As I began my Hamilton review, I started to think about the play’s 5-year legacy. From a political context, Hamilton’s worn many hats. In its 2015 Broadway debut, it debuted at the tail end of the Obama administration. By design, Hamilton was meant to be a celebration of what America has seemingly achieved. The immigrants who traveled for new opportunity, the formerly oppressed minorities telling the story of America in their culture and language. Granted, while ignoring the actual crimes of the Founding Fathers

Of course, that changed dramatically once Mike Pence attended a showing. Both as Trump destroys America even further and Obama’s more neoliberal tendencies are coming to light. As such, Hamilton morphed as a showcase of what America could become. A nation built by the oppressed, the nobodies that are endlessly killed and harassed, reclaiming a world that treats them with dignity.

And now, we live in a time where America is in some of the worst shambles it’s ever been. The fascist president and corrupt police kill Black people left and right. The coronavirus has caused anxiety, stress and turmoil, especially as the United States becomes one of the few nations that has failed to flatten its curve. This makes a musical celebrating the Founding Fathers a tougher pill to swallow.

And of course, Hamilton’s found new popularity with a recording of the stage show now on Disney+. And it’s here I’ve realized what Hamilton now represents. A celebration of immigrants and diversity, yes. A sanding off the edges of the problematic Founding Fathers, yes. But also a celebration of legacy. The impact you make upon people, and the shot you can’t throw away. Through Thomas Kail’s direction, and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lyrics, Hamilton is about what you can do to make the world better. And at a time like this, it may just be the greatest message of all.

I’m Not Throwing Away My Shot

The most iconic element of Hamilton is its music. Lin-Manuel Miranda has taken hip-hop and used it to create a narrative that looks at the one Founding Father history neglects and how he shaped America. The rhythm is infectious, and the talents of all the actors are in full force in each number. But the lyrics are what really makes the music and play pop.

Miranda’s language plays to the strengths of rap and hip-hop, and are full of fun verses and entertaining solos. It’s infectious to listen to, and almost impossible not to sing along to. Furthermore, Hamilton’s lyrics emphasize the importance of both Alexander Hamilton and the idea of legacy.

The entire play revolves around Alexander and his interactions with a variety of colorful historical figures, as Hamilton rises in stature, from his arrival to America, to his help in the Revolution, to his time as Treasury. The story is smart in that every event revolves around Hamilton. His actions and relationships show Hamilton’s importance to America, and builds on the idea of legacy.

While Hamilton is not the most interesting character, though Lin-Manuel Miranda shines, the play has a reason. We become Alexander Hamilton, shaping our destiny, and the destinies of others. It’s through his changes to the system and his support, or lack thereof, helps mold into something beautiful.

Uplifting for sure, and it shows why Hamilton works so well, transcending its political background. This is a piece that celebrates people in a fun, hip-hop-centric way, and allows

A Satisfied Direction

Perhaps the one element that elevates this version from just being a stage play is Thomas Kail’s direction. Kail utilizes distinct direction to feel as if you are on the stage. Wide shots to display the choreography in tow. Cuts to different angles when a character arrives on stage. But most importantly, an emphasis of close-ups on the character.

One may think it is the wrong idea. Theater prides itself on ensemble, so why not allow people to see the choreography in tow? But Kail knows the appeal of Hamilton is its characters. Having close-ups of Hamilton and Aaron Burr as they face off shows their love-hate relationship. Focusing on the triumphant posing of George Washington shows his strength. Close-ups on King George’s angered face adds great comedy.

It adds so much to the play where it feels like it is its own work of art. By Kail’s cinematic direction, it is the definitive telling of the story, and brings more depth to an already engaging work. Even the lucky few who saw the play on Broadway can get plenty out of this Disney+ reimagining.

To Sum Up…

The reason why Hamilton has been able to last as long as it has is its universal storytelling. We all have a story worth telling, and few ever get truly explored. This is about celebrating how we can make things better for ourselves, the people around us, and even the world. And as long as we have people able to tell this story, that’s always going to make Hamilton relevant.

Combined with its fantastic soundtrack and wonderful cast, it’s wonderful to see such a work of art available to stream.

Read my other Disney+ reviews here