Cennarium Backstage - Brasil Autumn 2016 | Page 39
Op-ed Thoughts from 2016 or “Year One AH” (After Hamilton) By John Fancher
The phenomenon of Miranda himself. As I mentioned above, he’s an amazingly engaging personality. And the “genius”factor has certainly heightened the appeal of the musical.
Let’s compare Cats again. It was adapted from a book written by T.S. Eliot. The music was written by Andrew Lloyd Weber. The lyrics were written by Trevor Nunn. And the lead role was first played by Brian Blessed. It was a “team effort.” Most musicals are.
Now let’s look at Hamilton. Miranda wrote the book. Miranda wrote the music. Miranda wrote the lyrics. Miranda acts in the lead role! Is there anything this guy can’t do? Like moths to a flame, everyone wants to be close to superstar talent like his.
A cross-generational musical. If you had told me 3 years ago that someone was going to write a hip hop musical about a founding father, I would have said, “Where do I get in line to stay away from that?”
But Miranda makes it work…and then some. In fact, he’s overcome one of the main reasons that younger folks don’t like to go to Broadway musicals: The “corny” songs. And Miranda has somehow figured a way to incorporate music that younger people enjoy without alienating the older crowd. He’s having his cake and eating it too. Old and young alike are swooning over the Hamilton music. Quite an artistic feat!
A color-blind musical. Miranda doesn’t care what the historical figures actually looked like. You can pull out a ten-dollar bill and see what Hamilton looked like…nothing like Miranda! But Miranda doesn’t care. In fact, color blind casting enables Miranda to comment on race in America on several different levels. It also allows him to get the best performer for the part, period. Regardless of race. He gets a deeper, more engaging play and a better-acted and better-sung musical. A very savvy move.
Hamilton is going on the road as I write these words. The phenomenon is about to sweep into Chicago and parts beyond.
I believe 50 years from now we may mark musical history with BH and AH… Before Hamilton and After Hamilton. In fact, I’ll bet you ten bucks it happens.
Richard Rodgers Theatre is located at 226 W 46th St. Check out Hamilton's website for more information: http://www.hamiltonbroadway.com/. Beware, demand for tickets are ultra high - good luck finding tickets! With Cennarium, you watch the best shows AND you don't worry about tickets! https://www.cennarium.com/?utm_source=joomag&utm_medium=digimag&utm_content=homelinkctaoped-1sted