawn-on beards, boots, and wigs. 

To fully relate to the impact this play was having on pop culture for the second time, I also dressed up to attend. Armed with brown eyeliner beards and determination, my friends and I put on our costumes and headed to Malco Theatres. 

The movie was even better 10 years later.  

Since the movie and soundtrack had been out for so long, everyone in attendance knew the lyrics to each song, even “Guns and Ships,” which holds the record for the fastest rap in Broadway history. While the movie played and the performers sang, the people watching sang along too, bringing in an amazing vibe of excitement and community. 

A big part of what makes Hamilton so special is the passion in each actor and dancer. The cast was chosen entirely by talent and rap ability, regardless of physical appearance or skin color. 

“…there was no role that had a specific look or type attached to it, so we were really able to see people for their talent, figure out who seemed right for these different characters, and who brought them to life.” Bethany Knox, casting director for the show, said in a 2020 Backstage Magazine article.

The devotion of these performers bleeds into the movie, showing they were chosen because they were the best, not because of a narrative the show was trying to tell. Yes, historically, Thomas Jefferson or Angelica Schuyler or George Washington weren’t African American, but their ethnicity doesn’t matter in this case. What matters is the vigor with which history is being retold through them.

The movie opens with a special message from Lin Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, and other cast members expressing their joy at America’s interest in their show and their hope that we would sing along with them. 

And despite possible bad pitch and definite stumbling over lyrics, we sure did.

Categories: Arts & Entertainment