Can someone explain WHY Hamilton is so amazing? Don’t want to hijack the thread, but I want to understand why this particular Broadway show is (or is not) worth the money. That would put the OP’s question into context, at least for me.
I’ve seen several Broadway shows and they were all wonderful... just want to understand the “Hamilton Hype”.
I’ve listened to most of the soundtrack and know I would love it.
5 minute response on why it is so amazing:
Music: It's not classical aria/squeaky soprano and handsome tenor battling back and forth. It's completely unique in that it is rap/hip-hop/punky/techno blend of a musical.
Topic: It has politics, love, fighting, family, deception, adversaries. It's like the Princess bride - it has a little bit of everything but it staged in American History.. and is for the most part true!
Delivery: It's punchy. It uses soliloquies that are permanently etched in your brain that are not forced but flow beautifully. I didn't know that "rap" style language could flow so well and be so on point. It really is amazing IMO.
Stage: As mentioned, the scenes themselves are staged and choreographed beautifully and in a very original way. There's a scene where everyone rotates on different platforms in different directions and it uses that to show reversals and slow downs in time. I know nothing about stage effects or what this is called, but it was clearly a brilliant way to stage a scene and show reverse chronology and different character viewpoints. It's like the Matrix except in real life!
I was SO worried when I plunked down $300+ for tickets because things that are hyped this much seldom deliver. I was overjoyed and would happily plunk down $300 to see it
again.
PS
Oh and there's
some comedy and everyone sings along with the king of England:
You say
The price of my love's not a price that you're willing to pay
You cry
In your tea which you hurl in the sea when you see me go by
Why so sad?
Remember we made an arrangement when you went away
Now you're making me mad
Remember, despite our estrangement, I'm your man
You'll be back, soon you'll see
You'll remember you belong to me
You'll be back, time will tell
You'll remember that I served you well
Oceans rise, empires fall
We have seen each other through it all
And when push comes to shove
I will send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love!