The Enduring Appeal of ‘Hamilton: An American Musical’

The anticipation of a live theater performance, coupled with a historical narrative, captivated audiences at the Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City. Enthusiasts of ‘Hamilton: An American Musical’ gathered to witness Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s acclaimed adaptation of American history through a modern musical lens.

Upon its off-Broadway debut in 2015, ‘Hamilton’ became an instant phenomenon. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the musical moved to Broadway, attaining numerous awards for its innovative representation of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. Productions of the musical have since captivated audiences worldwide, with tours and performances in Chicago, London, and Puerto Rico amongst others.

Hamilton’s story, as portrayed on stage, resonates because it is rooted in a deeply American narrative of overcoming adversity. Born into poverty in the Caribbean, Hamilton used his talent with words to elevate himself from obscurity, only to meet a tragic end. According to director Tommy Kail, «That’s a classic hip-hop story,» drawing parallels between Hamilton’s journey and the philosophy underpinning the genre.

Hip-hop, which shares cultural and rhythmic roots with the narrative of ‘Hamilton,’ originated in the Bronx circa 1973. It emerged as a form of expression for marginalized communities, emphasizing resilience and creativity. This musical backdrop provides a diverse and contemporary context to Hamilton’s life, embracing America’s varied cultural fabric.

Miranda, of Puerto Rican descent, grew up in New York City, just a stone’s throw from the musical genre that inspired him. He famously spent years developing ‘The Hamilton Mixtape,’ the foundation for what would later become the Broadway hit, mixing his personal experiences with historical interpretation.

The musical’s electrifying music and modern themes of identity and struggle echo through its audiences. The character of Alexander Hamilton himself, known for his audacity and eloquence, invites comparison with historical and contemporary figures in the hip-hop world who rose from challenging circumstances, such as the late Tupac Shakur.

‘Hamilton’ utilizes the format of a rap battle to dramatize key historical debates, underscoring political and social tensions. Its portrayal of cabinet arguments as lyrical sparring sessions amplifies the urgency and dynamism of these foundational moments in U.S. history.

Audience members at Eccles Theater shared this sense of shared history and ambition. As the play concludes with a poignant reminder of Hamilton’s legacy, it reinforces the notion that America is a continuous endeavor, one that invites contribution and participation from all who dwell within its borders.