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- Why diverse casting reflects today's America
- How history shapes art and vice versa
- About the impact of shows on young audiences
- How Hamilton turns casting into a statement
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
The dual nature of Hamilton
What later became an acclaimed Broadway musical that would go on to tour the world and win 11 Tony Awards was at first an absolutely crazy idea. During his vacation in Mexico, Lin-Manuel Miranda caught an infectious inspiration while reading Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton — one of the United States founding fathers, an immigrant, and a desperate hot head. At first, Lin-Manuel Miranda was thinking of creating a hip-hop concept album about Hamilton’s life. Only much later, when it was already in the works, the ambitious idea to transform it into a musical appeared.Hamilton is a story of two different revolutions — the 18th-century revolution, mirrored in the show’s libretto, and the musical and societal revolution that the show itself triggered. The story of the show’s creation is a wonderful and inspiring testimony to the power of ambition and human creativity.
Even though Hamilton looks almost effortless when you see it on stage, its creation definitely wasn’t. It took approximately 1000 different choices for this musical to become what it is now.In the following chapters, we’ll dive into the story of the musical and American revolutions: behind-the-scenes action, peculiarities of casting, and creating music, costumes, and decorations.
The story of Hamilton shows how the idea of a single person can transform hundreds of lives.
second KEY POINT
The intertwining of history and fiction
When Lin-Manuel Miranda began to work on the lyrics of the first Hamilton songs, questions started pouring out of him, so he needed to know the smallest details of the founding father’s daily routine and habits. He sought out Ron Chernow, who was best equipped to answer due to his extensive knowledge about Hamilton’s life.Apart from being an acclaimed writer, Pulitzer Prize winner, and historian, at heart, Ron Chernow was an avid fan of the founding father in question. He wrote many extensive biographies, including Alexander Hamilton’s and George Washington’s, and always wanted to see those inspiring stories played out on a stage or a movie set. Needless to say, he was more than happy to become a historical consultant during the show’s creation.Of course, Lin-Manuel Miranda still had to invent many details by himself — even a professional like Chernow could not find out how 18th-century politicians liked their coffee. But Chernow had another vital role — he was a constant cheerleader during this challenging creative process. Knowing that this was quite a risky thing to do, he always made sure to provide the necessary encouragement.When Ron Chernow first heard the actors sing through Act 1, he was indeed astonished — those who portrayed the founding fathers were Black and Latino, nothing like their historical counterparts. Lin-Manuel Miranda mentioned that this was a matter of absolute principle — Hamilton’s America has transformed, and the show had to portray that change.
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first KEY POINT
Revolutionary decorations for the revolutionary show
second KEY POINT
Hamilton is all about talent and hard work
third KEY POINT
The cast’s favorite audience were always children
fourth KEY POINT
The power of raw, unfiltered emotions
fifth KEY POINT
Conclusion
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Frequently asked questions
What is Hamilton: The Revolution about?
Hamilton: The Revolution, authored by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter, delves into the making of the groundbreaking musical 'Hamilton'. It explores Alexander Hamilton's life, the show's creative journey, and its cultural impact on modern America.
What are the key takeaways from Hamilton: The Revolution?
Key takeaways from Hamilton: The Revolution include a deep appreciation for the revolutionary spirit of America, the significance of diverse voices in storytelling, and the power of music to convey complex historical narratives. The book emphasizes the importance of legacy and how individual stories shape our understanding of history.
Is Hamilton: The Revolution worth reading?
Yes, Hamilton: The Revolution is definitely worth reading for both fans of the musical and those interested in American history. It provides unique insights into the creative process behind the show and enhances the viewer's understanding of Hamilton's legacy.
How many pages is Hamilton: The Revolution and when was it published?
Hamilton: The Revolution is approximately 240 pages long and was published on April 12, 2016. The book beautifully complements the musical, offering additional context and behind-the-scenes details.
Who wrote Hamilton: The Revolution?
Hamilton: The Revolution was co-authored by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the musical, and Jeremy McCarter, a playwright and critic. Their collaboration provides a unique perspective on the intricate layers of the story and its creation.